Justin’s Blog: “The Jog”

In computer terms, Evan* had “crashed.” His eyes have a certain look that loved ones know all too well in his dark moments. If you don’t have OCD, maybe you have experienced a sampling of this feeling when an urgent decision about something important comes up and you don’t know which option to choose. Add […]

It’s not too early to start making plans for #OCDCon2023! I have submitted a BUNCH of proposals so hope to both attend and present. From the IOCDF: July 7–9, 2023 | Marriott Marquis San Francisco For all those impacted by OCD and related disorders, mental health professionals, and researchers. The Annual OCD Conference is the […]

From the IOCDF: Monday, May 8, 2023 | Virtual For individuals and families, faith leaders, and professionals. This unique event began out of recognition that many people living with OCD initially seek assistance from a faith leader prior to a mental health provider. The conference was specifically created to address the needs of a diverse […]

It seems to be an arduous road to find a competent therapist who also supports you in your values. As a therapist and a patient myself, it makes complete sense to try to reasonably determine a good fit up front. I created a free guide so you don’t have to go in “cold.” If you […]

As we close to 2022, I am reflecting with gratitude on the community I have in my life—personally and professionally. Anything good links back to many unseen ways I am supported.  I hope you find yourself connected in community or growing towards that end. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year! Kevin Foss, MFT […]

Is ERP for OCD beneficial? Don’t most people drop out? Isn’t it too intense? Don’t very few people ever have long-term success? Confusing, So Confusing Starting treatment for something so impairing as OCD is already a challenge. Beth* expressed typical hesitations in pursuing ERP for OCD: Won’t focus on something terrible result in something bad? […]

Sometimes it may feel like the odds are stacked against you. For those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), this can seem especially true. For years, while working with hundreds of people with OCD, I have observed severe struggles with decision-making. Recent research reveals a lot more about this—and its relation to Executive Function (EF). In […]

Medications for OCD are often straightforward.  Usually, they involve SSRIs at often double the dosing compared to treating anxiety and depression.  No one thing is known to cure OCD.  The average adult sees a maximum 40-60% improvement in symptoms (which by the way, is less on average than the therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, or […]

As a sequel to my popular, “ERP 4 OCD- Ultimate Guide to Treating OCD” training, here is the full length training on “Common Pitfalls in ERP 4 OCD.”  I have given this to OCD sufferers, family/friends, clergy, and clinicians.  May it benefit you wherever you find yourself today. Intro Evidence-based treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder […]

This is the shortened version of the article, the “PRO Version” available here. Functional Assessment Defined A functional assessment (or analysis, FA) is a framework that clinicians use to assess and plan treatment.  It is simply “any empirical demonstration of a cause-effect relation,” its purpose being “to determine which sources of reinforcement account for problem […]

This is the full, “PRO version” of this article.  Looking for the quick read with graphics?  Click here. A great strength we have as human beings is to make connections and associations between simple and complex information.  At its best, we can learn and grow.  At worst, we can live in total unreality. Therapy at […]

Confusing Doubt and Fear With God Speaking When Susan* began therapy for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), she had a lot of questions pertaining to her faith.  In fact, she often thought she was dealing regularly with inherent spiritual problems, when, in reality, much of her concerns were just problems that […]

This article is aimed at Christians but also provides a rich overview on scrupulosity.  It was written by Ted Witzig, Jr., PhD and was graciously allowed to be reproduced in its entirety.  I first met Dr. Witzig at IOCDF conferences.  He is compassionate, intelligent, and provides some of the best overviews I’ve seen with OCD […]

I’ve had many clients and spouses state at the beginning of their exposure therapy that they are practicing ‘paradoxes’ to prove to themselves how ridiculous their OCD is.  I’m all for seeing OCD as ridiculous– however, OCD is not treated by insight-oriented approaches (psychodynamic, general psychotherapy- i.e., “talk,”). Paradoxical interventions work like the following example:  […]

“I feel like I really love my baby, but, I just don’t know. I have these terrible thoughts that pop into my mind. Thoughts of harming my baby. I actually vomited last night it made me so upset. I don’t know why I’m having these” “Everyone around me, including my pastor, seems to think I […]