Shira Folberg is a force to be reckoned with! When she tweets about mental health and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in particular, people pay attention. She’s also started a personal blog about her experiences with OCD as well as a series called Faces of OCD with the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). Shira has gone through a…
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Harnessing the Power of ACT: Patricia Zurita Ona
When you talk to Patricia Zurita Ona—Dr.Z. to her patients—her passion for acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) comes through loud and clear. She has embraced this form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as a way for individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to face their fears by focusing on what they value in life. Dr. Z. is…
Read MoreMade of Millions Founder: Aaron Harvey
When Aaron Harvey was finally diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in his thirties, he was relieved to have answers but frustrated it took so long to get them. Determined to shorten the time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis, he set out to educate others about OCD, specifically intrusive thoughts. Now he’s expanded his scope…
Read MoreIncreasing Diversity in the OCD Community: Valerie Andrews
When I started speaking out about my own experience with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) several years ago, I was scared of what people might think. And while there weren’t as many outspoken advocates as there are today, the ones who were sharing their stories pretty much all looked like me! One reason Valerie Andrews became an…
Read MoreMaking Relationships Work With OCD: Genevieve Kales
Happy Monday! Help me welcome Genevieve Kales, who started advocating for OCD awareness a few years ago and has already made a huge impact on our community. You might recognize her from the documentary “Uncovering OCD: The Truth About Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder,” directed by Ethan Smith, in which she shared her experience with OCD. You played…
Read MoreAdvocating for OCD During a Crisis: Ethan Smith
Ethan Smith is one of the busiest advocates out there! We’re lucky he was able to carve out some time to talk about his latest projects and what he’s doing to offer support in this unpredictable climate. Thank you for everything you do for the OCD community, Ethan! Ethan, it’s been a while since you…
Read MoreNot Alone Notes: Morgan Rondinelli and Molly Fishback
When I was in college few things were more exciting than checking my little PO box and seeing that I’d gotten mail—a care package from my mom or a card from one of my roommates. Sure, living together meant we could just hand each other a note, but that’s not nearly as fun. Morgan Rondinelli…
Read MoreFounder of Huddle.care: Maggie Perry
Therapist Maggie Perry presented at the 2020 OCD Gamechangers, and it’s easy to see why: With her creation of Huddle.care, an innovative online therapy program, she is helping change the way individuals with OCD and anxiety get treatment. Feelings of isolation and shame don’t stand a chance against support from a therapist and peers who…
Read MoreTreating OCD Outside the Box: Christopher Schoenstedt
Today we’re getting insight from Christopher Schoenstedt, MA, an OCD therapist with a practice in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota. (Currently, due to COVID-19, he’s only doing teletherapy.) Thank you, Christopher! How long have you treated OCD? I have treated OCD in different capacities for around five years. What led you to focus on anxiety, OCD, and panic?…
Read MoreDrawing on Strength to Face OCD: Thomas Smalley
Thomas Smalley was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in high school, and it wasn’t long before he was spreading awareness of the disorder: He spoke about it at Yale when he was only 16! Thomas found purpose in his pain and has helped combat stigma and educate others about OCD. Learn more about his journey,…
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