OCD Family Podcast – S4E157: Self Care Isn't Selfish - Especially with OCD

Host: Nicole Morris, LMFT
Date: February 28, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode is a heartfelt, candid check-in from host Nicole Morris, focusing on the importance of self-care, especially for those living with or supporting someone with OCD. In a shorter-than-usual installment, Nicole shares personal updates, encourages listeners to honor their own capacity, and highlights the necessity of prioritizing regulated, present moments over polished perfection. She also offers tips on accessing past podcast resources and provides a sneak peek at upcoming episodes and YouTube updates.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Practicing Self-Care – Especially for the OCD Community

• Nicole opens up about needing to scale back due to her family’s chaos—sick kids, birthdays, and never-ending laundry ([00:45]).
• She normalizes adjusting commitments, resisting pressure (including the voice of OCD), and intentionally choosing “regulated over rushed, present over polished, quiet over performative.”
• Quote:

  “OCD doesn’t just show up in intrusive thoughts, it shows up in pressure. Like hey, you should be doing more. This isn’t enough. People are going to notice you’re letting them down. But not today, OCD. I don’t have to obey that voice.”
  – Nicole Morris [01:25]

• Nicole reminds listeners that managing OCD—or supporting someone who has it—isn’t always about strict adherence to exposures or interventions; sometimes, the focus should be on protecting your nervous system and choosing purposeful quiet.

2. The Importance of Flexibility and Compassion

• Nicole’s transparency models self-compassion, encouraging others to avoid pushing through for the sake of meeting arbitrary standards of consistency or performance.
• Quote:

  “If your life feels full, loud, tender, stretched, this is your reminder that you’re allowed to adjust, pause, marinate. You’re allowed to do the version that fits your needs.”
  – Nicole Morris [01:55]

3. Resource Roundup – YouTube and Podcast Archive

• Nicole announces efforts to upload more episodes from the podcast’s back catalog to YouTube, rectifying gaps and expanding access ([04:00]).
• Highlights three particularly impactful episodes being republished:
  • Micah Howe’s episode: Focuses on lived experience with OCD as an adult and gaps in parenting content for adult children ([04:50]).
    • “His episode is encouraging, honest, and deeply needed, especially for families with adult children who have OCD.”
      – Nicole Morris [05:05]
  • Two-part series with Ali Garza: Discusses entering and stepping down from higher levels of care, offering practical, evidence-based insight ([05:40]).
• Offers tips for searching the podcast archive by topic, acknowledging the needs of both seasoned listeners and those newly overwhelmed by an OCD diagnosis in the family ([06:10]).
  • “Many of you find this community while drinking from a fire hose. You just learned your loved one has OCD...you’re overwhelmed, you’re scared, you’re googling at 2:00am. I get it. We get it. And you’re in the right place because you’re home.”
    – Nicole Morris [06:20]

4. Community Support and Engagement

• Nicole emphasizes inclusivity: OCD impacts all demographics and all families ([07:00]).
• Invites listener feedback, suggestions for episodes to revisit, and comments via the website and social channels.

5. Upcoming Guests and Next Episodes

• Nicole shares her excitement for upcoming “full-length” interviews, kicking off with Dr. Michael Greenberg ([08:00]):
  • Greenberg is described as caring and curious, known for the “rumination-focused ERP approach.”
  • Will be followed by Michael Parker, another highly regarded expert in the OCD community.
    • “Not every guest on this podcast is named Mike, but I have to say we do have some incredibly talented and caring Mikes in this community.”
      – Nicole Morris [09:15]

6. Concluding Wisdom: Doing What You Can—and That’s Enough

• Nicole expresses gratitude for the community and underscores the value of working within one’s capacity ([10:20]).
• “I’m doing it in a way that honors capacity, family and real life.”
  – Nicole Morris [10:50]
• Looks forward to returning in full swing, provided illness abates at home.

Notable Quotes

• "OCD doesn’t just show up in intrusive thoughts, it shows up in pressure... But not today, OCD. I don’t have to obey that voice."
  – Nicole Morris [01:25]

• "If your life feels full, loud, tender, stretched, this is your reminder that you’re allowed to adjust, pause, marinate."
  – Nicole Morris [01:55]

• "Many of you find this community while drinking from a fire hose... you’re overwhelmed, you’re scared, you’re googling at 2:00am. I get it. We get it. And you’re in the right place because you’re home."
  – Nicole Morris [06:20]

• "I’m doing it in a way that honors capacity, family and real life."
  – Nicole Morris [10:50]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:45: Nicole shares personal update and reason for shorter episode
• 01:25: Choosing self-care over OCD-driven pressure
• 04:00: Announcement: Back catalog episodes coming to YouTube
• 05:05/05:40: Highlights: Micah Howe and Ali Garza’s key episodes resurfacing
• 06:10-07:10: Resource search tips and community solidarity
• 08:00: Preview of upcoming interviews: Dr. Michael Greenberg and Michael Parker
• 10:20-10:50: Reflections on honoring capacity and family needs

Final Thoughts

This episode is a gentle, supportive reminder that self-care is a necessity, not a luxury—especially in the OCD community. Nicole’s candidness models healthy boundaries and flexibility, providing permission for listeners to do the same. She ensures the OCD Family Podcast remains a welcoming, accessible hub—supporting listeners new and seasoned alike—and builds hope by previewing valuable upcoming content.

For direct episode links and ongoing resources, visit OCD Family Podcast.