Learn OCD

Natasha Moharter, LPCC | OCD Specialist

Welcome to Learn OCD, a resource by OCD.xyz focused on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Hosted by Natasha Moharter—a licensed, nationally certified counselor and OCD specialist—we cover what OCD is, what it isn't, and effective treatment strategies. Whether you live with OCD, support a loved one, or want to expand your clinical expertise, you'll find relevant insights here. What We Offer: - Educational Episodes: Clear breakdowns of symptoms, misconceptions, and evidence-based care concepts. - Continuing Education: Earn NBCC-approved CE hours on select episodes. Visit ocd.xyz/podcast to learn more. Content is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice, consultation, or supervision. OCD.xyz has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 8051. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. OCD.xyz is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Episodes

  1. Sep 1

    Ego-Dystonic vs. Ego-Syntonic Thoughts: A Key Clue in Differentiating OCD

    Ego-Dystonic vs. Ego-Syntonic Thoughts: A Key Clue in Differentiating OCDWhy do intrusive thoughts feel so terrifying? In this episode of Learn OCD, host Natasha Moharter, LPC, explores the core mechanism that drives OCD obsessions: ego-dystonic thoughts. Discover why OCD targets what you value most, how thought-action fusion escalates distress, and why understanding the function of a behavior—rather than just the action itself—is the key to identifying compulsions. Key TakeawaysEgo-Dystonic vs. Ego-Syntonic:Ego-Dystonic: Thoughts, urges, or images that feel out of character, clash with your identity/values, and trigger internal alarm, distress, or shame.Ego-Syntonic: Thoughts or behaviors that feel natural, aligned with your values, and comfortable.The "Universal" Nature of Intrusive Thoughts: Research shows that people with and without OCD experience nearly identical intrusive thoughts. What differentiates OCD is not the content of the thought, but how the brain appraises it.Thought-Action Fusion: The cognitive distortion where the brain interprets thinking something as moral or practical equivalent to doing it.The OCD Cycle: Intrusive Thought → Dystonic Appraisal → Distress → Compulsion → Temporary Relief → Reinforcement.Function Over Form: Two identical behaviors (e.g., spending hours researching health conditions) can be entirely different clinically. One may be value-aligned advocacy (ego-syntonic), while the other is a compulsion driven by an attempt to neutralize distress (ego-dystonic). This podcast episode is eligible for 0.25 CE Hour approved by the NBCC. Go to ocd.xyz/podcast to learn more. OCD.xyz has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 8051. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. OCD.xyz is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

About

Welcome to Learn OCD, a resource by OCD.xyz focused on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Hosted by Natasha Moharter—a licensed, nationally certified counselor and OCD specialist—we cover what OCD is, what it isn't, and effective treatment strategies. Whether you live with OCD, support a loved one, or want to expand your clinical expertise, you'll find relevant insights here. What We Offer: - Educational Episodes: Clear breakdowns of symptoms, misconceptions, and evidence-based care concepts. - Continuing Education: Earn NBCC-approved CE hours on select episodes. Visit ocd.xyz/podcast to learn more. Content is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice, consultation, or supervision. OCD.xyz has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 8051. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. OCD.xyz is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.