In this episode of The OCD Confessional, we’re honored to be joined by Dr. Nathaniel Van Kirk, licensed clinical psychologist and Program Director at McLean Hospital’s OCD Institute, to explore one of the most distressing and misunderstood forms of OCD: contamination OCD.

Nathaniel shares what his own experience with OCD looked like — including early memories of compulsions — and explains how contamination fears can hijack daily life in ways that go far beyond ordinary caution. We talk about how contamination obsessions and compulsions develop, how hygiene routines can become traps of uncertainty, and what evidence-based treatment like ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) can actually do to help.

We break down:
• What contamination OCD really feels like — fear vs. logic vs. anxiety
• Why contamination fears aren’t just about germs but about uncertainty
• How compulsions (handwashing, cleaning, avoidance) can become self-reinforcing
• How clinicians and patients approach ERP for contamination themes

Whether you’re living with contamination OCD, supporting someone who is, or just want a deeper understanding of how OCD affects behavior and thoughts, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and hope.

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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.

Living With Contamination OCD: A Deep Dive with Dr. Nathaniel Van Kirk