Podcast Summary: Get to Know OCD – "What I Wish I Knew Before Treating OCD"

Host: Dr. Patrick McGrath (NOCD Chief Clinical Officer)
Guest: Sonia Keith (Life Changer Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
Date: February 15, 2026

Overview

In this special episode, Dr. Patrick McGrath interviews Sonia Keith, a leading therapist at NOCD who transitioned from minimal OCD knowledge to achieving the status of "Life Changer Therapist." Together, they discuss Sonia’s professional journey, what sets NOCD’s culture and training apart, and advice for clinicians considering a career shift into specialized OCD treatment with NOCD. The episode aims to demystify the therapist experience at NOCD, showcase the transformative approach to OCD care, and encourage others to thoughtfully consider a clinical career in this space.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Sonia's Path to NOCD and Initial Experiences

• [01:51] Sonia’s Background: Sonia is a licensed clinical social worker in California and Arizona, involved in teaching and as a mom.
• Came to NOCD after a friend's recommendation—was initially bored, but quickly became "full tilt ahead" after joining.
• Quote:
  "Once I got here, it was more than I expected, and it's been really one of the most rewarding career choices that I've made." — Sonia [01:51]

2. What Makes NOCD Different for Therapists

• [03:19] NOCD invests deeply in therapists’ personal interests, offering choice in continuing education and peer support.
• Slack channels and team relationships foster ongoing clinical dialogue, professional growth, and community.
• Quote:
  "I've never worked in a place where who I was as a person and my interest really kind of drove the car..." — Sonia [03:19]
• [05:04] Therapists’ feedback quickly reaches decision-makers, sometimes bringing about real-time changes within sessions.

3. Tools, Resources & Training at NOCD

• [07:46] Therapists have access to structured resources, slides, and psychoeducation materials—so they’re not isolated or left to improvise alone.
• [09:17] Sonia started with minimal OCD knowledge—"thirteen slides" in grad school—but NOCD’s comprehensive training changed this.
• She’s now educating others, multiplying awareness and competence around OCD in her teaching roles.
• Quote:
  "It's a different way of thinking about therapy altogether. Let's broaden some minds." — Sonia [09:41]

4. The Life Changer Therapist Program

• [10:47] Sonia achieved "Life Changer" status due to strong clinical outcomes—enabled by visible, actionable performance metrics.
• [14:00] As recognition, Sonia and other top clinicians were invited to Cabo San Lucas for connection, reflection, and strategic meetings with leadership.
• Quote:
  "Just being able to relax and be treated not just as an employee, but as a whole person from that holistic point of view—it was completely refreshing." — Sonia [14:00]
• Being recognized and rewarded for excellence was "completely unexpected" and highly motivating.

5. Workplace Culture & Support

• [16:47] NOCD’s culture is characterized by open communication, easily accessible leadership, and a vibrant remote community.
• Ongoing "egoless questioning," fostering vulnerability and learning rather than punitive review.
• [18:10] Work/life integration is encouraged—therapists control their schedules, can flex time for personal needs, and are supported in health and wellness.
• Quote:
  "You are as enmeshed in the community as you choose to be." — Sonia [18:10]

6. Professional Growth & Healthy Work Standards

• [22:04] Transparent, real-time performance metrics motivate ongoing clinician improvement—without punitive measures.
• Audit and learning are approached as growth opportunities, not disciplinary actions.

7. Impact on Clients and Personal Life

• [27:50] Sonia’s goals for her clients:
  • Empower clients to live full lives free from the disabling grip of OCD
  • Understand the difference between feelings and facts
  • Build resilience in the face of discomfort
  • Quote:
    "I want members to be able to live their lives without constantly being haunted by their own fears..." — Sonia [27:50]
• [30:01] Learning and practicing ERP has impacted Sonia’s family life—she now parents with greater courage and models psychological resilience for her children.

8. Advice to Clinicians Considering NOCD

• [24:58] Recommended to "do a little research on what OCD is and then live dangerously and apply."
• NOCD offers a rare mix of innovation, community, and personal fit, making it a fulfilling place to build a career.
• Quote:
  "Like yourself enough to want to work for a company that while it's rapidly growing, still feels very small, still feels very personal and try it out." — Sonia [24:58]
• [25:46] On her happiness at NOCD:
  "I'm so happy I did all the time. I have this conversation daily, whether it's with family members or students..."

9. Final Reflections

• [32:13] Parting Advice:
  "Be brave and try something new. You may just find that you really love it." — Sonia [32:13]
• Dr. McGrath summarizes NOCD’s mission: invest in therapists to deliver life-changing care and restore hope for people with OCD.

Memorable Quotes with Timestamps

• "I've never worked in a place where who I was as a person and my interest really kind of drove the car and the way that I deliver treatment." — Sonia [03:19]
• "No one's ever had that kind of dynamic relationship with me before, where my opinion as a line worker affected the way things happen up the chain..." — Sonia [05:04]
• "It's a different way of thinking about therapy altogether. Let's broaden some minds. And it has been so helpful." — Sonia [09:41]
• "All goals have to be measurable, observable, achievable." — Sonia [11:59]
• "Just being able to relax and be treated not just as an employee, but as a whole person from that holistic point of view—it was completely refreshing." — Sonia [14:00]
• "You are as enmeshed in the community as you choose to be." — Sonia [18:10]
• "Like yourself enough to want to work for a company that while it's rapidly growing, still feels very small, still feels very personal and try it out." — Sonia [24:58]
• "I want members to be able to live their lives without constantly being haunted by their own fears..." — Sonia [27:50]
• "Be brave and try something new. You may just find that you really love it." — Sonia [32:13]

Key Timestamps

• [01:51] Sonia's background and path to NOCD
• [03:19] NOCD’s therapist-centric culture
• [05:04] Feedback-driven innovation at NOCD
• [07:46] Tools and clinical resources for therapists
• [09:17] Sonia’s transformation in OCD knowledge
• [14:00] Life Changer Therapist recognition and trip
• [16:47] Support, supervision, and remote work culture
• [22:04] Use of performance metrics for clinician growth
• [27:50] Sonia on her clinical and personal aspirations for clients
• [30:01] ERP’s personal impact on Sonia as a parent
• [32:13] Sonia’s closing encouragement to listeners

Tone and Takeaways

The episode is candid, supportive, and inspiring—emphasizing openness, professional development, and the meaningful impact of delivering evidence-based OCD treatment. Sonia’s anecdotes, delivered with warmth and humor, give listeners an authentic glimpse into the community and opportunities at NOCD, whether considering a therapist position or simply seeking hope in the OCD treatment journey.