Being Me with OCD

What People Are Saying

“A wise and compassionate model for teens and young adults who have been newly diagnosed with OCD or are considering seeking out a diagnosis . . . This would also be an ideal guide for friends and family members of those afflicted.” — Booklist

“Dotson combines her experiences with personal stories from teenagers, information on treatment, and advice on handling common situations, like dating and school. She does an excellent job balancing the personal and practical . . . A valuable addition to any collection serving teens.” — VOYA

“Every OCD sufferer (and their loved ones) should read Alison Dotson’s wonderful book, Being Me with OCD, without delay. Alison lays out the straight, unbiased facts about OCD and its treatment, along with the moving, hopeful story of her own recovery. Outstanding!” — Lee Baer, Ph.D., author of The Imp of the Mind and Getting Control

“As a therapist who specializes in OCD, I meet a lot of people who have concluded that something is terribly wrong with them. Dotson’s compassionate and well-written story of navigating this journey makes for an excellent guide through otherwise confusing territory for the newly diagnosed. I look forward to recommending it to clients.” — Jon Hershfield, MFT, psychotherapist, OCD and Anxiety Center of Greater Baltimore, and author of The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD, When a Family Member Has OCD, Everyday Mindfulness for OCD, and Overcoming Harm OCD

“Dotson shares her personal story of a lifetime struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in this honest, often-humorous title . . . By sharing her story, she aims to reassure teens with OCD that they aren’t alone and to encourage them to get help as soon as possible so that they can lead richer, fuller lives. Dotson employs an informal, conversational tone that will resonate with teens.” — School Library Journal

“This book offers young people a candid, compassionate view of an often misunderstood problem.” — Foreword Reviews

“When you read Alison’s story, it’s as if she is sitting next to you speaking to you. Her keen insight, brutal honesty, and raw courage pull back the curtains on one of the most debilitating disorders. Thanks, Alison, for reaching out to help all who are affected by this disorder. You will help many, many people.” — Shannon Shy, author of It’ll Be Okay and Hope Is on Your Side

“Being Me with OCD is a fascinating and powerful book. Dotson does a truly exceptional job of helping her readers understand the variety of ways this disorder impacts the lives of OCD individuals, and those who are close to them. Although written for teens, I think this is a wonderful resource for anyone struggling with a diagnosis.” — Sarah Eisele, Goodreads reviewer

“It’s incredibly well-written, chock full of helpful information, and—most importantly, I think—it’s like sitting down with a friend. Her comforting, empathetic voice comes through so strongly in the book that you feel like you have a friend, a cheerleader, right beside you.” — Jackie Lea Sommers, OCD blogger

“This book was truly beautiful. As someone with OCD, I found this book extremely relatable. A must read for anyone with OCD, and for anyone without it to understand what we go through every day.” — Barnes & Noble reviewer

“I think I read this at the perfect time. I had just gotten to the chapter on therapy and medication options right when I was having problems with my medication, and it helped me solve it quickly.” — Lauren Reads YA

“I’ve never before read anything that captured the terror of living with pure-o before, and just reading her tell her story makes me feel so not alone. Wow, is all I can really say about this book.” — Elizabeth, Goodreads reviewer

“Dotson’s writing is easy to read, honest, and touching. I’m amazed, really, at how openly she wrote and how freely she shared her story.” — The Airship Librarian

“I am a mental health therapist who has worked in the mental health field for 25 years. I highly recommend this book.” — Angela Street, Goodreads reviewer