Podcast Summary: OCD Recovery with Ali Greymond

Episode: Wanting To Recover From OCD Is Not Enough
Date: January 6, 2026
Host: Ali Greymond

Episode Overview

In this episode, Ali Greymond emphasizes the difference between the desire to recover from OCD and the actionable steps necessary to make true progress. Ali, drawing on her 20 years of experience and her own recovery journey, discusses why wanting recovery is not enough and explains the critical importance of daily, incremental, tangible efforts. The episode is rooted in practical advice and motivates listeners to begin taking small but consistent actions toward real, lasting change.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Myth of Willpower Alone

• Desire vs. Action: Ali starts by debunking the common belief that strong desire alone will lead to recovery. She firmly states that simply wanting to recover, no matter how passionately, is insufficient without “actual steps, no matter how little.”
• Accountability: She stresses the importance of self-checking:
  • Did you reduce rumination compared to yesterday?
  • Did you cut back on compulsions, even a bit?

Quote [00:00]

“Simply wanting to recover is not going to be enough. You can want it more than anything in the world, but what are you actually doing to bring yourself closer to recovery?”
— Ali Greymond

Incremental and Measurable Progress

• Small Steps Count: Ali advocates for tracking very small changes, highlighting that OCD recovery is “not all or nothing.” Even tiny shifts matter and accumulate over time.
• Crawling Up the Wall – The 'Exorcist' Analogy:
  • She humorously references the film “The Exorcist” to illustrate relentless, scrappy effort:
    • “Crawl up the wall, exorcist style.”
• Actionable Focus: The episode is packed with practical reminders:
  • Make at least a little less rumination each day.
  • Cut down compulsions, even if just slightly.

Quote [01:10]

“With clients we always say crawl up the wall, exorcist style. ... But get the numbers down at least a little bit. At least a little less rumination, at least a little less compulsions.”
— Ali Greymond

Shifting Mindset Around OCD Recovery

• Not Perfection, But Progress: Ali dispels the notion that recovery must happen all at once or perfectly, encouraging listeners not to get discouraged by small slips.
• Consistency Over Intensity: She reiterates that what matters most is making regular, quantifiable efforts, no matter how minimal.

Quote [01:40]

“It’s not all or nothing. It’s not done in one day. But you need to start making tangible movements forward towards recovery.”
— Ali Greymond

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• [00:00] “Simply wanting to recover is not going to be enough. You can want it more than anything in the world, but what are you actually doing to bring yourself closer to recovery?”
• [01:10] “With clients we always say crawl up the wall, exorcist style. ... But get the numbers down at least a little bit. At least a little less rumination, at least a little less compulsions.”
• [01:40] “It’s not all or nothing. It’s not done in one day. But you need to start making tangible movements forward towards recovery.”

Key Takeaways

• Desire is not a plan: Wanting recovery is not the same as working towards it.
• Celebrate all progress: Any reduction in rumination or compulsions, no matter how trivial, is significant.
• Focus on measurable action: Track progress daily and look for ways to be even just slightly better than the day before.
• Consistent effort beats perfection: Recovery does not require all-or-nothing thinking; small, consistent steps are what ultimately lead to lasting change.

This episode serves as a motivating reminder that real OCD recovery means doing the work, not just wishing for results. With Ali’s relatable metaphors and actionable advice, listeners are encouraged to approach their recovery journey with patience, accountability, and a commitment to incremental growth.