In this warm and deeply informative episode, I share a conversation with Clinical Psychologist Dr David Cooper, an OCD specialist, researcher and adjunct lecturer at UNSW, to unpack what OCD really is — beyond the stereotypes of neatness, order, and perfectionism.

Together, we explore the many ways OCD can show up, why intrusive thoughts feel so distressing, and how shame often stops people from seeking help.

I also share my own experience living with OCD — the shame, the internal battles, and the exhaustion of compulsions that can unfold in a split second.

Dr Cooper explains:
• What OCD actually is
• Why intrusive thoughts feel so real and emotionally overwhelming
• The many forms OCD can take — including harm OCD, existential, moral, relationship and taboo thoughts
• Common and misunderstood OCD presentations
• How shame and secrecy keep OCD stuck
• The evidence-based treatments that genuinely help, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
• Practical ways to seek the right support

Whether you live with OCD, love someone who does, or simply want to better understand this complex and widely misunderstood condition, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and hope.

Bio

Dr David Cooper is a clinical psychologist and adjunct lecturer at the University of New South Wales. His clinical work focuses on helping people with obsessive-compulsive disorder and other life problems that keep repeating. He is involved in scientific research on how we can improve treatment for OCD and he maintains an online directory to help people in Australia connect with clinicians who have expertise in OCD. He works in private practice in Kiama, on the south coast of NSW.

Links mentioned during the episode:

https://ocd.org.au/directory

https://iocdf.org

https://soocd.com.au

Link to Paper published by Gayle Maloney:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2025.104878

Maloney G, Arntz A, Pittenger C. The imagery rescripting protocol for obsessive-compulsive disorder (ImRs-OCD): A decade of iterative refinement in treatment sequencing following ERP. Behav Res Ther. 2025 Dec;195:104878. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2025.104878. Epub 2025 Oct 2. PMID: 41092684.

Keywords: OCD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, OCD symptoms, intrusive thoughts, compulsions, ERP therapy, Exposure and Respon

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Thanks so much for listening,

Cass x

Disclaimer:

The information provided on the Mind Your Being Podcast is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The content shared on this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.

Reliance on any information provided by the Mind Your Being Podcast, its hosts, guests, or others appearing on the podcast is solely at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast creators or hosts.

In this short solo episode, Cass offers a calming guided meditation to support the awareness practice explored in The Mindful Midlife Series (Episodes 13, 14 & 15).

This meditation is based on the classic ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) technique Leaves on a Stream — not Cass’s creation, but her gentle take on the well-loved practice. Through simple visualization, you’ll learn to observe your thoughts without getting caught up in them.

A soothing technique that supports mindfulness, emotional regulation, and soothing an overthinking mind to help you reconnect with a sense of calm.

Perfect for a quick reset or a mindful moment during a busy day.

Take a breath, settle in, and let’s begin.

https://mindyourbeing.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/mindyourbeingpodcast/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574785410170#

https://x.com/mind_yourbeing

https://www.youtube.com/@MindYourBeingPodcast

Thanks so much for listening,

Cass x

Disclaimer:

The information provided on the Mind Your Being Podcast is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The content shared on this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.

Reliance on any information provided by the Mind Your Being Podcast, its hosts, guests, or others appearing on the podcast is solely at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast creators or hosts.

In Part 3 of the Mindful Midlife Series, we take the insights from the last two episodes even deeper. You’ll learn how self-compassion, mindful breathing, and gentle awareness practices can help you loosen the grip of negative thoughts, calm your nervous system, and let go of perfection.

Midlife is often full of competing demands, shifting identities, and rising pressure — but it can also be a powerful time to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters.

Join Cass for a grounding, practical episode filled with simple tools you can use anytime to feel more balanced, more present, and more supported within yourself.

A beautiful listen for anyone wanting more clarity, calm, and compassion in their midlife chapter.

Dr Kristin Neff's Self-Compassion Website:

https://self-compassion.org/the-research/

https://mindyourbeing.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/mindyourbeingpodcast/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574785410170#

https://x.com/mind_yourbeing

https://www.youtube.com/@MindYourBeingPodcast

Thanks so much for listening,

Cass x

Disclaimer:

The information provided on the Mind Your Being Podcast is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The content shared on this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.

Reliance on any information provided by the Mind Your Being Podcast, its hosts, guests, or others appearing on the podcast is solely at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast creators or hosts.