In this episode of The OCD Confessional, we’re joined by Dr. Elizabeth “Liz” McIngvale — OCD expert, director of the OCD Institute of Texas, former national spokesperson for the International OCD Foundation, and someone who has also live with OCD herself.

Liz shares what it was like to be diagnosed with OCD at a young age, her stay in residential treatment, how severe compulsions and intrusive thoughts took over her life, and how Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) helped her regain control. We talk about the realities of living with OCD, the stigma around intrusive thoughts, and how her personal journey led her to become one of the most respected clinicians and advocates in the OCD community.

We also discuss:

What OCD really looks like beyond stereotypes
Why ERP is the gold-standard treatment
How clinicians can better understand lived experience
What gives her hope about the future of OCD care

This is a powerful conversation that blends science, empathy, and honesty — for anyone living with OCD, loving someone who does, or working in mental health.

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Supported by NOCD
If you or someone you love is struggling with OCD, check out NOCD — a leading virtual health platform that connects people with licensed therapists specially trained in Evidence-Based ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) therapy. NOCD offers live video sessions, between-session therapist messaging, access to in-app therapeutic tools, and a global peer community. Their goal: make expert OCD treatment accessible, effective, and affordable.

➤ Visit https://learn.nocd.com/ocdconfessional to learn more and get matched with an OCD-trained therapist.

🧠 The OCD Confessional is hosted by Liam Martin & Alicia Hill — real stories, intrusive thoughts, and the tools we use to cope (with plenty of laughter).

Disclaimer: The OCD Confessional is intended for education, awareness, and community support only. It does not provide therapy or professional mental-health advice. If you are struggling or in crisis, please seek help from a licensed mental-health professional. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale: Living With OCD — From Patient to Leading Expert