FearCast Podcast

[https://i0.wp.com/fearcastpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/FearCast-Podcast-Episode-49.png?resize=900%2C900&ssl=1] M messaged me recently to ask about a situation that is all too common. They struggle with POCD, but are terrified to go see a therapist for treatment because what if the therapist 1) doesn’t diagnose them with POCD but actually thinks they are their worst fear, and 2) they actually are their worst fear and they don’t fully and clearly communicate their symptoms and they mistakenly get diagnosed with POCD and not… you know… that other thing. Either way, it’s a fear of getting misdiagnosed, not getting the right treatment, and suffering needlessly. This happens with POCD as well as any number of other taboo subtypes, so it is very relatable across the board. For more about POCD, check out this article from The California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center [https://calocd.com/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/pedophile-ocd-pocd/]

[https://i0.wp.com/fearcastpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/FearCast-Podcast-Episode-48.png?resize=900%2C900&ssl=1] Struggling Artist emailed me with an admittedly long question. They want to become a full time artist but are struggling to take the leap because their Religious and Moral Scrupulosity OCD is trying to overtake their life. Obsessions about moral perfection are leading to checking compulsions, donating art sales profits, excessive confession, and mental rumination. Can they learn to work around it, or are they doomed to give up on their dream? For more about Moral Scrupulosity and Religious Scrupulosity, check out this article from The California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center [https://calocd.com/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/scrupulosity/]

[https://i0.wp.com/fearcastpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/FearCast-Podcast-Episode-47.png?resize=900%2C900&ssl=1] Today I get to share a comment from Eden and a question from Nicholas. Eden wanted to share her experience with Casadastraphobia. I love being able to share others’ experiences because everyone’s experience is a little bit different; even when people share the same anxiety subtype. After this, I get to answer Nicholas’ question about taking power away from the sensations that seem to be plaguing him. To learn more about Sensorimotor OCD and Hyperawareness OCD, check out this post from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center [https://calocd.com/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/hyperawareness-sensorimotor-ocd-orange-county/]

[https://i0.wp.com/fearcastpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/FearCast-Podcast-Episode-46.png?resize=900%2C900&ssl=1] Katie reached out ask me a simple question about how to pursue Exposure and Response Prevention when she cannot habituate to anxiety after she has had a resurgence of a fungus growing in her fingernails, and now toenails! She’s been through treatment, including IOP, but now is struggling to figure out what to do now that her anxiety is back! Finally, a contamination adjacent question!! I discuss some options Katie could consider from an ERP model, as well as the Mastery Model. It’s a real therapeutic model party on the FearCast today. Get excited!

[https://i0.wp.com/fearcastpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FearCast-Podcast-Episode-45-1.png?resize=900%2C900&ssl=1] Phil messaged me to ask a simple question; what can he do to fight the inner fight of SO-OCD? He comments that he is in a relationship but constantly gets unwanted, intrusive thoughts telling him to “come out” or otherwise twisting completely neutral thoughts into something he does not want. So, what can he do? He’s doing exposures, but finds that in general he is uncomfortable around gay men. Does that mean something? I offer some tips on how to deal with taboo obsessions, how to apply radical acceptance, and how to use various types of exposures to deal with the obsessions. To learn more about Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD), check out this article from The California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center [https://calocd.com/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/sexual-orientation-ocd/]