OCD Recovery Podcast with Ali Greymond

Episode: Full OCD Recovery: OCD Thought Doesn't Go Away The Minute You Choose To Disregard (And That's OK)
Date: December 15, 2025
Host: Ali Greymond

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on a common misconception in OCD recovery: the expectation that obsessive thoughts will immediately disappear the moment you choose to disregard them. Ali Greymond, drawing from her extensive personal and professional experience, breaks down why this isn’t the case and what real recovery looks like in practice. The central message is about persistence, patience, and understanding the way OCD “sticks” in the brain, especially at the start of the recovery journey.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Misconception: Immediate Disappearance of OCD Thoughts ([00:00])

• Ali explains: Many people expect that as soon as they disregard an intrusive thought, it should vanish.
• Quote:
  • Ali Greymond: “The minute you disregard is not the minute that the thought is going to go away. Because a lot of the times people will say, in the beginning of their recovery journey, they'll say, well, I disregard it for a whole 10 minutes. Why is it still here?”
• Insight: This expectation sets people up for disappointment and discouragement early in recovery.

2. Reason: Brain Chemistry and Neural Fixation ([00:21])

• Explanation: The brain’s neural network is already “fixated” on the OCD thought due to repeated prior reactions.
  • Ali: “…your whole brain chemistry and neural network is now fixated on this. So it's going to take a while of you not reacting anymore and not feeding this anymore for it to dial down. But it's not going to be instant.”
• Key Point: Recovery is not about flipping a mental switch; it involves sustained effort over time.

3. Confusion Caused by Inconsistent Disregard ([00:51])

• Ali’s advice: Fluctuating between disregarding thoughts and engaging with them (e.g., compulsive reassurance, seeking solutions online) confuses the brain and slows recovery.
• Quote:
  • Ali Greymond: “…if during this process, you also pay attention, like, I'm disregarding, disregarding, disregarding. Whoops. Went on ChatGPT for two hours, again, disregarding you, it's now you're taking steps forward and back and you're confusing your brain further.”
• Takeaway: Progress is hindered by going back and forth between resisting and giving in to compulsions.

4. Consistency & Commitment to Disregarding ([01:18])

• Ali emphasizes: The real shift comes when you make a firm, consistent choice to stop reacting to the OCD thought, regardless of how you feel in the moment.
• Quote:
  • Ali Greymond: “So you need to be mindful of that, focused right where you're like, okay, this thought, from this moment forward, I'm choosing not to react to it anymore. And you have to stick with that decision. It's a decision, it's not about... you feel good about it, you don't feel good about it. Doesn't matter how you feel about it. You're making the choice.”
• Message: Recovery is a deliberate, ongoing decision—feelings don’t need to match actions.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “It's not going to be instant. So you have to have an understanding of how the brain operates.” [00:31]
• “It's a decision, it's not about... you feel good about it, you don't feel good about it. Doesn't matter how you feel about it. You're making the choice.” [01:28]

Useful Segment Timestamps

• 00:00–00:21: Introduction of the core misconception—expecting immediate thought disappearance
• 00:21–00:51: Why the brain holds onto OCD thoughts and the time factor in retraining
• 00:51–01:18: How inconsistent disregard confuses the brain and slows recovery
• 01:18–01:45: The importance of consistent, committed disregard as a choice

Summary Takeaways

• Disregarding an OCD thought isn’t a magic switch; persistence is needed
• Consistency, not perfection, is key: avoid giving mixed signals to your brain
• Recovery is a decision, not a feeling: Act with intention, despite discomfort

Ali Greymond’s tone throughout is supportive, realistic, and focused on practical empowerment. Her message reassures listeners that the slow fading of thoughts is normal and part of true, lasting recovery.