Podcast Summary: "Disturbing OCD Dreams"

Podcast: OCD Recovery
Host: Ali Greymond
Date: December 25, 2025
Episode Theme: Understanding and coping with disturbing dreams related to OCD

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Ali Greymond addresses a common but often distressing experience for people with OCD: having disturbing or intrusive dreams tied to their obsessions. Ali explains why these dreams occur, how to interpret them (or rather, how not to interpret them), and offers practical advice for managing the emotional fallout. The episode is rooted in reassurance and actionable guidance, empowering listeners to detach from OCD-fueled dream anxiety.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Disturbing OCD Dreams Are Normal

• 00:00 Ali Greymond opens by normalizing the experience of having disturbing OCD dreams, emphasizing that it is "completely normal" and common, especially among those working not to react to OCD themes during the day.

2. Dreams as a Reflection of OCD, Not Reality

• Ali explains that when people actively choose not to engage with OCD thoughts during waking hours, the mind may manifest those fears and scenarios in dreams.
• It's an "OCD classic" — a frequent phenomenon she hears about from clients.

3. Interpreting Dreams: Disregard and Move On

• Avoid Over-Analysis:
  • Ali advises not to judge dream behavior— "You are not the real you in the dream. You’re like 2D you. Not 3D but 2D."
  • Dwelling on dream content or feared actions only fuels OCD.

4. Practical Response: Brave Disregard

• Action Step:
  • "Make the brave choice to ignore. Don’t dissect, don’t zoom in. It is how it is. It happened how it happened. I'm going on with my day."
• This mindset is crucial in breaking the OCD cycle and preventing dreams from becoming a new channel for compulsion or rumination.

Notable Quotes

• On Normalizing Disturbing Dreams:

  • "If you have a disturbing OCD dream it is completely normal because especially this happens a lot when the person tries to not react in everyday life." (Ali Greymond, 00:00)

• On the Self in Dreams:

  • "You are not the real you in the dream. You, you’re like 2D you. Not 3D but 2D. So don’t judge yourself for what you did, what you said, how you acted in the dream." (Ali Greymond, 00:25)

• On Handling OCD Dream Content:

  • "Make the brave choice to ignore. Don’t dissect, don’t zoom in. It is how it is. It happened how it happened. I’m going on with my day." (Ali Greymond, 00:35)

Essential Segment Timestamps

• 00:00 – Normalization of disturbing OCD dreams
• 00:15 – Explanation of dreams as fallout from resisting compulsions
• 00:25 – Emphasis on not judging dream behavior
• 00:35 – Practical advice: “brave choice” to disregard

Memorable Moments

• The “2D you” analogy stands out as a memorable way to illustrate the lack of meaning or reality in dream actions compared to waking life.
• Emphasis on the concept of “brave disregard” encapsulates Ali’s pragmatic approach to OCD management.

Tone

Ali’s delivery is supportive, direct, and reassuring. Her tone encourages self-compassion and practical resilience, avoiding over-complication or analysis.

Summary Takeaway

Ali Greymond’s message is clear: Disturbing dreams are a normal side effect of OCD, especially when making progress against it. These dreams do not reflect your character or truth about you. The most important step is to acknowledge them, refuse to analyze or judge them, and continue on with daily life. This approach is fundamental to long-term OCD recovery.