Patrick Martin
Patrick Martin
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) -What It Is And How To Treat It | With OCD Specialist, Andrew Cohen LMFT
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) -What It Is And How To Treat It | With OCD Specialist, Andrew Cohen LMFT
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) -What It Is And How To Treat It | With OCD Specialist, Andrew Cohen LMFT
Friday 7th October 2022
Join Andrew Cohen LMFT on The Mental Health Toolbox Podcast as he explains OCD and its treatments, offering practical tools and hope.
61 minutes
Informative
Empowering
Supportive
Healing
Thought-provoking
About this podcast
Author:
Patrick Martin
Overview:
Categories:
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Sobriety Toolkit
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Healing Relationships
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Episodes:
114 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Understanding OCD: Insights and Treatment with Andrew Cohen LMFT
You have to behave your way out of anxiety. We're constantly looking out for threats in our, and if we, if we respond to certain things like there are threats, they're going to keep popping up.
Ever wondered what Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) really is and how it can be treated? In this enlightening episode of The Mental Health Toolbox Podcast, host Patrick Martin chats with OCD and anxiety specialist Andrew Cohen LMFT. Together, they break down the complexities of OCD, a condition often misunderstood and misrepresented. Andrew starts by defining OCD as a disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that can feel out of sync with one's values and beliefs.
He highlights the importance of distinguishing between ego-syntonic and ego-dystonic thoughts to better understand and manage OCD symptoms. Diagnosing OCD can be tricky, especially since it often co-occurs with other conditions like anxiety, panic disorders, and PTSD. Andrew stresses the need for thorough differential diagnosis to tailor effective treatment plans. One of the key treatments for OCD discussed in this episode is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
Andrew explains how ERP works by gradually exposing individuals to their fears while preventing them from engaging in compulsive behaviors. This method helps rewire the brain's response to anxiety triggers, offering long-term relief. The episode also delves into the physical health impacts of OCD, such as gastrointestinal issues caused by chronic stress. Andrew emphasizes the role of mindfulness practices in managing these symptoms, encouraging a greater awareness and acceptance of one's thoughts and emotions.
Despite the challenges, Andrew offers a hopeful message: while OCD may not be curable, it is possible to manage symptoms effectively with the right treatment and support. He encourages those struggling with OCD to seek specialized help and not hesitate to ask their therapists about their experience with treating OCD. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical tools to help manage OCD and lead a more fulfilling life.