If you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or a related disorder, you’ve probably heard how helpful it can be to see a therapist trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), particularly exposure and response prevention (ERP). But what about working with a therapist and your partner so you can take your treatment even further at home—and work…
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Relying on Community: Hannah Zidansek
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) itself is serious, but that doesn’t mean spreading awareness and clearing up misconceptions about it has to be. Enter Hannah Zidansek, who manages to explain what OCD is really like with humor and a skill I don’t have myself—making videos people actually want to watch. Hannah is an advocate for the International…
Read MoreVirtual Therapy for OCD: Allison Solomon
This has been the year of virtual everything: happy hours and weddings, work and school, and, of course, therapy. Many therapists had to unexpectedly make a switch to 100 percent virtual sessions, but Allison Solomon has been offering virtual care for several years. Always wondered if virtual therapy was right for you? Read on to…
Read MoreHelping Clients Face Their Fears: Jayme Kolbo
Let’s welcome OCD therapist Jayme Kolbo today! Her insight can help us all, but Minnesotans—particularly Twin Cities residents—might be especially interested in learning more about her. Jayme recently co-founded OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center of Minnesota. Access to proper, evidence-based treatment is so important, and I am always thrilled when our roster of qualified therapists…
Read MoreClimbing Up From Rock Bottom: Chris Trondsen
At my first International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) conference several years ago, I attended a panel moderated by this hilarious guy, Chris Trondsen. I saw him running around the venue that weekend and at every conference I went to after that, and I finally met him this year! Before everything shut down due to COVID-19 we…
Read MoreLaughing Despite, and About, OCD: Neil Hemmer
Neil Hemmer is one of those old young people, already wise at 25. He’ll say something so poetic and profound it brings a tear to your eye and you suddenly feel less alone. And then he’ll tell a long story about pooping and the tears in your eyes are from laughing so hard. Like many…
Read MoreAdvocating for OCD on Twitter: Shira Folberg
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…
Read MoreHarnessing 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 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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