OCD Recovery Podcast – Episode Summary
Episode: 🧠 Fence Sitting Is Very Dangerous For OCD Recovery
Host: Ali Greymond, OCD Specialist & Author
Date: May 17, 2026
Episode Overview
In this episode, host Ali Greymond focuses on the concept of "fence sitting" in the context of OCD recovery. Ali explores how wavering between following OCD recovery strategies and giving in to compulsions is one of the biggest obstacles for people trying to overcome obsessive-compulsive disorder. Drawing on her experience with clients and her method, Ali emphasizes the importance of consistency, breaking the cycle of indecision, and building a trajectory forward—even when setbacks occur.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
What is “Fence Sitting” in OCD?
- Definition: Fence sitting is the mental state of wavering between disregarding intrusive thoughts (the healthy, recovery-focused action) and engaging with them—trying to analyze, solve, or perform compulsions (“just one last time”).
- Why It’s Harmful: This indecisiveness confuses the brain, sending mixed messages about whether intrusive thoughts are important or not.
Notable Quote [00:15]:
“You want to solve the thoughts and you want to pay attention… So you're kind of, like, on both sides of the fence. And what you're doing, what your brain is interpreting it as is, ‘Okay, this is important. No, no, it's not important. Oh, no, it's important again.’”
—Ali Greymond
The Impact on Recovery
- Brain Confusion: The brain doesn’t know which path to “believe”—are the thoughts significant or not? This contradiction prevents true recovery.
- Compulsion Fluctuation: Flipping between doing compulsions and resisting only reinforces the OCD loop.
Notable Quote [01:05]:
“It can't recover if one day you're doing compulsions, the next day you're deciding not to. And then the following… There needs to be a trajectory.”
—Ali Greymond
Importance of a Clear Trajectory
- Progress over Perfection: Ali acknowledges that relapse and “off days” happen, but consistent reduction in compulsions is essential. It’s not about perfect performance; it’s about steadily doing less over time.
- Tracking Progress: Use tracking tools or charts (as seen in previous client examples) to monitor reduction in compulsions and ruminations week over week.
Notable Quote [01:35]:
“Yes, you will fall down. Yes, you will have off days… There needs to be a trajectory where even if you’re falling down here and there, you’re doing less behaviors, you’re ruminating less than the week before, and then… than the week before that.”
—Ali Greymond
Encouragement and Expert Insight
- Anyone, regardless of OCD subtype (Pure-O, ROCD, Harm OCD, etc.), can fully recover if they commit to breaking out of the fence-sitting pattern and persistently work toward change.
Notable Quote [02:08]:
“I can tell you, anybody can fully recover.”
—Ali Greymond
Memorable Moments & Quotes
Important Timestamps
- 00:00 – 00:45: Explanation of “fence sitting” and its impact on the recovery process.
- 00:45 – 01:35: Why consistency is crucial for the brain’s learning, and why back-and-forth undermines progress.
- 01:35 – 02:08: The role of trajectory, setbacks, and tracking progress; affirming that recovery is possible.
Summary Takeaways
- Fence sitting is dangerous because it keeps the brain locked in indecision, preventing lasting recovery.
- Recovery requires a clear, consistent path—even when setbacks occur.
- Progress should be measured in reduced frequency of compulsions and ruminations, not perfection.
- Ali stresses that full recovery is possible for anyone willing to leave “the fence” and move forward with commitment.
Recommended for listeners who want concise but actionable insights into breaking the OCD cycle and making meaningful recovery progress.
