Episode Summary: "Full OCD Recovery: The More You Disregard The Faster You Recover"

Podcast: OCD Recovery
Host: Ali Greymond
Date: December 14, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Ali Greymond explores the fundamental principle behind her approach to OCD recovery—disregarding intrusive thoughts. Drawing on her extensive experience both as a specialist and a survivor, Ali emphasizes the practical, day-to-day application of ignoring obsessions and refraining from compulsions. The episode provides actionable advice aimed at accelerating the recovery process by practicing the art of consistent disregard.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Core Principle: Disregard as Recovery

• Primary Message:
  • Recovery is rooted in the ability to repeatedly disregard intrusive thoughts, no matter how persistent or distressing they feel.
    • Quote: [00:00] “The more you disregard, the faster you will recover. Thought comes in, disregard, ignore. Another thought comes in, disregard, ignore. That is how little by little you recover.” – Ali Greymond

The Process: Step by Step

• Persistence is Key:

  • Each time an intrusive thought appears, the focus should be on ignoring it rather than analyzing or responding with a compulsion.
  • It's the repetition of this process—thought arises, you disregard—that gradually leads to lessening anxiety and fewer obsessions.

• Immediate Application:

  • Ali encourages listeners to start the practice instantly, treating each intrusive thought as an opportunity for recovery.

Disregard vs. Suppression

• Disregard Defined:

  • Disregarding is not the same as suppressing or pushing away thoughts. Instead, you acknowledge their presence but choose not to engage.
  • The goal is to move through your day, letting the thoughts exist in the background without reaction.

• Quote:

  • [00:34] “You’re not getting rid of thoughts; you’re showing your brain they don’t matter.”

Building Momentum in Recovery

• Compounding Effects:

  • The more you disregard, the easier it becomes over time. Disregard is described as a ‘muscle’ that gets stronger with use.
  • Recovery is gradual but speeds up as compulsions decrease.

• Tracking Progress:

  • Ali recommends noticing the frequency and intensity of intrusions and compulsions diminishing as a sign of progress.

Applying Disregard Across OCD Themes

• Universal Application:
  • Disregard is necessary no matter the OCD subtype—Pure-O, Relationship OCD, Harm OCD, Real Event OCD, SO-OCD, Scrupulosity, Cleaning & Contamination, etc.
  • The mechanism of obsession is always the same; only the content varies.

Addressing Doubt

• Reassurance vs. Recovery:
  • Seeking reassurance (from self or others) about thoughts is a compulsion—disregard is the only effective response.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Disregard:

  • [00:00] “The more you disregard, the faster you will recover.” – Ali Greymond

• On Not Engaging:

  • [00:34] “You’re not getting rid of thoughts; you’re showing your brain they don’t matter.” – Ali Greymond

• On Daily Practice:

  • [01:10] “Every time you make that decision not to analyze, not to do a compulsion, that is a step toward recovery.” – Ali Greymond

Important Timestamps

• [00:00] The main principle introduced: Disregard leads to faster recovery.
• [00:34] Clarification of disregard versus suppression.
• [01:10] The value of cumulative small acts of disregard.

Takeaways

• Consistent disregard of intrusive thoughts is the most important habit for OCD recovery, regardless of OCD subtype.
• Refraining from analyzing or seeking reassurance allows the brain to learn that the thoughts are irrelevant, which reduces anxiety over time.
• Recovery is a gradual process, but every instance of disregard counts and builds upon the last.

Ali’s delivery is direct and practical, serving as an encouraging daily reminder that every moment of disregard is a step closer to lasting recovery from OCD. The advice is actionable, compassionate, and rooted in both lived experience and expertise.

Perfect for listeners seeking straightforward, actionable guidance on breaking the OCD cycle.