OCD Family Podcast – S3E146

Title: Water Cooler Chat: The ONE Family Support Lesson That Changed Everything (3 Years Later)
Host: Nicole Morris, LMFT
Date: August 8, 2025

Episode Overview

In this special "Water Cooler Chat" episode, host Nicole Morris (LMFT) celebrates three years of the OCD Family Podcast by reflecting on the most transformative lesson learned about supporting a loved one with OCD: "Support doesn't mean solving." Nicole shares the impact of this principle on families and relationships, underscores the power of community sharing, and previews upcoming episodes as the podcast transitions from summer shorts back to its long-form format.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reflections on Three Years ([00:29])

• Nicole welcomes listeners—both newcomers and long-timers—expressing gratitude for the community built over three years.
  • Quote: “Whether you've been here since day one or you just found us, I'm so grateful that you're a part of this family.” – Nicole Morris [00:29]

2. The Fundamental Support Lesson: Support ≠ Solving ([01:05])

• Core Message: The instinct to "fix" things for loved ones with OCD is natural, but true support means "standing with, listening and sometimes just holding space for the tough days."
• This shift leads to healthier family relationships, empowers loved ones ("warriors"), and alleviates undue pressure from family members themselves.
  • Quote: “Support doesn't mean solving, it means standing with, listening and sometimes just holding space for the tough days. That shift from trying to fix to just being present, that can change everything for you, me, and our families.” – Nicole Morris [01:15]
  • Quote: “Once you can let go of that pressure to have all the answers, then you find that the family dynamic can improve. Your warrior is reminded of their own strength and has you or me off their back.” – Nicole Morris [01:35]

3. The Power of Community and Shared Stories ([02:00])

• Nicole emphasizes learning from each other—through DMs, social media, and public comments—as a foundation of the podcast’s supportive environment.
  • Quote: “We’re all learning together and that’s what makes this community so powerful.” – Nicole Morris [02:07]
  • Encouragement to listeners to keep sharing and engaging, reinforcing the importance of knowing "we are not alone."
  • Quote: “The most powerful thing of all is when we can not only learn from each other, but in sharing we can really know we are not alone. And I am here for that.” – Nicole Morris [02:21]

4. Preview of Upcoming Content ([02:35])

• Nicole notes that with August and back-to-school, Water Cooler Chats will wind down as the show resumes its extended interview format starting August 29th.
  • Upcoming episodes will feature long-form interviews, stories of hope, empowerment, research, and practitioner insights.
  • Encourages listeners to subscribe to not miss the robust fall lineup.

5. Closing Remarks: Affirming the Mission ([02:55])

• Nicole concludes with gratitude, reiterating that while the podcast is not therapy, it is a source of family support within the OCD community.
  • Quote: “While this isn't therapy, it is a family. So we'll see you next week. Yeah, at the water cooler.” – Nicole Morris [03:05]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Support doesn’t mean solving, it means standing with, listening and sometimes just holding space for the tough days.” — Nicole Morris [01:15]
• “Once you can let go of that pressure to have all the answers, then you find that the family dynamic can improve.” — Nicole Morris [01:35]
• “We’re all learning together and that’s what makes this community so powerful.” — Nicole Morris [02:07]
• “The most powerful thing of all is when we can not only learn from each other, but in sharing we can really know we are not alone.” — Nicole Morris [02:21]
• “While this isn’t therapy, it is a family.” — Nicole Morris [03:05]

Key Segment Timestamps

• [00:29] – Anniversary introduction and gratitude to listeners
• [01:05] – Introduction of the core lesson: shift from 'fixing' to 'supporting'
• [01:15] – Articulation of the support > solving insight
• [01:35] – Effects of this shift on both "warriors" and family
• [02:00] – Emphasis on sharing and community-building
• [02:35] – Announcement of new interview episodes starting August 29
• [03:05] – Closing remarks and reaffirmation of the community mission

Tone & Closing

Nicole’s tone is warm, relatable, and deeply encouraging, embodying the supportive spirit she champions in the episode. She speaks directly to listeners as part of a family, reinforcing the message that while OCD is tough on everyone, no one has to face it alone.