OCD Straight Talk
160 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 17 hours ago -Become a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/chris-leins/subscribe
An anxiety and OCD treatment-specialist explains how these debilitating conditions are effectively treated, why sometimes they're not, and how anxiety sufferers tend to keep themselves symptomatic. This podcast is designed both for those who suffer from anxiety disorders, and OCD and related disorders, and those who seek to treat this population with greater efficacy.
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Episodes
OCD & The 2nd Law of Thermodynamics
July 27, 2021 20:51 - 19 minutes - 18.3 MBChris discusses the concepts of Trace Decay Theory (of psychology) and Entropy (of physics), explaining - without apology - the necessity of repeatedly explaining important strategies. He also describes the function of actually documenting identified compulsions, noting two groups in therapy. The question is, Which one fairs better? Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have to [email protected].
The Difference between Rumination and Reflection
July 23, 2021 22:52 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBThanks for the question - very good one. Chris responds to a listener and defines compulsions from a couple of vantage points. Feel free to reach out with any question you might have to [email protected].
On Weakening the Connection between Thoughts, Behaviors, and Feelings
July 02, 2021 23:54 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBChris discusses CBT-theory, which is based on "the Cognitive Model," and raises the question of how we can methodologically weaken the strong and habitual connection between these triangulated, and interconnected pieces of our experience. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have to [email protected]
True or False: If You Think It's Your OCD, It Is
June 30, 2021 21:10 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MBChris responds to a listener's question - A follow up on our series on uncertainty. So, true or false? Or, is it a trick question? Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have. [email protected]
EMDR vs. Prolonged Exposure for PTSD
June 23, 2021 03:29 - 23 minutes - 22 MBChris discusses the prevailing treatments for PTSD, and the weird animus that tends to stand between them. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have to [email protected]
Is Uncertainty Your Friend or Your Enemy?
June 17, 2021 15:44 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBChris breaks down the reality of uncertainty, and explains how we can either work with uncertainty, or against it. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might to [email protected]
What, Essentially, Is OCD?
June 15, 2021 13:58 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBChris talks behind and beyond all the technical language and diagnostic criteria of OCD. The condition, whatever it is, centers on a life-dimension common to humanity. But some people just don't find this dimension very distressing - lucky them. Others, on the other hand, find it very distressing. But theirs liberty in realizing the reality that this dimension is unchangeable. It gives birth to the question, How can we work to tolerate, and live life in light of uncertainty? Feel free to r...
Understanding Obsessions and Compulsions in Existential OCD
June 07, 2021 20:45 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MBChris responds to a listener and explains the importance of identifying compulsions, and distinguishing them from obsessions in existential OCD. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have. [email protected]
Macro-, and Micro-Compulsions: A Very Important Idea
May 27, 2021 14:58 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBChris discusses a concept that is practical to cracking the code of OCD. Many of us approach OCD with stereotypes and assumptions. Part of what that means is that we think of compulsions as limited to checking, or counting, or washing, or whatever. But through the course of hundreds of cases, it has become clear that .compulsions extent far beyond these few, stereotypical possibilities. Many compulsions are unique to individuals: call them "quirks" or "idiosyncrasies." But many quirks that s...
Common Pitfalls on the Road to Therapeutic Progress
May 26, 2021 22:13 - 29 minutes - 27.7 MBChris discusses several common mistakes individuals tend to make in relation to their OCD, often whether in therapy or not. This episode works to dissect the OCD and the treatment-process to show where individuals often get it wrong. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have to [email protected]
Another Technique for Letting Go of Intrusive Thoughts
May 25, 2021 16:07 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBChris revisits his conversation with Michael May, MA, LPCC, an ACT therapist and OCD treatment-specialist. He discusses the "I'm having the thought that..." strategy. Tried (by you, the consumer) and true strategies are invaluable when we're in the throws of anxiety. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have to [email protected]
A Discussion with Mr. Michael May, LPCC about ACT for OCD
May 21, 2021 20:24 - 51 minutes - 47.3 MBChris discusses the Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) protocol with Michael May, MA, LPCC, an ACT trainer and clinical expert. They talk therapeutic "shop," and delve into treatment strategies that are common to ACT and Ex/RP; as well as, discuss some of the overarching concepts that are beautifully unique to the evidence-based protocol known around the world as, ACT. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have to [email protected].
More Details on Stopping Mental Compulsions: Another Episode by Popular Request
May 20, 2021 22:34 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBChris discusses two cases in which stopping rumination was an important part of the therapeutic process. Remember, if "nobody's home" to do the work of rumination, then that compulsive "work" doesn't get done. And that's a beautiful thing. This episode includes adult, and some explicit material in the way of providing specific examples of technique-application. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have. [email protected]
Why Does Psychotherapy for Clinically Significant Anxiety Sometimes Not Work?
May 17, 2021 20:29 - 27 minutes - 25.9 MBChris discusses a complex set of dynamics in modern psychotherapy that serve to offer an explanation to an otherwise puzzling problem: Why do people suffering from clinically significant anxiety often not get better in psychotherapy? Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have. [email protected]
A Discussion about PTSD with Dr. Joseph Birli
May 10, 2021 20:03 - 46 minutes - 43.4 MBChris discusses trauma symptoms, and their corresponding treatments with a trauma expert, Dr. Joseph Birli. A wonderfully competent, and seasoned therapist, Dr. Birli brings many years of experience to our discussion about Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
Is There a Connection between Obsessions and Outcomes - Association OCD
May 07, 2021 14:41 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBChris responds to a listener's question about "Association OCD," pointing to the "heart beat" of this symptom-dimension. Chris also sets-up Monday's episode: he and a guest will discuss the nature and treatment of PTSD. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have to [email protected]
To Choose or Not to Choose: That is the Question
May 06, 2021 20:50 - 24 minutes - 23.1 MBChris discusses the notion that 'you are not your thoughts," and your anxiety, even when it's really, really bad, can't hurt you - unless you let it. Our compulsions make our thoughts "real." So fight, scratch, and claw to not give into the compulsions. Choose to stop them. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have to [email protected]
Gonna Tell You A Bit about Myself
April 30, 2021 17:00 - 30 minutes - 28 MBChris discloses some of his specific OCD-presentation, and what it looks like in real time. He also responds to a listener's question/email. Thanks for checking out the podcast. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have. [email protected]
When I'm Loving Someone with OCD
April 29, 2021 17:03 - 41 minutes - 38.8 MBChris discusses a common familial scenario: family members of OCDers want to know how to be helpful. This is a frequently asked question in the therapeutic process. That said, his responses are necessarily generalized to a wide array of individualized, familial situations. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might to [email protected]
Weed-Smoking, Psychotropic Medications, and OCD
April 20, 2021 20:30 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MBChris responds to a listener's question about meds, supplements. In the process, he discusses other substances that are commonly inquired about in treatment. Feel free to reach out with questions you might have. [email protected]
The Cognitive Model: How You Can Force Symptomatological Change
April 15, 2021 18:40 - 35 minutes - 33.3 MBChris discusses two kinds of patients: one comes to the game to watch from the sideline while the others fight the battle, the other comes to fight through the stages of adversity to win with his teammates at the end. Which kind of patient are you? I'll let you in on a secret: your therapist can't get you better - at least not all by herself. She needs you to get some skin in the game. You need you to get some skin in the game. And I'll tell you something else. If your therapist is working ...
The Various Faces of Existential OCD
April 14, 2021 01:25 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBChris responds to a listener's request for a subtype-description. Like some others, this listener requested that the response be made on the podcast, rather than via email. Thanks to the listener for reaching out; and thanks for checking out OCDST. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have. [email protected]
What's the Difference between Rational Thinking and Rumination?
April 12, 2021 18:35 - 37 minutes - 34.9 MBChris responds to a listener who requests clarity as to the difference between thinking "rationally" about obsessions for the purpose of disputing them, and ruminating about them. Great question; thanks for the question. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have to [email protected]
This Makes A Behavior A Compulsion
March 30, 2021 15:42 - 29 minutes - 27.7 MBChris explains three important elements that, cumulatively, help to identify a behavior as a compulsion. Not every behavior is a compulsion; but compulsions often seem to be just another behavior. So which one is it? It's not enough to identify compulsions. We have to stop them, too. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have. [email protected]
What Makes A Behavior A Compulsion?
March 29, 2021 18:18 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBChris rambles about behaviors v. compulsions. If compulsions are always behaviors - and more than that, choices, then this opens a wide array of possibilities. How do we find compulsions in an ocean of options? Or, what makes a behavior a compulsion? Chris will do a brief series on this question. Feel free to reach out with any question you might have. [email protected]
Here's My Situation, Tell Me What to Do: A (Second) Case Discussion
March 18, 2021 17:57 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBChris responds to a listener's questions about a specific symptom-dimension of OCD: anxiety relative to the possibility of speaking or behaving inappropriately on a public platform. Thank you to this anonymous listener for his/her kind and courageous willingness to step forward and pose these questions. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have. [email protected]
Here's My Situation, Tell Me What to Do: A Case Discussion
March 12, 2021 22:34 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBChris reads, and responds to an email about a listener's symptoms, and OCD-system (with his/her permission). During this episode, we leave the discussion of theoretical strategies and techniques, and talk specifics of how they get applied in real-time. Feel free to reach out with questions to [email protected].
OCD-101 vs. Advanced Techniques
March 12, 2021 00:02 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MBChris discusses the difference between two kinds of thoughts: obsessions and compulsions. It is an advanced skill to differentiate between intrusive thoughts and rumination - not easy, but often necessary. Reach out with any questions you might have. [email protected].
What Causes OCD?: The Theory That Will Never Die
March 04, 2021 18:42 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MBChris discusses old theories and new ones regarding why OCD happens - a (very) cursory history of OCD research. But the real question is not, Why does OCD happen? It's, What do we do when it does? Reach out with any questions you might have to [email protected]
Chasing Certainty
March 03, 2021 19:52 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MBSo often, OCD-sufferers speak of obsessions as being "irrational." Many have long-been told that. But are they? Chris discusses the irrationality of compulsions, centering this monologue on the reality that we can never escape uncertainty. Chasing certainty, but never really capturing it, is the irrationality of compulsions. Reach out to [email protected] with any questions you might have.
How Long Will It Take for Me to Get Better?
February 23, 2021 21:37 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBChris discusses a - the most - frequently asked question at the top of a case: How long is this gonna take? The answer is about four months; but there are important variables to consider. Obviously not every case is the same. How can you maximize the efficacy of your therapeutic experience? Reach out with any questions you might have. [email protected]
How Can I Better Find Compulsions?
February 18, 2021 22:55 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBChris discusses the "Compulsions Decision Tree" - not technical language - in order to better identify compulsions. The purpose of these 3 questions is to increase the likelihood that listeners will learn to find compulsions in real-time. The essential task of the OCD-er, aside from going to see an OCD specialist, is finding and stopping compulsions. Reach out with any questions you might have. [email protected]
When OCD Causes Depression
February 16, 2021 18:42 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBChris discusses a common problem among individuals suffering from OCD and clinically significant anxiety - secondary depression. What do you do when your OCD results in a comorbid (or co-occurring) depressive episode? Like OCD, depression can be thought of as a "behavioral problem" in the sense that depressive thinking tends to be associated with depressive behaviors; and depressive behaviors strengthen the whole system.
What Compulsions Go with Which Obsessional Themes?
February 02, 2021 16:50 - 23 minutes - 22.1 MBChris responds to an email regarding lists of compulsions that tend to travel in packs (or subtypes). But the answer isn't what you think. The fact is that there are as many compulsion-lists as there are people suffering from OCD. The ability, the honed skill of identifying compulsions in real-time, is the missing link.
How Do I Tell the Difference between Obsessions & Compulsions?
January 25, 2021 21:36 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBChris discusses OCD 101, How do we tell the difference between OCD-components in order bring to a grinding halt our OCD-systems? Feel free to reach out with questions to [email protected].
Compulsions Breed Compulsions
January 20, 2021 21:02 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBChris Discusses attitude. It comes down to decision and follow through. Sure, it's a little more complex than that. Sometimes we're doing compulsions that we don't quite realize are compulsions. We see them as idiosyncrasies (just behavioral stuff that makes me, me). On the other hand, a lot of compulsions are simple choices that you and I willingly make. Beating OCD is about digging in your heals and saying, "I'm done. Come what may. F*** it." No exceptions. No Excuses. And no more compul...
What Do I Do When I Can't Stop My Compulsions?
January 08, 2021 21:47 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBChris discusses an oft-posed question in therapy, and gives an honest and empowering answer. Thanks for tuning into the podcast. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have. [email protected], or check out the practice at www.thetenthousandlakes.com.
Relationship OCD, What is It?
December 30, 2020 20:36 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBChris discusses yet another symptom dimension of OCD. The truth of the matter, though, is that there is no piece of information more important in this general context than the necessity of stopping compulsions. Sorry to sound like, as it were, a broken record; but that's the truth. Feel free to reach out with questions to [email protected].
POCD, What Is It?
December 16, 2020 20:51 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBChris responds to a listener's request for a discussion on OCD-subtypes. The topic of the next few episodes will be "kinds," or subtypes of OCD. Some subtypes will not get covered; others will be discussed, but only in some part. No subtype will receive exhaustive attention in this series. This episode is concerning so-called, POCD. Whether the specific content of this episode feels relevant to each and every listener, please bear in mind that it is identifying and stopping compulsions that ...
Harm OCD, What Is It?
December 14, 2020 20:59 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBChris responds to a listener's request to discuss OCD-subtypes. The topic of the next few episodes will be "kinds," or subtypes of OCD. Some subtypes will not get covered; others will be discussed, but only in some part. This episode is concerning so-called Harm-OCD. Reach out to [email protected] with any questions you might have.
You're Why I Podcast
December 09, 2020 19:41 - 9 minutes - 8.76 MBThanks for listening. Chris discusses the regrettable fact that many people struggle with OCD symptoms, and often get access to misleading, or even straight erroneous information. Chris also discusses Pure-O. The simple truth is that where there are intrusive thoughts heckling an individual in the foreground, there are compulsions happening in the background. The question is, "What" or "Where are they?" Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have. [email protected]
How Do I Let Go of My Intrusive Thoughts (Part 2)
November 30, 2020 21:53 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MBChris discusses a technique he encountered under the clinical supervision of Dr. Monnica Williams. The technique is aimed at dismissing intrusive thoughts. Exposure Statements are not "curative" in the sense that they have not been found to treat OCD. Neither do they directly reduce anxiety. Many individuals across the world, however, have stated that they are helpful for dismissing obsessions (i.e., intrusive thoughts). Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have. chrisleins04...
How Do I Let Go of My Intrusive Thoughts? (Part 1)
October 23, 2020 19:41 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MBChris explains the nature of intrusive thoughts within OCD, and employs a technique that is used to begin to dismiss them, or let them go. This is not a technique for reducing anxiety - that technique is stopping compulsions. It's a logical strategy for "turning down the volume," if you will, on the thoughts. It's a technique for using the uncertainty of the future as a tool for letting go of thoughts in the present. Reach out to [email protected] with questions or comments. CL
How Do I Stop Ruminating?
October 16, 2020 17:53 - 21 minutes - 20.2 MBIn this episode, Chris distinguishes intrusive thoughts (also called obsessions) from rumination (mental compulsions, DSM-5). They're both cognitive activities; so telling the difference is often easier said than done. He then explains a strategy that is often used to stop ruminating. Please remember that this podcast is only a podcast, though. It is not meant to be consumed in lieu of evidence-based psychotherapy. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have: chrisleins04@gma...
You're Not Doing Exposure Therapy If You're Also Doing Compulsions
October 01, 2020 20:53 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MBThis is a simple, simple reality. OCD runs on compulsions. In this episode, Chris talks about habituation, and the difference between exposure therapy with compulsions versus that without them. Thanks for tuning in.
The Most Important Question in the Treatment of OCD
September 21, 2020 20:24 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBChris discusses the most important question in the effective treatment of OCD: What are your compulsions and how do you find them? The skill of finding compulsions and the determination to prevent them is a strategy that supersedes merely doing exposures for anxiety. Feel free to reach out with question at [email protected].
Getting Better Matters Less Than Learning How to Get Better
September 10, 2020 23:32 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBChris discusses the art of identifying compulsive patterns. Safety behaviors aren't just turning on and off light switches. Compulsive patterns are different for everyone. The question is, What are yours?
I Feel Better; Therefore I ... Am Better?
July 22, 2020 20:14 - 17 minutes - 16.2 MBChris discusses the concept of therapeutic progress - how do we define it? If you are to judge the efficacy of your therapeutic work on the degree to which you make progress, then the next logical question becomes, What is therapeutic progress? [email protected]; thetenthousandlakes.com
How Do I Know When My Therapist Doesn't Know What They're Doing?
July 11, 2020 18:06 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBChris answers the question, How do I know when my therapist doesn't really know how to treat an anxiety-related disorder? Bottom line is, if you've been in treatment for a little while and haven't made progress, chances are pretty good that your therapist isn't a specialist. Chris speaks to "five pillars" of evidence-based anxiety treatment. But the treatment doesn't work for those who don't work the treatment. Reach out at [email protected]. and check us out at thetenthousandlakes.com...
Tomato, Tomahto: Is there a Real Difference between Anxiety-Related Disorders
June 09, 2020 23:23 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBChris gripes about the treatment-system, and thinks out-loud about the industry-implications of myriad treatment protocols across so many (apparently) different conditions.