Why the mask made sense, and how I learned to live without it

In today's episode, Chrissie talks about the many scenarios we may not even realize we are wearing a mask, but yet we still feel the toll of it, whether that be with shame, feeling dismissed, or feeling unseen.

This episode is about storytelling the different times in life where OCD wasn't necessarily the driver, but definitely was controlling the GPS of how I felt like I was showing up in life, and still needing to hide. Learning how to connect and live by our values outside of our experience with OCD can feel conflicting at times, especially when stigma, shame and fear are present. Chrissie talks today about when the particular values of authenticity began to rear it's head, but was silenced many times by the mask. What had to happen in her life for her to finally embrace it? Listen to this episode to find out!

If you are moved, inspired, or feel connected to this podcast, please consider pledging monthly or sponsoring us at our Patreon page at www.patreon.com/intrusivethoughtsunmasked . Your contribution will help us keep these stories and other areas of connection available to those who are feeling alone, isolated and wanting more opportunities to connect! Anything helps us, so please consider donating today!

If you are looking for community connection with weekly support, monthly classes and events, and individuals who just get it - check out my online community at https://the-ocd-support-community.mn.co

And remember, when you're here, you don't have to wear the mask! We want you to feel seen, understood, and accepted...just as you are.

Acceptance can be both freeing and challenging, especially when living with OCD. There are many misconceptions around what it means, not only in our personal lives, but how it integrates into our lives on the recovery journey.

Today on Intrusive Thoughts Unmasked, four guests explore what acceptance means to them and some key factors in how they have gotten where they are today in that relationship of accepting themselves and who they are with OCD.

I hope this episode helps support you wherever you are in your life with OCD.

Please consider supporting this podcast either with a monthly pledge or as a sponsor. We have different tiers of support on our Patreon page where you can contribute what fits your life. Check it out at www.patreon.com/intrusivethoughtsunmasked

If you are looking for support or connection with others who just get it, join my online community where we have individuals from all around the world in different stages of recovery! We have weekly support groups and one on one sessions with certified peer support specialists. We also have classes on OCD recovery and psychoeducation and monthly events with therapists and advocates. Our monthly subscription is $35 and you can join whenever you need the extra support!

Https:the-ocd-support-community.mn.co

I hope you enjoy the show - and remember that here, you can take the mask off and we want you to feel seen, understood, and accepted exactly as you are.

In episode 3, we introduce a regular contributor, and one who is very well known throughout the world in the OCD community, Dr. Steven Phillipson.

Steve is the founder of The Center for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy in New York City, New York. He is the author of many articles bringing awareness to individuals living with intrusions with mental rituals which describes the community name that he coined 'Pure O /Pure OCD'.

In this episode, we have no agenda - which is just like our normal conversations! And the discussion took us in the directions of a few misunderstandings about OCD and OCD treatment, the role of distress tolerance, how emotions play a role in our OCD experience, and of course the controversy around the term Pure O.

Steve was my therapist 28 years ago when I had struggled with debilitating OCD for over 12 years. I found his website on AOL dialup! I emailed him and we began sessions doing Exposure Response Prevention therapy over the phone within a week of making contact. I will forever be grateful for his understanding, compassion, and guidance in my journey toward symptom recovery. I knew immediately Steve really cares about his patients and his desire to do what he can to help them find relief from the crippling symptoms of OCD. I reconnected with Steve many years ago, inviting him to speak at one of my nonprofit - OCD Gamechangers - events in Denver, Colorado. It was full circle for me to stand on the stage and present with this incredible therapist who has helped me shape the life I have now. I am honored to have him as a regular contributor on this podcast through 2026.

I hope you enjoy the discussion we have. If you are interested in contacting Steve and his center, please visit www.ocdonline.com or reach out to him at ocdzone@aol.com (literally the same email he had in 1998 haha!)

If this podcast speaks to you, helps you feel less alone, and helps you to finally take off that mask you have to wear to hide OCD from the world, please consider supporting or sponsoring the podcast through our Patreon account! Find out more about what you can receive as a supporter and how you will help ensure we continue producing these incredible episodes at www.patreon.com/intrusivethoughtsunmasked.com

If you are in need of a supportive community that provides connection and assurance you are not alone in your journey, please check out my online community of international members! We have weekly support groups, weekly peer support by certified peer support specialists, and events and educational and recovery classes monthly. Get your monthly subscription today at https://the-ocd-support-community.mn.co