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

Dr Celin Gelgec and Dr Victoria Miller
  • 4.9 (29)
  • 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. 15 DEC

    Understanding Parental Accommodation in OCD: Breaking the Cycle

    In this insightful episode, we explore the concept of parental accommodation — the well-intentioned ways family members and loved ones may unknowingly reinforce OCD behaviours. Drawing from the research of Professor Eli Liebowitz (Yale) and real-world clinical experience, the hosts unpack how accommodation develops, why it’s so hard to stop, and how families can begin to make meaningful change. From checking, reassuring, or adapting routines “just to keep the peace,” to facing meltdowns, fear, or guilt when setting limits — this conversation goes deep into what it means to hold boundaries with compassion. You’ll hear about ERP therapy, the SPACE model, and practical ways clinicians and parents can work together to reduce accommodation and empower recovery. 💬 Key themes: • What “parental accommodation” means and how it maintains OCD • Why well-meaning reassurance can make symptoms stronger • The difference between anxiety disorders and OCD • Supporting children, teens, and adults through distress safely • Helping parents tolerate their own emotions and model resilience • How reducing accommodation can rebuild connection and trust in families • Managing clinician fears around self-harm threats and safety planning 🔖 Chapters 00:00 Introducing the topic: Parental Accommodation and OCD 02:00 What it means to accommodate and why we do it 05:00 How everyday reassurance turns into OCD reinforcement 08:00 Fear, meltdowns, and why it’s hard for families to stop accommodating 11:00 Emotions, modelling, and learning to tolerate discomfort 14:00 The SPACE model and clinician guidance 17:00 Working with parental fear and client safety 21:00 Reducing accommodation step-by-step 25:00 Supporting families when clients resist change 26:40 Why it works — even if the client isn’t in therapy #OCD #ERP #ParentalAccommodation #MentalHealthPodcast #TherapyTalk #FamilyTherapy #SPACEModel #OCDRecovery #ClinicianSupport #ParentingAndMentalHealth #EmotionalRegulation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    27 min

  2. 1 DEC

    Perinatal Mental Health and OCD

    The perinatal period is one of the most vulnerable—and transformative—times in a parent’s life. In this episode, we explore the challenges of perinatal mental health, with a particular focus on OCD and how intrusive thoughts can impact new parents during this stage. Our speakers discuss the role of psychoeducation, the importance of therapeutic trust, and how clinicians can best support parents navigating overwhelming thoughts and fears. We also examine the value of bringing babies into therapy, collaborative care, and the crucial reminder that intrusive thoughts do not define someone’s ability to be a loving, capable parent. 💬 Key themes: Why the perinatal period heightens vulnerabilityThe role of OCD and intrusive thoughts in early parentingUsing psychoeducation to normalize and reduce shameBuilding rapport so clients feel safe to share difficult thoughtsThe potential benefits of including babies in therapy sessionsCollaborative care and supporting parents holistically 🔖 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Perinatal Mental Health and OCD 02:50 Understanding Vulnerability in the Perinatal Period 05:47 Therapeutic Approaches for Clinicians 08:47 The Importance of Psychoeducation 11:45 Building Rapport and Trust with Clients 14:50 Managing Intrusive Thoughts in Therapy 17:49 Collaborative Care and Support Systems 20:51 Incorporating Babies in Therapy Sessions 23:45 Creating a Supportive Environment for New Parents #PerinatalMentalHealth #OCD #IntrusiveThoughts #NewParents #MaternalHealth #TherapyTalk #ParentingSupport #MentalHealthAwareness #Psychoeducation #ClinicianSupport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min

  3. 17 NOV

    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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (66)

4.9
out of 5
29 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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