In Part 1 of this OCD podcast, we dive into the personal journey of Justine De Jaegher who has faced the challenges of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) from a young age. Justine shares her experiences from when OCD first manifested with overwhelming intrusive thoughts about harm coming to the people around her, how these thoughts escalated into compulsive checking behaviours, and how the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding OCD complicated her path to diagnosis and treatment. Throughout this candid conversation, Justine talks about the evolution of her OCD into themes like religious scrupulosity and perinatal OCD, the impact it had on her life, finding the right treatments, and the importance of advocacy and awareness in improving access to effective OCD treatment. This discussion not only sheds light on the realities of living with OCD but also offers hope and insight for those navigating similar struggles.

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories, the OCD Series, Dr. Robert Selles, a registered psychologist joins Mark Antczak, Anxiety Canada’s clinical counsellor to explore how families and caregivers can support children dealing with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They talk about recognizing common OCD symptoms in children, understanding when these behaviours become problematic, and the influence of growing up and transition periods on OCD. Dr. Selles offers thoughtful insights on validating and supporting a struggling child while finding self-compassion as a caregiver. Join us for insightful advice on managing these challenges and ensuring that children and caregivers receive the support they need, distinguishing it from anxiety, managing distressing behaviours, and providing reassurance and self-care strategies.

Discover how cognitive therapy is used to treat OCD, its key components, and how it differs from ERP. Learn about thought-action fusion, cognitive distortions, and real-life examples in this insightful podcast episode with Dr. Maureen Whittal, an acknowledged expert in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and internationally known for her work in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).