Ep. 27 A Conversation About OCD with Alegra Kastens

Alegra is a licensed marriage and family therapist, a feminist, OCD advocate, writer, and Founder of the Center for OCD, Anxiety, and Eating Disorders. Apart from her experience with OCD in clinical settings, Alegra also has a lived experience of the disorder.   Hey everyone! Welcome to today’s episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today’s episode, I’m joined by Alegra Kastens to talk about OCD, the misconceptions surrounding OCD, and some common obsessions and compulsions. Alegra also talks about treatments for OCD, how to get an accurate diagnosis, and recognizing mental compulsions as compulsions. Let’s delve in!   In this Episode You’ll Learn: [01:20] A bit about Alegra. [02:47] What is OCD? [05:47] How OCD shows up relationally. [07:08] Common obsessions or compulsions. [09:21] Unwanted thoughts or obsessions? [10:33] Relationship OCD. [12:30] Obsessive thoughts without OCD. [13:29] Meta note: finding a therapist that specializes in a diagnosis. [18:54] How and why is OCD misrepresented? [23:56] Exposure and response prevention. [26:51] Mindfulness skills training. [28:46] DBT for treating OCD? [31:27] Best practices to get an accurate diagnosis. [34:23] Is medication a helpful tool? [36:10] Mental compulsions.   Quotes: “So many people suffer in silence not knowing that what they’re experiencing is OCD because it’s so misunderstood.” [02:06] “Everybody from time to time does get an unwanted and intrusive thought, but you’re able to move on from it easily. A person with OCD cannot.” [09:44] “With OCD, you would see the presence of both obsessions and compulsions.” [13:05] “It is a big deal because people die not knowing that what they’re experiencing is OCD.” [23:34] “People with OCD tend to feel a ton of distress in response to the obsession.” [28:26] “Interrogate the sh*t out of the therapist that you’re going to see.” [31:57] “Mental compulsions are compulsions.” [36:24] “Mental compulsions are just as compulsive and need to be treated.” [36:47]   Connect with Alegra Kastens Website:            alegrakastens.com. Instagram:          @obsessivelyeverafter. LinkedIn:            Alegra Kastens.     Connect with Rachel Wright Website:            https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram:          @thewright_rachel Twitter:              @thewrightrachel   Resources International OCD Foundation.     WIN A FREE INTIMACY AFTER DARK DECK!   Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel   Get your Zumio Discount!   Call to Action Please if you love this episode, and know someone else who is a passionate soul on a mission just like you share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow please leave an iTunes review and don’t forget to subscribe.