OCD Girls

ICBT Part 2

In this episode, Jess and Alana talk about ICBT again. We review modules 7-12 and talk about our thoughts, opinions, the research and someone on the internet who didn't like ICBT.  If you're interested in learning more about ICBT or viewing their client worksheets visit: https://icbt.online/ If you're interested in metacognitive therapy here is the first video of the series mentioned in this episode: https://youtu.be/3Axoap4DsQA?si=yWqg3eqsOtkGFpbI Have you tried ICBT or other treatment modalities? Tell us by commenting or email us at contactocdgirls@gmail.com. Interested in learning more about us? Visit https://ocdgirlspodcast.wordpress.com/ Much Love, OCD Girls

OCD Girls Check In: Reviewing 2024 and Hoping for 2025

It's 2025! So, Jess and Alana look back at 2024 and all of it's highs and lows. Jess can't stop incorrectly saying Joshua Tree Park, Alana talks about how she got jumped by a cactus! We talk about our lows too, struggling to hike when there's coyotes around, panicking in LA traffic, getting on SSRIs and all the feelings that come with it. We also talk about our favorite podcasts (there's so many that we love, so this was hard). And we talk about our hopes and goals for 2025! Jess also poorly, and incorrectly explained Ear Candling, so here's a link to read up on what Ear Candling actually is: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323685#what-is-ear-candling So if you're interested in seeing a glimpse of who we are outside of OCD, this is a great episode to check out. Much Love, OCD Girls

OCD Girls Treatment Series ICBT Part 1

Jess and Alana continue the treatment series (we've decided to take mini out of the title due to how it's grown) by covering ICBT. ICBT is Inference Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that was specifically designed to help those suffering from OCD. We discuss the first 6 of 12 modules and note our experiences with ICBT. ICBT is one of the newer forms of treatment but has already grown to be fairly popular so we hope this intro episode does it justice. If you are interested in visiting the official ICBT website and viewing their worksheets and videos directly, visit https://icbt.online/ [https://icbt.online/] Again, we cannot emphasize enough that we are not a replacement for professional therapy or psychiatry and that we can only share what we've researched and our opinions relating to it.  Have you tried ICBT? Share your experiences in the comments on our social media pages or send your thoughts to contactocdgirls@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you! Much Love, OCD Girls

OCD Girls Turtles All the Way Down Review

Jess and Alana cover Turtles All the Way Down, the novel and subsequent film adaptation by John Green.  Turtles All the Way Down features Aza, a young girl in high school trying to understand and navigate  romantic interests, her relationship with her best friends and her mother, and also a missing persons investigation, all while dealing with her intense OCD.   We talk about our thoughts on the book/movie, how we related to the film, our ratings, the reason behind the title and some cool metaphors Spoiler Alert!! We talk fairly in depth about the plot of both the book and the movie as well as reveal some major spoilers - so if you want to watch this movie, or read the book we recommend doing that first! Have you read or watched this movie and want to share your thoughts? You can reach us at contactOCDGirls@gmail.com.  Much Love, The OCD Girls

Treatment Miniseries: Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

The OCD Girls are back discussing the Gold Standard of OCD treatment- ERP. ERP is Exposure Response Prevention therapy that is meant to directly confront OCD related fears by exposing the person to a trigger and preventing any compulsions from happening, essentially teaching your brain that you don't need to do anything. Why? Because it's not a threat! And then your brain adjusts understanding that your fears aren't threats and stops sending those alarm bells. Jess and Alana discuss the basic tenets of ERP in this episode, their experiences and thoughts about it.  This is your reminder that Jess and Alana are not mental or physical health professionals! For any specific worries and concerns, please seek a professional for help. Some helpful links related to ERP:  https://www.verywellmind.com/exposure-therapy-for-ocd-2510616#:~:text=In%20exposure-based%20therapy%2C%20a%20trained%20therapist%20or%20counselor,and%20then%20changing%20the%20response%20to%20that%20stimulus. https://www.verywellhealth.com/exposure-and-response-prevention-5270826#:~:text=Exposure%20and%20response%20prevention%20therapy%20is%20the%20gold,cope%20with%20social%20anxiety%2C%20phobias%2C%20and%20eating%20disorders. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6343408/