FearCast

Dr. Michael Greenberg joins me again to continue our discussion of his Rumination Focused CBT treatment method for OCD! Additionally, he was kind enough to answer a few listener questions about his methodology. We discuss Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) from his approach, including in-vivo and imaginal exposures, and how… Continue reading The post #126- Rumination Focused CBT For OCD with Dr. Michael Greenberg, pt II appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

On today's episode, I answer Jessica's questions about what to do with a new obsession after losing weight. She now wonders whether she really knows what she looks like and checks herself in the mirror and ruminates about past events. Continue reading The post #125- I Lost Weight, Now I obsess That I Don't Know What I Look Like appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

For this episode, I answered an audio question sent in through Instagram. The questioner asks about what they can do with their SO-OCD when it suggests they are not Bi-curious, but are actually “just gay.” I also answer a question from someone wondering what they can do with their anxiety… Continue reading The post #124- SO-OCD On LGBTQ+ Spectrum and What To Do With Terrible Anxiety During Relapse appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

For today's episode, someone shared their awareness of Casadastraphobia story after listening to the Phobia Phriday episode on that phobia. After that, I answer a question from someone wondering how to get their mom's support when they've already tried sharing articles about OCD with them. Last, I answer a question… Continue reading The post #123- Casadastraphobia Story, Getting Mom's Support, and Feeling Like I'm Back At Square One appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

On this episode, I discuss two listener questions. The first is from a listener wondering whether it is important and necessary to decide whether their obsession is true before pursuing treatment. Their examples related to SO-OCD and POCD, which many people believe it important to get to the bottom of… Continue reading The post #122- Isn't Knowing If It's True Important, and Struggling To Believe In God appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

Today is another installment in the Anxiety in the Arts series. For this episode, I was joined by Erica who shares her story about music, performance, teaching, OCD, reconnecting with music, and podcasting. For more from Erica, check her out here: Just Say Maybe Podcast Instagram: Just Say maybe Continue reading The post #121- Anxiety In The Arts With Erica appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

On this episode, I answer an audio question from someone struggling to deal with SO-OCD and he wants to know how he can deal with the thoughts returning now that he's effectively practiced disengaging from the thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Next, I answer a question about whether thoughts stopping is… Continue reading The post #120- Struggling With SO-OCD, and Using Thought Stopping and Logic appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

Today I was joined by Dr. Lauren Wadsworth who shared her thoughts and recommendations for changes in treatment for Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD). In addition to our discussion about Justice Oriented treatment for SO-OCD, we touch briefly on some recommendations for changes to racially focused obsessions. Dr. Wadsworth is a… Continue reading The post #119- Justice Based Treatment For SO-OCD with Dr. Lauren Wadsworth appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

Today I was joined by Jon Hershfield, MFT (The Peaceful One), to talk about mindfulness, meditation, and how to use them in OCD and anxiety recovery. I always like talk with Jon (TPO) and today was no different as he was able to go into mindfulness at length and give… Continue reading The post #118- So, What's All This Mindfulness Stuff About With Jon Hershfield, MFT appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

This will be a short episode thanks to a scratchy and painful throat, but still a good one nonetheless. I answer two questions today. The first is from a woman struggling to remember whether she promised to pray when joining a group and now wonders if she is still obligated… Continue reading The post #117- Turning Shame Into Guilt and Obligated To Pray? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

On this episode of the FearCast, I finish out the Anxiety in the Arts series with my friend Noel Dumont. She is a talented, multinational singer who was kind enough to share her story about her singing career and her struggle with anxiety and ADHD. For more on Noel, check… Continue reading The post #116- Anxiety in the Arts with Noel Dumont appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

We have another audio question! This question comes from Markus who asked about how he can deal with his job better. Markus is a bank teller who is working with a therapist, but struggles with counting, checking, and other mental compulsions when dealing with money. I offer some advice for… Continue reading The post #115- How To Deal With Fear of Mishandling Money As A Bank Teller? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

On this episode, I answer a listener's question about how he can de-associate songs and memories he has about a past relationship. I also talk about how he can fight against his ruminations about that past relationship while he's at it. The next question is from a 16 year old… Continue reading The post #114- De-Associating Music and Memories, Getting Started With HO-OCD, and “Not Wanting Us” appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

On this episode, I answer a question from someone struggling with panic attacks while feeling nauseous for several hours! The next question is about someone struggling with “loud” environments and dealing with “bossy” spaces. For this question, I'm asking for the FearCast family to reach out with their suggestions and… Continue reading The post #113- Nausea Panic, “Loud” Surroundings, and Starting College With Pure O appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

For this episode, I was joined by Kristina Orlova, the host of the OCD Whisperer Podcast and the author of the new eBook, Your Guide to Compulsive Rumination +30 Day Journal. She spent some time with me discussing what mental ruminations are, how they impact people living with OCD, and… Continue reading The post #112- Mental Rumination with Kristina Orlova appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

On this episode, I answer Alex's questions about symmetry obsessions. Specifically, Alex asks about whether symmetry and asymmetry can both be obsessions, and what exposures can be done to deal with these “just right” kind of obsessions. On this episode I discuss what Just-Right OCD is, how symmetry commonly appears… Continue reading The post #111- Asymmetry Just Right Obsessions, and Exposures For Just Right OCD? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

On today's episode, I discuss an audio question about Real Event OCD and False Memory OCD. I go over what these two subtypes are, how they are similar, and how they interact and influence one another. I also discuss some things they can do to help combat their obsession and… Continue reading The post #110- Real Event and/ or False Memory OCD and Trusting Your Compulsion's Conclusion appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

WARNING: This episode has A LOT of profanity and I am not editing it out. If I did, the episode would probably 2 minutes long. 3 minutes tops. So, you've been warned. On this episode, I was joined by tattoo artist Rick Fitzwater who was kind enough to share his… Continue reading The post #109- Anxiety in the Arts with Rick Fitzwater appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

On this episode, I answer a listener's question about the idea of “late bloomers,” or people who discover their sexuality later in life, and how the idea serves as a tremendous trigger and rocket fuel for their Sexual Orientation OCD. Next, I discuss a listener's concerns about not feeling anxious… Continue reading The post SO-OCD: “Late Bloomers,” Anxiety During Imaginals, and Genetics appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

For today's episode and edition of Anxiety in the Arts, I was joined by Lefty-Lucy, a professional actor, performer, podcaster, producer, and educator for theater and burlesque. She was kind enough to spend some time with me discussing how she manages to work and perform despite the pressures of the… Continue reading The post Anxiety in the Arts with Lefty Lucy appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

On this week's episode, I answer three questions! The first is from someone who's partner says that love isn't a choice, and that their partner with ROCD should leave unless they have constant strong feelings. Next, I answer a listener's questions about breaking up a relationship because of the guilt… Continue reading The post What If Love Isn't A Choice, Partners Who Don't Understand OCD, and Convincing Compulsions appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

For today's episode, I was joined by artist, graphic designer, and cartoonist JSalvador who discusses his journey through his career as an artist and his experiences with mental health along the way. I had a great time catching up with JSalvador and learning more about how he started in his… Continue reading The post Anxiety in the Arts with JSalvador appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

On this week's episode, I decided to pack a relatively short episode with three questions and a feedback email. I discuss a wide range of topics, including how to deal with obsessions about past partners and how this impacts the state of the current relationship. I also discuss someone's swallowing… Continue reading The post Checking About Past Partners, Swallowing Obsessions, and Feeling “Saved” appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

On this episode, I was joined by Carl Robbins, LCPC, to discuss Inference Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or IBT. Mr Robbins was kind enough to share his expertise and passion about this fascinating approach for those with OCD and related disorders. Inference based CBT is a treatment method for OCD… Continue reading The post Inference Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Carl Robbins appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

Today's episode kicks off a short series I'm doing to highlight the anxiety and mental health struggles of people in the arts. Sarah Winchester is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, musician, actor, and writer and was kind enough to join me to discuss her story. More from Sarah Winchester: https://www.sarahwinchesterband.com/ About… Continue reading The post Anxiety in the Arts with Sarah Winchester appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

On this week's episode, I answer two questions from listeners about their struggles with OCD. The first question deals with how someone can practice being with their thoughts and disengaging from their rumination. What are they supposed to do? The second question is about how someone can get certainty about… Continue reading The post How Do I “Just Be” With My Thoughts, And How Do I Get Certainty About My Feelings For My Boyfriend? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

On this episode, I answer two listeners questions. The first one is about how someone can deal with reducing and managing rumination compulsions. She also wants to know whether medication will reduce or eliminate ruminations. Then, I answer a question about how someone can discuss their HOCD (SO-OCD) symptoms with… Continue reading The post How Do I Deal With Ruminations, and Discussing HOCD With My Partner? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

This past weekend, I spoke with the Lauren Rosen, MFT, Kelley Franke, MFT, and Elena Fasan, LCSW, at the OCD SoCal 6th annual conference on the topic of mental compulsions. As usual, I had a great time presenting this rag-tag group of brilliant people, and hopefully our talk was helpful… Continue reading The post Understanding and Navigating Mental Compulsions with Lauren Rosen, MFT, Kelley Franke, MFT, Elena Fasan, LCSW, and Kevin Foss, MFT appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

This episode of the FearCast is an answer to a question that, unfortunately, was not asked by Steven Crowder (@scrowder) when he tweeted a comment about POCD. Therefore, I had to throw together a quick video explaining what Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is so he, and others, and understand the foundation… Continue reading The post What Is OCD (Because Steven Crowder Doesn't Know)? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

On today's episode, I answer a question from someone wondering how they can come to terms and start accepting their OCD diagnosis. I think this question is particularly relevant to anyone receiving any mental health diagnosis, whether it be OCD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Phobia, Depression, or anything else under the… Continue reading The post Coming to terms with your diagnosis, and should OCD stop me from being a therapist? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

Orthorexia straddles the line between an eating disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. For today's episode, I was joined by Chris Trondsen to discuss Orthorexia, his experience with it, and what treatment for Orthorexia entails. Continue reading The post Orthorexia with Chris Trondsen, MFT appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

No, this has nothing to do with sports. This episode is a mix of four quick questions. Topics range from how one can identify whether a therapy tool is being used compulsively, whether dreams can confirm one's sexual orientation, the fear of being sued, and the fear of looking at… Continue reading The post March Madness Question Jumble appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

For today's episode, I discuss two listener questions on the ROCD spectrum. The first one (3:31) deals with someone obsessing about their partner's physical condition, an actual physical/ medical condition, and what that would mean for their future, kids, etc. The second question (23:18) has to do with the attention… Continue reading The post ROCD about my partner's real “condition,” and Do my anxieties mean I'm not in the right relationship? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

Today's question comes in audio form from Mike. He asks a simple question; what are you supposed to do in the latter half of treatment? I get this question a lot, and it's not always a straight forward answer. So, I try my best to give Mike some ideas on… Continue reading The post What to do in the latter parts of therapy? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

Today's episode comes from an audio question. The questioner asks what she can do about obsessions that switch themes rapidly. Should she keep doing scripts? Keep doing what her therapist says? Follow the fluctuating obsession? I call this “Flavor of the Week OCD” and it is a phenomenon that happens… Continue reading The post What To Do With “Flavor of the Week OCD?” appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

On today's episode, I was joined by Dr. Claggett-Woods to talk about reassurances, support, feedback, and coping statements. She discusses the differences between these terms, how they are used and overused, and how they can undermine treatment when used incorrectly. Additionally, we talk about the compulsive effort of overdoing exposures… Continue reading The post Treatment Pet Peeves: Reassurance, Support, Feedback, and Overdoing Exposures with Dr. Claggett-Woods appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

Can my history of porn usage lead me down a slippery slope to pedophilia related porn use, and eventually reveal me to be a pedophile? (7:40) What happens if I “relieve myself” and the idea of a pedophilia related content pops up in my mind. Then what does that say… Continue reading The post Chronic porn use leading to POCD, and what's up with ‘Toddlers & Tiaras'? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

On today's episode, I answer a question about how someone can tell the difference between suppressed attraction or whether the feelings they have are the result of HOCD? Along with this question, the listener wants to know how they can deal with (well, they actually want to suppress) the compulsions… Continue reading The post How Can I Tell If It's HOCD or Suppressed Attraction? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

On this episode I answer a listener's multifaceted question about OCD, Panic Disorder, and the fear of going insane. The listener expresses concern that they were misdiagnosed with Panic Disorder when they should have been diagnosed with OCD, and whether their anxiety is so overwhelming that they will lose touch… Continue reading The post Panic Disorder or OCD, or Will I Eventually Just Go Insane? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

On today's episode, I answer two listener questions. The first is from someone experiencing panic-like symptoms with the awareness of seeing the sky as a “dome” that makes her feel claustrophobic. She refers to an episode of Phobia Phriday on Casadastraphobia, which is linked below. The second question is about… Continue reading The post Fear of Seeing a Dome In The Sky and Cozy-Comfy Hyperawareness appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

Harm OCD is an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder subtype focused on violent or harming themes. This is a common obsession for people suffering with OCD and can cause a tremendous amount of anxiety for those experiencing the thoughts and compulsions. On this episode, I discuss what Harm OCD is, why it… Continue reading The post Harm OCD appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

Originally published on December 24, 2021, however it did not post correctly. Here it is now. To close out 2021, I'm answering two quick questions from listeners. The first question is about whether someone can have more than one obsession. Spoiler, yes you can. The next question is about whether… Continue reading The post Can I have more than one obsession, and what if I orgasm during ERP? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

For today's lovely yuletide episode, I was joined by Mitzi VanCleve to talk about how to manage anxiety, obsessions, and stress associated with Christmas for those suffering with Religious Scrupulosity. Mitzi has a wealth of hard-earned wisdom to offer people and it was a pleasure to finally have her on.… Continue reading The post Christmas and Religious Scrupulosity with Mitzi VanCleve appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

Thanks for joining me for another episode! Today's episode is an listener audio question about how to deal with OCD attacking the ERP process. In it, I discuss where to find good resources for treatment when in-person or even online therapy can't be accessed, and how to face “Obsessing about… Continue reading The post Obsessing about obsessing, and dealing with “I'm sooo OCD” appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

For today's episode, I was joined by Nathan Peterson (27:32), Kelley Franke, and Lauren Rosen (39:35) to talk about trigger warnings. We have all heard about them, we have also all heard them, but are they helpful, should we expect them, and how do you handle getting triggered unexpectedly? I… Continue reading The post Trigger Warnings with Nathan Peterson, Kelley Franke, and Lauren Rosen appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

For this week's episode, I was joined by Erin Ramachandran of Mental Health Strong to answer a listener's question about how to best manage their anxiety as they are on the cusp of getting married. They feel guilty that their OCD, specifically Scrupulosity, is impacting their relationship, and they are… Continue reading The post Marriage, Intimacy, and Scrupulosity feature Erin Ramachandran appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

On this episode, I answer two questions that center around HOCD (Sexual Orientation OCD, i.e. SO-OCD), but ask different questions within these two themes. The first question (6:40) is about a woman suffering with ROCD about her boyfriend, but the ROCD is then compounded by obsessions about her sexuality and… Continue reading The post HOCD caused by my ROCD? And HOCD caused by my lack of relationship experience? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

On this episode, I am joined by Kelley Franke, MFT, and Lauren Rosen, MFT, for a presentation we gave at the 2021 IOCDF conference. They were so kind to join me to discuss what you can do if and when your genuine interests, hobbies, or life responsibilities get hijacked by… Continue reading The post “What To Do When Obsessions Overlap With Genuine Interests”- IOCDF presentation with Kelley Franke, MFT, and Lauren Rosen, MFT appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

On this episode, I discuss Sensorimotor OCD, Self-Compassion, and SO-OCD (HOCD). More specifically, on my first question, I discuss someone's fear about potentially losing their ability to blink in a natural manner, and how they should work with this fear. Next, I answer someone's double question. Their first question is… Continue reading The post #78- Losing Natural Ability To Blink, Self-Compassion, and Are Obsessions Partially True? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

I'm back again with an episode that is full of diverse topics and a host of information. First, I answer a question about Symmetry OCD (8:25) and discuss what it is, what it isn't, and what can be done about it. Next, I talk about an article I wrote about… Continue reading The post #77- Symmetry OCD, the “feeling problem”, trauma, and compulsive flooding appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

I'm back, and a little late. However, I'm here on this episode to answer several questions from one particular listener. Lynn. She asks a ton of great questions ranging from the effects of surgery on BDD, the brain structures that contribute to OCD and obsession, how to deal with the… Continue reading The post Lynn's Questions appeared first on FearCast Podcast.