Podcast Summary: OCD Recovery with Ali Greymond
Episode Title: Full OCD Recovery: "Can You Fully Recover From OCD If You Had It For Many Years?"
Date: December 16, 2025
Host: Ali Greymond
Episode Overview
In this episode, Ali Greymond addresses a common concern among those struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder: “Can you fully recover from OCD if you’ve had it for many years?” Drawing from her experience as both a coach and someone who has recovered from OCD, Ali dispels myths about chronicity and long-term struggle, providing hope and practical perspective for listeners at any stage of their recovery journey.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Length of Time with OCD Isn’t a Barrier to Recovery
- Ali opens the episode by sharing a frequent question from clients: whether years of living with OCD make recovery more difficult.
- She challenges the misconception that having OCD for a long time is an obstacle.
- Quote:
"A lot of the times when they start working with clients, they will say things like, well, I've had OCD for so long, is it even possible at this point for me to recover because I've had it for so long?" – Ali Greymond [00:00]
- Quote:
- Key point: People with long-term OCD are often less shocked by the content of their obsessive thoughts, which can actually speed up the recovery process.
2. The Shock Factor in New vs. Longstanding OCD
- Ali compares two types of clients:
- Those who’ve had OCD for years become accustomed to the intrusive thoughts and their patterns.
- New sufferers are often in a state of shock, which can initially slow their progress as they adjust and learn about the disorder.
- Practical Implication: For new clients, Ali often needs to help them overcome the initial shock before deeper recovery work can begin.
- Quote:
"They're so shocked that for me, as a coach, my first job is to kind of get them out of the shocked state and then teach them how to do recovery work and teach them about OCD..." – Ali Greymond [00:56]
- Quote:
3. Determination to Recover is the Most Important Factor
- No matter how long someone has struggled, if they are determined from this point forward, recovery is possible and can even be fast.
- The past duration of OCD symptoms should not discourage anyone from seeking full recovery.
- Quote:
"Doesn't matter what happened in the past, if they're determined from this point to recover, they actually recover really fast..." – Ali Greymond [00:46]
- Quote:
4. Long-Term Sufferers: Familiarity Breeds Recovery
- People who’ve had OCD for years have usually identified their key themes (such as Pure-O, Harm OCD, SO-OCD, Religious OCD, etc.) and have tried different ways to cope.
- This familiarity with their triggers and patterns is an advantage—once correct recovery techniques are applied, progress is often rapid.
5. Hope & Empowerment for All Listeners
- Ali emphasizes that no one is at a disadvantage because of the duration of their OCD.
- Quote:
"I don't want you to think that because you've had it for a long time, it puts you at a disadvantage. It does not put you at a disadvantage at all. You absolutely can recover." – Ali Greymond [01:36]
- Quote:
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “A lot of the times when they start working with clients, they will say things like, well, I've had OCD for so long, is it even possible at this point for me to recover because I've had it for so long?” – Ali Greymond [00:00]
- “If they're determined from this point to recover, they actually recover really fast versus if a person comes to me and they've only had OCD that started out of nowhere…” – Ali Greymond [00:46]
- “I don't want you to think that because you've had it for a long time, it puts you at a disadvantage. It does not put you at a disadvantage at all.” – Ali Greymond [01:36]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:00 – 00:40: Addressing the common question on length of OCD and recovery prospects
- 00:40 – 01:20: Differences in new versus long-term OCD sufferers, and the “shock” of onset
- 01:20 – 01:45: The necessity of determination and empowerment to recover at any stage
Tone and Style
Ali’s approach is reassuring, direct, and optimistic. As a seasoned coach and someone with lived experience, she communicates encouragement, practical perspective, and validation for listeners at any stage of their recovery.
Takeaway
Having OCD for many years does not make recovery harder. In fact, your familiarity with the experience can be an advantage—as long as you are willing to commit to recovery from this moment onward.