Breaking the Rules: A Clinician's Guide to Treating OCD

In this episode of Breaking the Rules, we do something a little different — we guide you through a live experiential exercise used in therapy to demonstrate how Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) actually feels in the moment. Using a simple jelly bean (or Mentos), we walk through an exercise that highlights one of the most important lessons in OCD treatment: the urge to escape discomfort can be powerful, but it can also be tolerated. Through this exercise, we explore how quickly the mind and body react to discomfort, how intrusive thoughts and urges show up, and how reconnecting with meaning and values can shift our relationship with those experiences. Experiential exercises like this are commonly used in ACT, DBT, and ERP therapy because they allow people to learn through doing, rather than just talking about the skills intellectually. In this episode we discuss: urge surfing and response preventionmeaning and values in increasing distress tolerancerelationship to discomfort 🔖 Chapters 00:00 Introduction – Doing Something Different Today 02:00 What Is an Experiential Exercise? 04:00 Why Experiential Learning Matters in ERP 06:00 The Mentos (Jelly Bean) Exercise Begins 08:00 Surfing the Urge to Swallow 10:00 Intrusive Thoughts and Rising Discomfort 11:30 Debrief: What Happened During the Exercise 14:00 Acceptance and Changing Your Relationship to Discomfort 16:00 Intrusive Thoughts, Images, and Urges 18:00 Using This Exercise With Clients and Families 20:00 Teaching ERP Through Experience Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Breaking the Rules, we explore one of the most frustrating and often misunderstood impacts of OCD - how it interferes with studying, productivity, and performance at work. For many people, OCD hides behind traits that are often praised: diligence, responsibility, perfectionism, and attention to detail. But beneath the surface, what may look like hard work or conscientiousness can actually be hours of painful compulsions, paralysis, and mental exhaustion. We unpack how OCD shows up in school, university, and the workplace — from endlessly rewriting emails and rereading textbooks, to missed deadlines, avoidance, and overwhelming fatigue. We also discuss how these patterns can sometimes be mistaken for ADHD, learning difficulties, or lack of motivation, making accurate assessment and treatment even more important. Most importantly, we share practical strategies clinicians and individuals can use to support functioning while treating the underlying OCD. In this episode we discuss: study and work environmentsOCD paralysis“good enough” 🔖 Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back – Recording Post Baby 03:08 How OCD Shows Up in Study and Work 05:30 The Hidden Nature of OCD Productivity Struggles 08:20 Email Checking, Reassurance & Workplace Compulsions 10:00 OCD Paralysis vs Normal Perfectionism 12:00 How OCD Impacts Teens and Students 13:45 When OCD Is Mistaken for ADHD 17:00 Assessing Functional Impact in OCD 18:30 Strategies for Studying With OCD 21:00 Attention Redirecting & Mindfulness 22:30 Practicing “Good Enough” 24:00 Limiting Checks, Research & Reassurance 25:30 Rebuilding Trust in Yourself 27:00 Using Values to Guide Action 29:20 Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Breaking the Rules, we’re joined by researcher and clinician Dr. Clarissa Ong to unpack the complex relationship between perfectionism, anxiety, and OCD — and to explore how process-based therapy, particularly ACT, offers a powerful lens for understanding and treating these patterns. Drawing on her research and her book The Anxious Perfectionist, Clarissa helps us move beyond surface-level symptoms and into the underlying processes that drive rigidity, rule-following, self-criticism, and all-or-nothing thinking. We explore perfectionism not as a simple personality trait, but as a pattern of inflexible rule-governed behaviour — one that can show up across OCD, generalized anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and beyond. The conversation dives into how values can become fused with perfectionistic rules, how therapy itself can become “a thing to perfect,” and why flexibility — not flawless performance — is the real treatment target. 💬 Key themes: • Perfectionism as rigidity around internal rules and standards • The overlap between perfectionism, OCD, and generalized anxiety • Why perfectionism is often more process than diagnosis • ACT vs CBT in the treatment of perfectionism • Experiential work vs intellectualizing in therapy • How values can become hijacked by perfectionism • The “all-or-nothing” trap and treatment drop-off • The role of context in determining helpful vs unhelpful striving • Therapist perfectionism and projected expectations • Letting go of the need to be liked This conversation is especially valuable for clinicians wanting to deepen their formulations beyond symptom reduction and into process-based change. https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au #perfectionism #ocd #anxiety #acttherapy #processbasedtherapy #theanxiousperfectionist #clinicalpsychology #mentalhealthprofessionals #psychologicalflexibility #therapistlife #cbt #acceptanceandcommitmenttherapy #ocdrecovery #valuesbasedliving #mentalhealthpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Breaking the Rules, we explore when and why OCD tends to peak across the lifespan — and why symptoms often intensify during moments of growth, change, and meaning rather than out of nowhere. Drawing on clinical experience and developmental theory, this conversation looks at the predictable windows of vulnerability where OCD commonly emerges or flares: childhood and puberty, late adolescence and young adulthood, and major life transitions such as starting high school, exams, relationships, parenthood, grief, and identity shifts. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, the discussion centres on formulation, psychoeducation, and normalisation — helping both clinicians and clients answer the critical question: why now? 💬 Key themes: The two most common ages of onset for OCDPuberty, hormones, and emotional intensityIndividuation, identity formation, and existential anxietyWhy OCD spikes when life becomes meaningfulNew parenthood, responsibility, and fear of harmHow values drive OCD themes during transitionsUnderstanding symptom “shape-shifting” across life stagesUsing developmental context to reduce fear and shameAnticipating flare-ups and planning support proactively💡 “OCD often shows up when life matters most.” 🧠 “These thoughts tell us what we care about.” 💬 “Be alert, not alarmed.” 🔖 Chapters 00:00 Introduction: When does OCD peak? 01:30 Early onset and puberty 03:30 Adolescence, identity, and individuation 06:00 Hormones, emotions, and existential fear 08:00 Life transitions and meaning 10:00 New parenthood and responsibility 12:00 Why themes change over time 14:00 Using formulation to answer ‘why now?’ 16:00 Anticipating flare-ups and building support #OCD #MentalHealthPodcast #BreakingTheRulesPodcast #OCDRecovery #ClinicianSupport #LifeTransitions #PerinatalMentalHealth #AdolescentMentalHealth #TherapyTalk #MentalHealthAwareness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this long-awaited episode of Breaking the Rules, we finally do a deep dive into contamination-themed OCD — one of the most common, misunderstood, and physically debilitating OCD presentations. This conversation goes far beyond clichés about handwashing and cleanliness. We unpack what contamination OCD actually looks like day-to-day: the pain, the exhaustion, the food avoidance, the disrupted routines, the impact on relationships, parenting, work, and health — and the quiet suffering that often goes unseen. We explore both physical contamination fears (germs, illness, food safety, asbestos, chemicals) and moral contamination, where people fear being “tainted” by proximity to someone or something that conflicts with their values. The episode also tackles one of the trickiest clinical questions: how to work with ego-syntonic rules without turning therapy into another rigid rule system. This is an essential listen for clinicians, clients, and loved ones wanting a clearer, more compassionate understanding of contamination OCD — and how ERP can be done flexibly, ethically, and effectively. 💬 Key themes: 💡 “Contamination OCD holds people hostage.” 🧠 “This isn’t quirky — it’s devastating.” 💬 “There is no ‘right’ amount. Flexibility is the goal.” 🔖 Chapters 00:00 Why we avoided this topic (and why we’re doing it now) 01:00 What contamination OCD actually means 02:30 Moral contamination explained 05:00 The physical and emotional toll 08:00 Illness fears, COVID, and community safety 10:00 When contamination affects parenting and relationships 12:00 Ego-syntonic rules and client-led goals 14:00 Flexibility vs rigid hygiene rules 16:00 ERP and realistic exposure work 19:00 Messing up rituals and tolerating uncertainty 22:00 Assessment questions clinicians should be asking 25:00 Creative exposure ideas 27:30 Final reflections and encouragement #OCD #ContaminationOCD #ERP #TherapyPodcast #MentalHealthProfessionals #OCDRecovery #ExposureTherapy #BreakingTheRulesPodcast #ClinicianSupport #MentalHealthAwareness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this reflective and practical episode of Breaking the Rules, the hosts unpack a phrase that shows up constantly in therapy rooms: “I don’t feel ready.” What does it actually mean? Is readiness a feeling—or is it a decision we make in the presence of fear, uncertainty, and discomfort? Using OCD as the primary lens, this conversation explores how clients often wait for certainty, calm, or clarity before taking action—and how that waiting quietly reinforces avoidance. The discussion moves beyond symptom management and into the deeper work of distinguishing thoughts vs feelings, building emotional literacy, and helping clients move forward despite anxiety rather than waiting for it to disappear. This episode is especially valuable for clinicians working with ambivalence, treatment resistance, or clients who feel “stuck” before starting ERP or making meaningful behavioural change. 💬 Key themes: “ready”thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensationsACT, motivational interviewing, and values-based action💡 “Ready is not a feeling—it’s a decision.” 🧠 “Certainty is the fantasy OCD keeps chasing.” 💬 “Of course you’re scared—and you can still act.” 🔖 Chapters 00:00 Introduction and the origin of the idea 03:00 What clients mean when they say “I don’t feel ready” 05:00 Readiness, certainty, and the OCD trap 07:00 Thoughts vs feelings: why we confuse them 09:30 Emotional reasoning and avoidance 11:00 Values-based action and willingness 13:00 Naming emotions vs shutting change down 15:00 Anxiety, excitement, and bodily sensations 17:00 Moving from insight to action 19:00 Why waiting for readiness keeps clients stuck 21:00 Final reflections for clinicians #OCD #TherapyPodcast #MentalHealthProfessionals #ERP #ACT #BehaviourChange #ValuesBasedLiving #BreakingTheRulesPodcast #ClinicianSupport #AnxietyRecovery Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this in-depth episode of Breaking the Rules, we unpack two commonly confused but fundamentally different clinical presentations: moral scrupulosity (OCD) and Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD). While they may look similar on the surface—perfectionism, rigid values, intense guilt—the treatment implications couldn’t be more different. The conversation explores how moral scrupulosity shows up across children, teens, and adults, often hiding beneath “good behaviour,” people-pleasing, over-apologising, and chronic self-monitoring. We also dive into why some clients become stuck in ERP when the underlying issue isn’t OCD at all, but rigidity, control, and ego-syntonic perfectionism associated with OCPD. This episode is especially valuable for clinicians navigating stuckness, treatment resistance, or confusing presentations—and for anyone who has ever felt trapped by the need to be a “good person.” 💬 Key themes: moral scrupulosityOCPDmoral scrupulosity and OCPD co-occur💡 “OCD hijacks your values and turns them against you.” 🧠 “Good people still have messy thoughts.” 💬 “Rigidity isn’t always anxiety—sometimes it’s identity.” 🔖 Chapters 00:00 Introduction and why this topic matters 02:00 What is moral scrupulosity? 05:30 Why it’s common in kids and teens 08:00 Defining OCPD and why it’s often mislabelled as OCD 11:00 Key differences between OCD and OCPD 14:00 Guilt, confessing, and moral pressure in adolescents 17:00 Social media, cancel culture, and moral anxiety 20:00 Common compulsions in moral scrupulosity 22:00 Psychoeducation vs reassurance 24:00 ERP exposures for moral scrupulosity 27:00 Treating OCPD: flexibility over exposure 30:00 When moral scrupulosity and OCPD overlap 33:00 Differential diagnosis, supervision, and formulation 36:00 Clinical honesty and naming rigidity in the room #OCD #MoralScrupulosity #OCPD #TherapyPodcast #MentalHealthProfessionals #ERP #Perfectionism #ValuesBasedTherapy #ClinicianSupport #BreakingTheRulesPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this thought-provoking episode of Breaking the Rules, the hosts explore how values and paradox show up in the therapy room—especially when working with clients who experience OCD. Drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles, they discuss how being “fused” with one’s values can keep clients stuck in rigidity, perfectionism, and fear of imperfection. The conversation dives into the art of helping clients find flexibility between competing values—like control vs trust, safety vs freedom, and perfectionism vs growth—and how learning to hold both truths can open the door to meaningful change. They also unpack how clinicians can use values-based reflection, curiosity, and compassion to move clients beyond “sitting with uncertainty” toward truly living aligned, balanced lives. 💬 Key themes: • What it means to be fused with thoughts and values • Common paradoxes in OCD (purity vs imperfection, safety vs health, control vs trust) • Using values work to build insight and reduce rigidity • The connection between values, uncertainty, and acceptance • Why “sit with uncertainty” isn’t enough without context • Mapping paradoxes and value clashes in therapy • How building self-concept helps clients reclaim life beyond OCD 🔖 Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Values and Paradox in OCD 02:00 What It Means to Be Fused with Thoughts and Values 05:00 Why Clients Get Stuck in Rigidity 08:00 Common Paradoxes in OCD 11:00 The Cost of Perfectionism and Fear of Imperfection 14:00 Exploring Value Clashes in Therapy 17:00 Building Insight and Flexibility 20:00 Beyond “Sit with Uncertainty”: Context and Meaning 22:30 Rebuilding Self and Identity Outside OCD #OCD #TherapyPodcast #AcceptanceAndCommitmentTherapy #MentalHealthMatters #ValuesBasedTherapy #ACT #BreakingTheRulesPodcast #ClinicianSupport #OCDRecovery #TherapyTalk #UncertaintyTolerance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful and insightful episode, we explore the connection between PTSD and OCD, two conditions that often intersect in complex and misunderstood ways. The discussion dives into how trauma can shape obsessive-compulsive patterns, how compulsions can emerge as coping mechanisms, and why a trauma-informed approach is essential for effective treatment. The speakers unpack the challenges of working with co-occurring trauma and OCD, emphasizing flexibility, creativity, and compassion in clinical work. From ERP integration to managing dissociation and building client insight, this conversation offers a nuanced understanding of how clinicians can hold both trauma and OCD safely in the therapy room. 💬 Key themes: • How trauma can trigger or intensify OCD symptoms • Compulsions as coping mechanisms for post-traumatic stress • Why ERP and trauma therapy can complement each other • The importance of trauma-informed care in OCD treatment • Recognizing and managing dissociation during therapy • Building client insight and resilience through psychoeducation • Empowering clinicians to work confidently with trauma and OCD 🔖 Chapters 00:00 Understanding PTSD and OCD 02:55 The Interplay of Trauma and OCD 05:42 Navigating Treatment Challenges 08:53 Integrating ERP with Trauma Therapy 11:55 Building a Trauma-Informed Approach 14:54 Fluidity in Therapeutic Techniques 17:49 Empowering Clinicians to Address Trauma 23:44 Conclusion and Encouragement for Clinicians #PTSD #OCD #TraumaInformedCare #ERP #MentalHealthPodcast #TherapyTalk #ClinicianSupport #TraumaRecovery #OCDTreatment #CopingMechanisms #TherapyForTrauma Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful episode, we explore the concept of parental accommodation — the well-intentioned ways family members and loved ones may unknowingly reinforce OCD behaviours. Drawing from the research of Professor Eli Liebowitz (Yale) and real-world clinical experience, the hosts unpack how accommodation develops, why it’s so hard to stop, and how families can begin to make meaningful change. From checking, reassuring, or adapting routines “just to keep the peace,” to facing meltdowns, fear, or guilt when setting limits — this conversation goes deep into what it means to hold boundaries with compassion. You’ll hear about ERP therapy, the SPACE model, and practical ways clinicians and parents can work together to reduce accommodation and empower recovery. 💬 Key themes: • What “parental accommodation” means and how it maintains OCD • Why well-meaning reassurance can make symptoms stronger • The difference between anxiety disorders and OCD • Supporting children, teens, and adults through distress safely • Helping parents tolerate their own emotions and model resilience • How reducing accommodation can rebuild connection and trust in families • Managing clinician fears around self-harm threats and safety planning 🔖 Chapters 00:00 Introducing the topic: Parental Accommodation and OCD 02:00 What it means to accommodate and why we do it 05:00 How everyday reassurance turns into OCD reinforcement 08:00 Fear, meltdowns, and why it’s hard for families to stop accommodating 11:00 Emotions, modelling, and learning to tolerate discomfort 14:00 The SPACE model and clinician guidance 17:00 Working with parental fear and client safety 21:00 Reducing accommodation step-by-step 25:00 Supporting families when clients resist change 26:40 Why it works — even if the client isn’t in therapy #OCD #ERP #ParentalAccommodation #MentalHealthPodcast #TherapyTalk #FamilyTherapy #SPACEModel #OCDRecovery #ClinicianSupport #ParentingAndMentalHealth #EmotionalRegulation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The perinatal period is one of the most vulnerable—and transformative—times in a parent’s life. In this episode, we explore the challenges of perinatal mental health, with a particular focus on OCD and how intrusive thoughts can impact new parents during this stage. Our speakers discuss the role of psychoeducation, the importance of therapeutic trust, and how clinicians can best support parents navigating overwhelming thoughts and fears. We also examine the value of bringing babies into therapy, collaborative care, and the crucial reminder that intrusive thoughts do not define someone’s ability to be a loving, capable parent. 💬 Key themes: perinatal periodOCDintrusive thoughtspsychoeducationincluding babies in therapy sessions 🔖 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Perinatal Mental Health and OCD 02:50 Understanding Vulnerability in the Perinatal Period 05:47 Therapeutic Approaches for Clinicians 08:47 The Importance of Psychoeducation 11:45 Building Rapport and Trust with Clients 14:50 Managing Intrusive Thoughts in Therapy 17:49 Collaborative Care and Support Systems 20:51 Incorporating Babies in Therapy Sessions 23:45 Creating a Supportive Environment for New Parents #PerinatalMentalHealth #OCD #IntrusiveThoughts #NewParents #MaternalHealth #TherapyTalk #ParentingSupport #MentalHealthAwareness #Psychoeducation #ClinicianSupport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This honest and reflective episode takes listeners inside the therapy room—where clinical learnings, vulnerability, and growth unfold in real time. Ms Catherine McGrath (Clinical Team Lead and Senior Psychologist) sharea hard-earned lessons from working with OCD clients using ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention), and open up about the emotional toll, missed opportunities, and the courage it takes to keep learning. From the power of self-compassion to the importance of holding space and involving parents in the therapeutic process, this conversation is a valuable reminder that clinicians don’t need to be perfect to be effective—they just need to keep showing up. 💬 You’ll hear about: The real struggles clinicians face in ERP therapyWhy reflecting on mistakes leads to better outcomesHow client emotions are best met with presence, not perfectionThe impact of including parents in treatment plansWhy being kind to yourself is not optional—it's essential 🔖 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Clinical Learnings 02:59 The Courage to Learn ERP 05:57 Missed Opportunities in Therapy 08:57 The Importance of Holding Space 11:47 Navigating Client Emotions 15:12 Involving Parents in Therapy 17:42 Reflecting on Hard Lessons 21:01 Self-Compassion in Clinical Practice 23:47 Summary and Closing Thoughts #ClinicalPractice #TherapyTalk #MentalHealthMatters #OCDTherapy #ERP #SelfCompassion #TherapistReflections #ClientEmotions #InvolvingParents #TherapyPodcast #MentalHealthProfessionals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore the often misunderstood world of Meta OCD—a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder where the obsession becomes the diagnosis itself. Clients plagued by questions like "Do I really have OCD?" or "Is this the right treatment?" can become trapped in a mental loop that stalls progress and fuels perfectionism, self-doubt, and avoidance. We discuss how Meta OCD complicates therapy, disrupts client engagement, and challenges traditional treatment methods. From moral scrupulosity to obsessive intellectualization, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone working in mental health, or for those navigating OCD themselves. 💬 Key insights: What is Meta OCD and how does it differ from other forms?How perfectionism and compulsions manifest in subtle waysWhy traditional OCD treatments may fall short for these clientsThe double-edged sword of reassurance in therapyHow to foster self-worth and celebrate small wins 🔖 Chapters 00:00 Understanding Meta OCD 02:31 Defining Meta OCD and Its Implications 04:57 The Impact of Meta OCD on Treatment 07:59 Navigating Client Engagement and Reassurance 10:14 Perfectionism and Its Role in Meta OCD 12:24 The Challenge of Self-Identification 15:51 Recognizing and Addressing Meta OCD in Therapy 22:02 The Limitations of Manualized Treatments #MetaOCD #OCDRecovery #MentalHealthPodcast #TherapyTalk #Perfectionism #MentalHealthMatters #TherapistTools #ClientEngagement #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #Scrupulosity #TherapyTechniques Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful episode, we explore the tangled web of health anxiety, OCD, and death anxiety, unpacking how these psychological disorders often overlap and feed into each other. From obsessive thought patterns and compulsions to the deep-rooted fear of mortality, our speakers dive deep into the inner workings of anxiety disorders and what makes treatment so complex—and so crucial. 💬 We discuss: health anxietyobsessive-compulsive disorderdeath anxietyevidence-based treatment Whether you’re a clinician, someone living with anxiety, or simply curious about the human mind—this conversation will challenge your understanding and offer a fresh perspective on mental wellness. 🔖 Chapters 00:00 Understanding Health Anxiety and OCD 06:01 The Intersection of Health Anxiety and Death Anxiety 12:03 The Complexity of Health Anxiety and OCD 18:43 Treatment Approaches for Health Anxiety and OCD 24:22 Living Beyond Anxiety: Finding Meaning in Life #HealthAnxiety #OCD #MentalHealthMatters #TherapyTalk #AnxietyTreatment #DeathAnxiety #CopingWithAnxiety #IntrusiveThoughts #MentalWellness #PsychologicalDisorders #AnxietyAwareness #MeaningBeyondAnxiety Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—the gold standard treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)—through a clinical and ethical lens. We unpack the delicate balance between challenging clients and protecting their autonomy, exploring how therapeutic trust, client consent, and collaborative exposure tasks shape the success of ERP. This conversation asks the tough questions: How far is too far in exposure therapy? And what happens when fear is no longer the enemy, but the doorway to healing? 💬 Key themes: informed consentexposure therapytrust and safetycollaborative approach 🔖 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to ERP and Client Concerns 02:46 Understanding OCD and Its Impact 05:53 The Role of Trust in Therapy 08:53 Navigating Exposure Tasks Collaboratively 11:51 Ethics of Exposure Therapy 14:54 Client Consent and Collaboration 17:38 Managing Anxiety During Exposure 20:45 The Importance of Client Agency 23:44 Conclusion and Key Takeaways #ERP #OCDTreatment #ExposureTherapy #TherapyEthics #ClientConsent #MentalHealth #TherapyPodcast #TherapeuticTrust #CollaborativeCare #AnxietySupport #OCDRecovery #EthicalTherapy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With suicide remaining a leading cause of death for people aged between 15-44 in Australia, clinicians in the OCD space need to ask the question: How do we differentiate between suicidal ideation and obsessive intrusive suicidal thoughts? In this episode, we discuss how to work with a client when they come to you with suicidal thoughts, why it is critical to take all mentions of suicide seriously, and how to determine whether a person with OCD is presenting with suicidal ideation consistent with wishes to die or whether it’s intrusive suicidal OCD. This episode contains discussions about suicide. If you find this episode distressing and would like more support, please seek help from your local healthcare provider. If you’re in Australia, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 at any time. Resources and links: Lifeline websiteWebinars, books, and training by Melbourne Wellbeing GroupOCD training workshops by Dr Celin GelgecOCD focused supervision for healthcare professionals with Dr Celin Gelgec Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Felicity Phillips is the Founder of Weight of the World, a community-driven organisation supporting people with eating disorders and their carers through recovery. Weight of the World aims to provide peer support and education while challenging diet culture and promoting body neutrality. In this episode, Felicity shares her personal journey from pre-professional ballet to developing an eating disorder and ultimately finding recovery, explains the alarming rise of "skinny talk" on social media and how algorithms target vulnerable users within seconds, and reveals the powerful parallels between eating disorders and addiction that challenge common misconceptions about these complex mental health conditions. Resources and links: Weight of the World: A High Tea for ED Healing & Hope ticketsWebinars, books, and training by Melbourne Wellbeing GroupOCD training workshops by Dr Celin GelgecOCD focused supervision for healthcare professionals with Dr Celin Gelgec Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

It’s normal to have doubts and questions about our relationships sometimes. Am I in love with my partner? Am I spending enough time with my parents? Are my friends mad at me? But what happens when those normal, passing concerns turn into an obsession? In this episode, we explain the difference between ordinary relationship concerns and relationship OCD (ROCD), how to identify when ROCD is showing up, and what the next steps are for helping clients manage it. Resources and links: Webinars, books, and training by Melbourne Wellbeing GroupOCD training workshops by Dr Celin GelgecOCD focused supervision for healthcare professionals with Dr Celin Gelgec Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

This is the final part of our two-part chat with Dr Bianca Mastromanno. In the last episode, Bianca discussed how she works with parents to process their childhood experiences and help them navigate parenthood themselves. In this episode, Bianca opens up about her personal experiences with parenting anxiety, digs into the challenges faced by parents with OCD, the impact of OCD on early parenthood, and how clinicians can support parents during the vulnerable early days of new parenthood. Resources and links: ‘Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts’ by Karen Kleiman‘Matrescence’ by Lucy Jones‘The Magic Years” by Selma H. FraibergDr Bianca Mastromanno’s websiteDr Bianca Mastromanno on InstagramDr Bianca Mastromanno on LinkedInWebinars, books, and training by Melbourne Wellbeing GroupOCD training workshops by Dr Celin GelgecOCD focused supervision for healthcare professionals with Dr Celin Gelgec Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Dr Bianca Mastromanno is a Clinical Psychologist who works extensively in the perinatal space. Bianca uses a trauma-informed, evidence-based approach to support parents and children living with mental health concerns. In this episode, Bianca explains how she works with parents with OCD or other mental health challenges to explore and process their own childhood experiences to help them navigate the emotional challenges of parenthood. She also reflects on what she’s learnt from the parents she works with and from her own experiences as a parent. This episode is part one of our two-part chat with Bianca. Keep an eye out for part two, where Bianca digs into how to better support parents with OCD through their pre and post-natal periods. Resources and links: Dr Bianca Mastromanno’s websiteDr Bianca Mastromanno on InstagramDr Bianca Mastromanno on LinkedInWebinars, books, and training by Melbourne Wellbeing GroupOCD training workshops by Dr Celin GelgecOCD focused supervision for healthcare professionals with Dr Celin Gelgec Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.