Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: OCD Recovery

Host: Ali Greymond, OCD Specialist & Author
Episode: Full OCD Recovery - Let's Talk About Scripting In OCD
Date: December 22, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Ali Greymond challenges the use of “scripting” as a therapeutic tool for OCD, arguing that while commonly recommended, it is ultimately outdated, ineffective, and potentially counterproductive. Drawing from decades of experience, Ali discusses why scripting keeps sufferers stuck in obsessive-compulsive management mode—rather than promoting full recovery—and offers her candid perspective on more effective recovery strategies.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What is Scripting in OCD?

• Scripting typically involves writing out or recording one's worst-case OCD fear scenarios in vivid detail, then repeatedly reading or listening in an attempt to “habituate” to the anxiety (00:01).
• Ali explains the common therapist approach:

  "They ask you to write the worst possible case scenario, however, in the darkest colors, how you see your current thought and reread it over and over again or record it and re-listen to it over and over again in hopes to habituate." (00:06)

2. Ineffectiveness of Scripting

Ali lists three primary reasons scripting fails to promote real recovery:

• A. Only Scratches the Surface (OCD Management, Not Recovery):

  • By chasing the removal of a single intrusive thought, sufferers stay stuck in a cycle—eliminate one thought, and another quickly replaces it.

    "So now we're in OCD management territory where as soon as you get rid of this, another similar thought will come in maybe a day later, maybe hours later ... So ineffective from that perspective then." (00:22)

  • Emphasizes that scripting focuses on getting rid of a thought rather than reducing rumination as a whole (00:11).

• B. The "Brain Will One-Up You" Trap:

  • Even if you habituate to a particular fear, OCD “ups the ante” by sending scarier thoughts.

    "Your brain will try to one up you next time and there will be a next time because you're not actually dealing with recovery. So it will send you something even scarier ... until you get to the point where you just simply cannot do it. So it's a road to nowhere." (00:32)

• C. Scripting Becomes Another Compulsion:

  • If scripting is used to urgently eliminate anxiety in the moment, it solidifies the obsessive-compulsive cycle.

    "If you ask yourself in your heart of hearts, what is the reason why I'm doing this? And if you're doing it to in the moment, get rid of anxiety, then that actually makes it a compulsion because you're running away from the feeling of anxiety ... which again trains your brain that this is important ... Scripting just became a compulsion." (00:50)

3. Critique of Scripting as a "Gold Standard"

• Ali calls scripting “outdated” and refutes claims that it is the “gold standard” for OCD.

  "It's the old standard of OCD, old and ineffective, that keeps people in management mode forever. So don't do it." (01:08)

• She warns that scripting can worsen OCD symptoms by leading sufferers “deeper in the disorder” (01:16).

4. Practical Advice

• Ali’s clear message: stop scripting. Focus instead on techniques that address rumination, not temporary anxiety relief.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "They ask you to write the worst possible case scenario, however, in the darkest colors... and reread it over and over again or record it and re-listen to it..." — Ali Greymond (00:06)
• "So now we're in OCD management territory... as soon as you get rid of this, another similar thought will come in maybe a day later, maybe hours later." — Ali Greymond (00:22)
• "Your brain will try to one up you next time and there will be a next time... So it's a road to nowhere." — Ali Greymond (00:32)
• "If you're doing it to in the moment, get rid of anxiety, then that actually makes it a compulsion..." — Ali Greymond (00:52)
• "It's the old standard of OCD, old and ineffective, that keeps people in management mode forever. So don't do it." — Ali Greymond (01:08)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:01 – Introduction to scripting in OCD recovery
• 00:06 – Explanation of typical scripting practice
• 00:22 – Critique: Scripting leads to OCD management, not recovery
• 00:32 – The “one-up” trap: why scripting fails long-term
• 00:50 – When scripting becomes another compulsion
• 01:08 – Scripting as “old standard,” final advice

Tone & Style

Ali Greymond’s delivery is practical, direct, and rooted in lived experience. She offers encouragement and clarity, challenging traditional therapy techniques in favor of full, lasting recovery strategies.

For listeners seeking practical, honest advice on OCD recovery, this episode is a must-listen—especially if you’ve felt stuck using older therapeutic techniques.