Breaking the Rules: A Clinician's Guide to Treating OCD

Dr Celin Gelgec and Dr Victoria Miller
  • 4.9 (28)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY

Breaking the Rules is a show for mental health professionals designed to help you build confidence in treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Effective treatment of OCD requires commitment, creativity and the recognition that things can sometimes get a little … messy. And on the show, you’ll hear from a range of leading professionals and learn everything there is to know about OCD and other related mental health concerns. This podcast is brought to you by Melbourne Wellbeing Group, a psychology practice based in Melbourne with a special focus on treating OCD. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 8 HRS AGO

    The Challenges of Clinical Practice

    This honest and reflective episode takes listeners inside the therapy room—where clinical learnings, vulnerability, and growth unfold in real time. Ms Catherine McGrath (Clinical Team Lead and Senior Psychologist) sharea hard-earned lessons from working with OCD clients using ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention), and open up about the emotional toll, missed opportunities, and the courage it takes to keep learning. From the power of self-compassion to the importance of holding space and involving parents in the therapeutic process, this conversation is a valuable reminder that clinicians don’t need to be perfect to be effective—they just need to keep showing up. 💬 You’ll hear about: The real struggles clinicians face in ERP therapyWhy reflecting on mistakes leads to better outcomesHow client emotions are best met with presence, not perfectionThe impact of including parents in treatment plansWhy being kind to yourself is not optional—it's essential  🔖 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Clinical Learnings 02:59 The Courage to Learn ERP 05:57 Missed Opportunities in Therapy 08:57 The Importance of Holding Space 11:47 Navigating Client Emotions 15:12 Involving Parents in Therapy 17:42 Reflecting on Hard Lessons 21:01 Self-Compassion in Clinical Practice 23:47 Summary and Closing Thoughts #ClinicalPractice #TherapyTalk #MentalHealthMatters #OCDTherapy #ERP #SelfCompassion #TherapistReflections #ClientEmotions #InvolvingParents #TherapyPodcast #MentalHealthProfessionals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    26 min

  2. 3 NOV

    Unpacking Meta OCD: A Deep Dive

    In this episode, we explore the often misunderstood world of Meta OCD—a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder where the obsession becomes the diagnosis itself. Clients plagued by questions like "Do I really have OCD?" or "Is this the right treatment?" can become trapped in a mental loop that stalls progress and fuels perfectionism, self-doubt, and avoidance. We discuss how Meta OCD complicates therapy, disrupts client engagement, and challenges traditional treatment methods. From moral scrupulosity to obsessive intellectualization, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone working in mental health, or for those navigating OCD themselves. 💬 Key insights: What is Meta OCD and how does it differ from other forms?How perfectionism and compulsions manifest in subtle waysWhy traditional OCD treatments may fall short for these clientsThe double-edged sword of reassurance in therapyHow to foster self-worth and celebrate small wins 🔖 Chapters 00:00 Understanding Meta OCD 02:31 Defining Meta OCD and Its Implications 04:57 The Impact of Meta OCD on Treatment 07:59 Navigating Client Engagement and Reassurance 10:14 Perfectionism and Its Role in Meta OCD 12:24 The Challenge of Self-Identification 15:51 Recognizing and Addressing Meta OCD in Therapy 22:02 The Limitations of Manualized Treatments #MetaOCD #OCDRecovery #MentalHealthPodcast #TherapyTalk #Perfectionism #MentalHealthMatters #TherapistTools #ClientEngagement #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #Scrupulosity #TherapyTechniques Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    24 min

  3. 20 OCT

    Navigating the Complexities of Health Anxiety and OCD

    In this insightful episode, we explore the tangled web of health anxiety, OCD, and death anxiety, unpacking how these psychological disorders often overlap and feed into each other. From obsessive thought patterns and compulsions to the deep-rooted fear of mortality, our speakers dive deep into the inner workings of anxiety disorders and what makes treatment so complex—and so crucial. 💬 We discuss: The blurred lines between health anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorderHow death anxiety often lies beneath our fear of illnessWhy reassurance-seeking can trap us in cycles of fearCoping strategies and evidence-based treatment approachesHow therapists can help clients rediscover meaning beyond their mental health challenges Whether you’re a clinician, someone living with anxiety, or simply curious about the human mind—this conversation will challenge your understanding and offer a fresh perspective on mental wellness. 🔖 Chapters 00:00 Understanding Health Anxiety and OCD 06:01 The Intersection of Health Anxiety and Death Anxiety 12:03 The Complexity of Health Anxiety and OCD 18:43 Treatment Approaches for Health Anxiety and OCD 24:22 Living Beyond Anxiety: Finding Meaning in Life #HealthAnxiety #OCD #MentalHealthMatters #TherapyTalk #AnxietyTreatment #DeathAnxiety #CopingWithAnxiety #IntrusiveThoughts #MentalWellness #PsychologicalDisorders #AnxietyAwareness #MeaningBeyondAnxiety Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    26 min

  4. 6 OCT

    The Complexities of ERP Therapy

    In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—the gold standard treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)—through a clinical and ethical lens. We unpack the delicate balance between challenging clients and protecting their autonomy, exploring how therapeutic trust, client consent, and collaborative exposure tasks shape the success of ERP. This conversation asks the tough questions: How far is too far in exposure therapy? And what happens when fear is no longer the enemy, but the doorway to healing? 💬 Key themes: The role of informed consent in exposure therapyBuilding trust and safety in the therapeutic relationshipUnderstanding OCD beyond the symptomsWhy a collaborative approach is more effective than a prescriptive oneRecognizing when a therapist's anxiety enters the room too 🔖 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to ERP and Client Concerns 02:46 Understanding OCD and Its Impact 05:53 The Role of Trust in Therapy 08:53 Navigating Exposure Tasks Collaboratively 11:51 Ethics of Exposure Therapy 14:54 Client Consent and Collaboration 17:38 Managing Anxiety During Exposure 20:45 The Importance of Client Agency 23:44 Conclusion and Key Takeaways #ERP #OCDTreatment #ExposureTherapy #TherapyEthics #ClientConsent #MentalHealth #TherapyPodcast #TherapeuticTrust #CollaborativeCare #AnxietySupport #OCDRecovery #EthicalTherapy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min

  5. 23 JUNE

    The dangers of suicidal OCD and how to recognise it

    With suicide remaining a leading cause of death for people aged between 15-44 in Australia, clinicians in the OCD space need to ask the question: How do we differentiate between suicidal ideation and obsessive intrusive suicidal thoughts? In this episode, we discuss how to work with a client when they come to you with suicidal thoughts, why it is critical to take all mentions of suicide seriously, and how to determine whether a person with OCD is presenting with suicidal ideation consistent with wishes to die or whether it's intrusive suicidal OCD. This episode contains discussions about suicide. If you find this episode distressing and would like more support, please seek help from your local healthcare provider. If you're in Australia, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 at any time.   Resources and links: Lifeline website Webinars, books, and training by Melbourne Wellbeing Group OCD training workshops by Dr Celin Gelgec OCD focused supervision for healthcare professionals with Dr Celin Gelgec   Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    26 min

  6. 9 JUNE

    How “skinny-tok” is feeding eating disorder content to teenagers

    Felicity Phillips is the Founder of Weight of the World, a community-driven organisation supporting people with eating disorders and their carers through recovery. Weight of the World aims to provide peer support and education while challenging diet culture and promoting body neutrality. In this episode, Felicity shares her personal journey from pre-professional ballet to developing an eating disorder and ultimately finding recovery, explains the alarming rise of "skinny talk" on social media and how algorithms target vulnerable users within seconds, and reveals the powerful parallels between eating disorders and addiction that challenge common misconceptions about these complex mental health conditions.   Resources and links: Weight of the World: A High Tea for ED Healing & Hope tickets Webinars, books, and training by Melbourne Wellbeing Group OCD training workshops by Dr Celin Gelgec OCD focused supervision for healthcare professionals with Dr Celin Gelgec   Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min

  7. 26 MAY

    Is it ROCD or is there a real problem in the relationship?

    It's normal to have doubts and questions about our relationships sometimes. Am I in love with my partner? Am I spending enough time with my parents? Are my friends mad at me? But what happens when those normal, passing concerns turn into an obsession? In this episode, we explain the difference between ordinary relationship concerns and relationship OCD (ROCD), how to identify when ROCD is showing up, and what the next steps are for helping clients manage it.   Resources and links: Webinars, books, and training by Melbourne Wellbeing Group OCD training workshops by Dr Celin Gelgec OCD focused supervision for healthcare professionals with Dr Celin Gelgec   Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min

  8. 12 MAY

    Supporting new parents with OCD

    This is the final part of our two-part chat with Dr Bianca Mastromanno. In the last episode, Bianca discussed how she works with parents to process their childhood experiences and help them navigate parenthood themselves. In this episode, Bianca opens up about her personal experiences with parenting anxiety, digs into the challenges faced by parents with OCD, the impact of OCD on early parenthood, and how clinicians can support parents during the vulnerable early days of new parenthood.   Resources and links: ‘Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts' by Karen Kleiman ‘Matrescence' by Lucy Jones ‘The Magic Years” by Selma H. Fraiberg Dr Bianca Mastromanno's website Dr Bianca Mastromanno on Instagram Dr Bianca Mastromanno on LinkedIn Webinars, books, and training by Melbourne Wellbeing Group OCD training workshops by Dr Celin Gelgec OCD focused supervision for healthcare professionals with Dr Celin Gelgec   Connect: https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/ http://www.drcelingelgec.com.au/ This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min
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4.9
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

Breaking the Rules is a show for mental health professionals designed to help you build confidence in treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Effective treatment of OCD requires commitment, creativity and the recognition that things can sometimes get a little … messy. And on the show, you’ll hear from a range of leading professionals and learn everything there is to know about OCD and other related mental health concerns. This podcast is brought to you by Melbourne Wellbeing Group, a psychology practice based in Melbourne with a special focus on treating OCD. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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