#17 OCD Explained: Understanding Symptoms, Reducing Shame & Treatments That Work — with Dr David Cooper

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 supportWhether 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.BioDr 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/directoryhttps://iocdf.orghttps://soocd.com.auLink to Paper published by Gayle Maloney:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2025.104878Maloney 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 Response Prevention, anxiety disorders, mental health, OCD treatment, OCD support, OCD recovery, mental health stigma, Dr David Cooper, Mind Your Being Podcast https://mindyourbeing.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/mindyourbeingpodcast/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574785410170#https://x.com/mind_yourbeinghttps://www.youtube.com/@MindYourBeingPodcastThanks so much for listening,Cass xDisclaimer: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.