“What happens in OCD systems, most of the time is that managers recruit firefighters. They're going to escalate the alarm until the firefighter fixes the potential of something or remediates what happened.”

Disclaimer: This episode explores sensitive topics related to OCD and sexuality. Listener discretion is advised.

This episode explores the intersection of OCD and sexuality, examining how obsessive-compulsive tendencies can impact sexual intimacy and relationships. Guest Melissa Mose, a certified IFS therapist and OCD specialist, discusses her approach to treating these conditions with an integration of evidence-based practices and internal family systems (IFS). She shares her personal journey as a parent of a child with OCD and elaborates on the complexities of OCD, including its various forms like contamination, harm, and sexual orientation OCD. Mose emphasizes the importance of addressing both the obsessive and compulsive parts without reinforcing their patterns. She also touches upon the neurobiological and potential traumatic bases of OCD, while highlighting the significant impact OCD can have on relationships and intimacy. Mose concludes by recommending exposure and response prevention (ERP) as an effective treatment and discusses her ongoing projects aimed at supporting those with OCD.

Connect with Melissa:

Website: https://www.melissamosemft.com/

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