Resources

CBT School

CBT School is where you can find IOCDF Advocate, OCD Specialist and Author Kimberley Quinlan’s online self help courses for OCD & related Anxiety disorders. Kim also has an entire section called the meditation vault which involves a no BS approach and is great if you like meditation or considering trying meditation for the first time. I just love Kim’s approach to OCD treatment, her self-compassion/mindfulness approach are real game changers. CBT school is an epic resource to which I highly recommend checking out! You can also buy The Self Compassion Workbook for OCD written by Kim online or at any bookstore near you! Kim is one of the best!

Connect 4 OCD

Connect 4 OCD founded by Katia Brosseau, is a supportive, Canada-based community for parents, caregivers, spouses, and individuals affected by OCD. Connect 4 OCD mission is to raise awareness about OCD and emphasise the importance of evidence-based treatment. Katia is an incredible OCD Advocate, a parent whose child has been diagnosed with OCD and whose approach is deeply personal and heart felt. Connect 4 OCD focus’s on advocacy, awareness, providing valuable information and a space for open conversations. I highly recommend checking out Connect 4 OCD, Katia is one of the best!

International OCD Foundation

One of the best organisations for OCD resources is most definitely the International OCD Foundation! I can’t recommend the IOCDF enough! The foundation helped me massively in my recovery journey with resources, knowledge and connecting with an amazing OCD community! They also host weekly live streams on all social media platforms with incredible OCD Specialists, Advocates and Individuals living with OCD. I absolutely recommend checking out the lOCDF!

International OCD Foundation Creative Expression Special Interest Group

The IOCDF Creative Expression Special Interest Group hosted by Erika McCoy, Halima Flynt & Krista Reed is an awesome group all things creative! I just love everything about this group as the hosts are awesome and always bring fun to the SIG/support group. Erika personally transformed my creative outlook and said all forms of creativity are beautiful as the process is very healing no matter how you define your creative approach. Everyone has a creative genius within us that we each bring to the table. I haven’t looked back since and love being apart of the group having fun creating with art or anything else that is the theme of the day. If you find creative art fun and enjoyable I absolutely recommend this group or if it has peaked your interest. This group is awesome and brings in a fun dynamic/life long bonds within the OCD community. The creative expression Art Workshop is held every 2nd Saturday of each month at 2pm EST USA/7pm BST UK. What are you waiting for, it’s time to flourish and unleash your inner creative genius!

MindfulRights

MindfulRights founded by mental health advocate and friend Monirul Islam. Mindful Rights is a human rights project in Bangladesh. The project as of now is based virtually. Centred around four key pillars – mental health rights, digital and privacy rights, office worker rights, and the protection and promotion of human rights defenders. MindfulRights is committed to promoting a more just and inclusive society where the rights of every individual are honoured. Monirul is an incredibly passionate and inspiring mental health advocate who is committed to changing the landscape of mental health rights in Bangladesh. If you would like to find out more or support Monirul with MindfulRights please click below!

NOCD

NOCD is also one of the best OCD organisations for resources! NOCD offer’s online therapy and support groups worldwide. They too host live streams on social media platforms on a weekly basis with incredible OCD specialists, advocates and individuals living with OCD.

OCD Action

OCD Action is a UK non-profit charity organisation who offer great resources to anyone worldwide for OCD and also provide over 50 virtual support groups for the OCD community worldwide. You can check out all things OCD Action on the link below!

OCD Friends Facebook Group

OCD Friends is a compassionate, empowering, safe place where all the OCD community can come together and bond. I love this group created by good friend and OCD Advocate Richard Amato who always uplifts the community with his bright light beacon of hope. Good friend and IOCDF Grassroots Advocate Mike Sizemore also hosts a zoom support group with Richard every fortnight, all the OCD community are welcome to join! Mike is one of the most compassionate people I know!

OCD Recovery Turning Points

OCD Recovery Turning Points founded by OCD Advocate, Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist and Author Shannon Shy. OCD Recovery Turning Points is an incredible place for empowering and inspiring resources/support. Shannon has made an epic game changing course called Turning Points which Shannon explains how he created and implemented his strategy to overcome the hell pit that is OCD. Shannon is completely open about his journey navigating OCD and how he overcame it. It’s one of the most inspirational and empowering courses I’ve ever enrolled upon to which I absolutely recommend checking out! There are also featured appearances from world renown OCD Specialists on the course such as Dr. Jenny C. Yip, Jon Abramowitz and Sean Shinnock. Shannon is a true inspiration and hero to all of the OCD community. You can also buy Shannon’s books online or at your nearest bookstore!

OCD Resources and Guidance International Facebook Group

OCD Resources and Guidance International Facebook group is one of the best places on social media for OCD resources and support! Created by good friend and IOCDF Grassroots Advocate Staci Hershman. Staci is an incredible advocate and one of the most kindest people you’ll ever connect with! The group has extensive amount of resources on the front page and on the guide/file sections.

OCD Research, Education and Support Facebook Group

OCD Research, Education and Support Facebook group created by lOCDF Grassroots Advocate and good friend Amy Ellickson and researcher Jordan Till. Amy and Jordan’s group is also one of the best places on social media for OCD resources, knowledge and support! Amy and Jordan are incredible passionate advocates and I absolutely recommend checking out this group!

OCD-UK

OCD-UK is a UK non-profit charity organisation who offer great resources to anyone worldwide for OCD! OCD UK provide weekly support groups virtually worldwide.

OCD SoCal

OCD SoCal is a USA non-profit charity organisation and affiliate for the International OCD Foundation which is based in the state of California. OCD SoCal offer fantastic resources, support, in person conferences and virtual online conferences which anyone worldwide can join! Friend and IOCDF Lead Advocate Chris Trondsen and his mom Liz Trondsen are incredible inspirational advocates. Who host a monthly virtual family and loved one’s support group! Chris is one of the most inspiring advocates I know and a true real life hero. I absolutely recommend checking out his story!

OCD Warrior Badass Tribe

OCD Warrior Badass Tribe is a support group founded and created by myself. I’m so passionate with connecting with the OCD community around the world. This group is all about solidarity, unity, empowerment, motivation, inspiration, respect and being a big family. Uplifting each other mutually and normalising our recovery journey with being ourselves. OCD can be overcome and you can do it! OCD Warrior Badass Tribe hosts weekly virtual zoom support groups by me and OCD Advocate Laura Houghton for Visual Tourettic OCD but anyone from the OCD community is welcome to join! Also the group hosts a fortnightly gaming support group with myself, IOCDF Grassroots Advocate Jenny Auer and more fellow IOCDF Advocates! Which involves seasonal special gaming tournaments.

OCD Western Australia

OCD Western Australia is an Australian based non-profit charity organisation founded by IOCDF Grassroots Advocate and good friend Leigh Sheppard. OCDWA has fantastic resources, support and hosts in person conferences with incredible special guests that are world renown OCD specialists, experts and advocates. Everyone who resides in Australia, southern hemisphere and worldwide are welcome!

OCD Writer

OCD Writer is a phenomenal source for resources founded by my good friend, IOCDF Grassroots Advocate, author and OCD Specialist Carol Edwards. Carol has published multiple blogs all things OCD, sharing fantastic knowledge and awareness. Carol is a passionate advocate for Visual Tourettic OCD with lived experience and has wrote three books navigating Classic OCD & Visual Tourettic OCD. Using evidenced based treatments/techniques for recovery. Carol’s advocacy has been a game changer in the OCD community and has helped thousands of the OCD Community worldwide. I absolutely recommend checking out OCD Writer, Carol is one of the best!

Peace Of Mind

Peace Of Mind is a USA based non-Profit charity organisation whose mission is to help improve the quality of life of OCD sufferers and caregivers through education, research, support, and advocacy. Founded by IOCDF National Advocate and OCD Specialist Elizabeth McIngvale. Throughout the years Peace Of Mind has been involved in providing educational resources and access to self-help tools, offering scholarships opportunities, supporting professional training programs, spreading awareness about OCD and related disorders. Peace Of Mind has served nearly 600,000 users which is mind blowing! I absolutely recommend checking out Peace Of Mind, Elizabeth McIngvale is one of the best!

Relationship Renegades

Relationship Renegades founded by Actors, empowerment speakers and wellness coaches Rachele Brooke Smith & Emilio Palofox. What can I say about these two incredible people, they are just absolutely awesome! They empowered and inspired me massively in my journey to believe and that I can strive and thrive in my life’s journey no matter what obstacles come my way. They helped lift and light me up when I was at rock bottom being hit severely with OCD. I learned a whole new mindset and perspective in life with Relationship Renegades. I can’t thank Rachel & Emilio enough. They do game changing work with relationships in couples and individuals self love. If you’re looking to be inspired, empowered, looking at the world in a different lens being lit up, Relationship Renegades are for you! I can’t recommend checking them out enough! True real life hero’s!

Stick With The Ick

Stick With The Ick founded by the one and only, the amazing, IOCDF Lead Advocate Katie O’Dunne! SWTI is one of the best apps worldwide for OCD resources, awareness, knowledge, support and community! I just love everything about this app, it’s so easy to navigate and all of the community are so compassionate! SWTI also hosts virtual weekly support groups by OCD specialists and advocates. Sign up now you won’t regret it!

Katie is one of the best!

Taming Olivia

Taming Olivia founded by OCD Action Advocate, Executive Producer of film Waving, Catherine Benfield. Taming Olivia is an epic place for free OCD resources! Catherine blogs and shares her journey navigating OCD so openly while also promoting positive mental well-being. Taming Olivia is also co-developing an OCD prevention app along side the NHS which is going to be an absolute game changer being the first of its kind worldwide! Taming Olivia also collaborates with a range of UK and international OCD charities including OCD Action, Maternal OCD, OCD UK, Orchard OCD and the International OCD Foundation.

Vase Your Fears

Vase Your Fears founded by potter, digital creator, OCD Warrior and OCD Advocate Halima Flynt. I love Halima’s creativity and advocacy. I absolutely recommend checking out her website and social media. Halima creates the most stunning creative designs for advocacy/empowerment with pottery, jewellery, post cards, stickers and much more! I can personally vouch as I have a hand crafted empowerment flowery mug from Halima and it’s one of my favourites!

Visual Tourettic OCD Facebook Support Group

Visual Tourettic OCD Facebook support group is a safe, non-judgemental, supportive, inspiring and empowering space for all who have lived experience of Visual Tourettic OCD. Advocates, clinicians, researchers who wish to learn more about Visual Tourettic OCD are more than welcome to join. Loved ones or family members of persons with lived experience of Visual Tourettic OCD are also more than welcome to join and support! This group has fantastic resources, recovery stories, support groups shared and listed on the featured section of the front page for all things Visual Touettic OCD. Listed and shared by advocates, certified peer support specialists and OCD specialists. This group is ran by an incredible admin team that continuously moderates/maintains the groups safety and privacy. I highly recommend the Visual Tourettic OCD Facebook support group if you’re experiencing this subtype of OCD, as you are not alone, you are seen, you are heard and you are understood. Visual Tourettic OCD doesn’t define you and never will. You are so resilient and courageous! We, the group, believe in you! Recovery is possible and you can do it!

Books

Address Staring OCD – By Carol Edwards

Address Staring OCD is the best book I’ve read regarding Visual Tourettic OCD (Staring OCD). Carol shares her lived experience with this subtype theme of OCD and how she galvanised her recovery journey with becoming a CBT Therapist. Implementing the techniques and strategies Carol learned through training with Exposure Response Prevention and Habit Reversal Training. Carol found her path to recovery and now her passion is to help others do the same. Carol’s book is inspiring, empowering and incredibly knowledgeable. I highly recommend it to all who have lived experience of Visual Tourettic OCD and to those who wish to learn more about this subtype theme of OCD.

Three Powerful Steps to Help You See Uncertainty and ERP Differently – By Carol Edwards

Three Powerful Steps to Help You See Uncertainty and ERP (Exposure Response Prevention) Differently, is a fantastic book. Carol writes about looking at uncertainty and ERP through an I-CBT lens (Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). To have a different perspective and mindset while engaging in ERP that may help towards recovery.

3 Effective Ways to Treat OCD and Reclaim Your Life – By Carol Edwards

3 Effective Ways to Treat OCD and Reclaim Your Life is another great book which Carol writes about looking at OCD in three different recovery treatment methods ERP (Exposure Response Prevention), I-CBT (Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) Therapy and (DBS) Deep Brain Stimulation. A great book with a wealth of knowledge and guidance.

Turning Points – By Shannon Shy

Turning Points written by Shannon Shy is one the most inspiring and empowering books I’ve ever read! Shannon shares his journey navigating OCD being in the hell pit and coming out the other side in recovery. I absolutely love Shannon’s mindset with recovery and how he implements his strategy overcoming OCD. Shannon also shares and explains his strategy to help guide others overcome OCD’s hell pit. Shannon’s book is an absolute page turner and game changer which I recommend to all! Shannon is the true embodiment of a warrior and a hero.

It’ll be Okay – By Shannon Shy

It’ll be Okay is Shannon’s first book published in 2009 and is where Shannon shares his journey of facing the relentless enemy of OCD and overcoming it. This is where Shannon discovered and created his ground rules and check points that helped him overcome all adversity that OCD threw in his way. Shannon provides hope, comfort, confidence and insight to some practical techniques for all of the OCD community and for those who help others with OCD.

Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – By Jonathan Grayson PhD

Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder written by Jonathan Grayson PhD is in my opinion one of the best books for insight and knowledge about OCD. Jon’s book helps sufferers make sense of their own compulsions through frank, unflinching self-evaluation, and provides not only the knowledge of how to change–but the courage to do it. Also Jon writes about previously unexplored manifestations of OCD such as obsessive staring (Visual Tourettic OCD), Relationship OCD and obsessive intolerance of environmental sounds and chewing. I absolutely recommend this book to all, Jon is one of the best!

The Self-Compassion Workbook for OCD – By Kimberley Quinlan

The Self-Compassion Workbook written by Kimberley Quinlan is in my opinion one of the best workbooks for self-compassion all things with OCD! Kim is a maverick with self-compassion and this book embodies that with being a guide to discovering, supporting and loving the best you that you can be. To replace self-judgement with kindness so you can stop suffering and start thriving. Kim’s self-compassion workbook for OCD outlines a step-by-step program to help you understand the emotional experience of OCD, and develop the tools you need to manage your disorder and build a better life. I highly recommend The Self-Compassion Workbook for OCD by Kim to all, it’s a game changer!

Everyday Mindfulness for OCD – By Jon Hershfield & Shala Nicely

Everyday Mindfulness for OCD written by Jon Hershfield & Shala Nicely is a game changing and empowering book for all the OCD community. This book entails that this everyday guide isn’t just about surviving with OCD, it’s about thriving. In this book two experts in OCD team up to teach readers how mindfulness, humour and self-compassion can help to stop dwelling on what’s wrong and start enhancing what’s right. Leading to a more joyful life. This book is a game changing read to which I recommend to all!

The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD – By Jon Hershfield & Tom Corboy

The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD Written by Jon Hershfield & Tom Corboy goes in to combining mindfulness practices with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Offering practical and accessible tools for managing the unwanted thoughts and compulsive urges associated with OCD. This is a powerful workbook that will help readers develop present-moment awareness, learn to challenge their own distorted thinking, and stop treating thoughts as threats and feelings as facts. A great informative and educational workbook!

Stopping the Noise in Your Head – By Dr. Reid Wilson

Stopping the Noise in Your Head written by Dr. Reid Wilson is a fantastic book for shifting perspective, step towards challenges and regain control of your life. Reid’s book is a Warm, engaging and remarkably entertaining page turner with a ground-breaking approach to overcoming anxiety and worry. To help you shop down the endless negative cycle of ‘Will I…? Shouldn’t I…? What If…?’ voices for good. Stopping the Noise in Your Head is an awesome book which I recommend to all!

Podcasts

Your Anxiety Toolkit – Hosted by Kimberley Quinlan

Your Anxiety Toolkit founded by Kimberley Quinlan is one of the best OCD podcasts worldwide to which I highly recommend checking out! Kim shares game changing awareness, education, guidance, strategies and tips for all things OCD & Anxiety! Kim is a maverick with self-compassion, mindfulness and radical acceptance. Your Anxiety Toolkit also features some of the best clinicians, OCD specialists, OCD advocates and people with lived experience worldwide.

The OCD Stories – Hosted by Stuart Ralph

The OCD Stories founded by IOCDF Advocate Stuart Ralph is one of the best podcasts worldwide for all things OCD. Stuart has incredible episodes featuring the OCD community who share authentically from the heart with their stories navigating their journeys with OCD. Also Stuart interviews world renown specialists and experts who share fantastic knowledge and their stories with the OCD community.

A Chat With Uma – Hosted by Uma R. Chatterjee

A Chat With Uma is an awesome podcast to tune in and listen to! Uma shares her life’s journey with lived experience of OCD, advocacy and her passion of neuroscience. While being very authentic, compassionate and incredibly knowledgeable. Uma also has special guest appearances from inspiring advocates, clinicians and neurological scientists. I absolutely recommend Uma’s podcast to anyone as you’ll learn so much on each episode and feel seen and heard. Uma has one of the most inspiring stories with recovery for OCD and is one of the best!

The OCDebunked Podcast – Hosted by Jenny Auer

The OCDebunked podcast hosted by Jenny Auer is also a must go to listen for all things OCD advocacy, community, connection and being very real with sharing lived experience of OCD. I had the honour of being Interviewed by Jenny in 2024 on her podcast and enjoyed every moment of it! Jenny is very open sharing her recovery journey and is so empowering and inspiring. When you listen she makes you feel that you’re there with her. Like a great friend that we’ve known for years. I recommend OCDebunked to all of the OCD community and beyond!

Obsessions and Confessions – Hosted by Cali Werner, LCSW & Rev. Dr. Katie O’Dunne

Obsessions and Confessions hosted by Cali Werner, LCSW & Rev. Dr. Katie O’Dunne is an incredible podcast all things Faith & OCD, reaching towards our values and OCD Advocacy. I just love these two! Always a joy to listen to each episode and resonate so much with what they discuss. Cali and Katie are incredible, inspiring and empowering advocates who are truly there for the OCD community. They share stories or there lived experience navigating OCD and recovery. Also sharing guidance, knowledge, compassion and hope to all. One of my go to podcasts to which I recommend to all! Cali and Katie are rockstars!

What’s the Scoop on Scrup? – Hosted by Rev. Dr. Katie O’Dunne

What’s the Scoop on Scrup? Hosted by Rev. Dr. Katie O’Dunne. I also just love this podcast! Katie discusses all things Faith & OCD and scrupulosity. Having special guest appearances from OCD advocates, Faith leaders and clinicians. Katie is one of the best for sharing awareness with Religious Scrupulosity and Moral Scrupulosity. Having lived experience of OCD since she was a child, Katie shares openly of her OCD journey and recovery. Katie is one of the most empowering, inspiring and compassionate people you can ever listen to. Offering so much hope and validation to all. Katie empowered and inspired me in my OCD recovery journey with a bring it on mind set and to reach towards my values despite of what ever OCD puts in my way. I’ll always be forever grateful to Katie just like thousands are from the OCD community who have connected with such a bright light and beacon of hope that Katie is which her light shines so brightly on us all. Katie is a true real life hero and I highly recommend tuning on to Scoop on Scrup if you haven’t already!

Smalls’ Talk – Hosted by Tom Smalley

Smalls’ Talk hosted by IOCDF Lead Advocate and Co-Founder of Anxiety In Athletes Tom Smalley is a great listen! Tom’s story of overcoming OCD is one of the most inspiring! Turning struggle into strength and now helping athletes and the OCD community with their recovery journey! Tom’s podcast takes you on a faith-fulfilled journey to de-stigmatise mental health in athletes and uncover your path to peak performance. Tom has great guest appearances from athletes, clinicians and OCD advocates. A definite must listen!

Fear Cast – Hosted by Kevin Foss, MFT

Fear Cast hosted by Kevin Foss, Kevin is a licensed therapist (MFT) and founder of California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center. Kevin’s podcast is dedicated to OCD, anxiety, treatment and getting your life back. Kevin shares fantastic knowledge, empowerment and hope. I absolutely recommend Fear Cast to all!

Waving

Starring globally acclaimed actor Ralph Ineson (The Witch, The First Omen), Waving is one of the best adaptations for OCD I’ve ever seen. an extremely powerful and unflinching film that shows the true realism of OCD.

Viewer Discretion Advised

The film contains scenes depicting intensive, intrusive thoughts that some may find triggering.