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#17 OCD Explained: Understanding Symptoms, Reducing Shame & Treatments That Work — with Dr David Cooper
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In this warm and deeply informative episode, I share a conversation with Clinical Psychologist Dr David Cooper, an OCD specialist, researcher and adjunct lecturer at UNSW, to unpack what OCD really is — beyond the stereotypes of neatness, order, and perfectionism.
Together, we explore the many ways OCD can show up, why intrusive thoughts feel so distressing, and how shame often stops people from seeking help.
I also share my own experience living with OCD — the shame, the internal battles, and the exhaustion of compulsions that can unfold in a split second.
Dr Cooper explains:
• What OCD actually is
• Why intrusive thoughts feel so real and emotionally overwhelming
• The many forms OCD can take — including harm OCD, existential, moral, relationship and taboo thoughts
• Common and misunderstood OCD presentations
• How shame and secrecy keep OCD stuck
• The evidence-based treatments that genuinely help, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
• Practical ways to seek the right support
Whether you live with OCD, love someone who does, or simply want to better understand this complex and widely misunderstood condition, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and hope.
Bio
Dr David Cooper is a clinical psychologist and adjunct lecturer at the University of New South Wales. His clinical work focuses on helping people with obsessive-compulsive disorder and other life problems that keep repeating. He is involved in scientific research on how we can improve treatment for OCD and he maintains an online directory to help people in Australia connect with clinicians who have expertise in OCD. He works in private practice in Kiama, on the south coast of NSW.
Links mentioned during the episode:
Link to Paper published by Gayle Maloney:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2025.104878
Maloney G, Arntz A, Pittenger C. The imagery rescripting protocol for obsessive-compulsive disorder (ImRs-OCD): A decade of iterative refinement in treatment sequencing following ERP. Behav Res Ther. 2025 Dec;195:104878. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2025.104878. Epub 2025 Oct 2. PMID: 41092684.
Keywords: OCD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, OCD symptoms, intrusive thoughts, compulsions, ERP therapy, Exposure and Respon
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Thanks so much for listening,
Cass x
Disclaimer:
The information provided on the Mind Your Being Podcast is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The content shared on this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.
Reliance on any information provided by the Mind Your Being Podcast, its hosts, guests, or others appearing on the podcast is solely at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast creators or hosts.
Chapters
1. #17 OCD Explained: Understanding Symptoms, Reducing Shame & Treatments That Work — with Dr David Cooper (00:00:00)
2. Intro and why it's my most personal episode to date (00:00:18)
3. Welcome to Clinical Psychologist - Dr David Cooper (00:02:20)
4. What is OCD and common misconceptions about OCD (00:05:51)
5. How OCD may overlap with other conditions (00:08:21)
6. Dr Cooper explains some of the common and less common ways people experience OCD (00:10:13)
7. Cass shares her experience on how distressing intrusive thoughts lead to performing compulsions (00:15:04)
8. Dr Cooper explains what we know, today, about how someone comes to be afflicted with OCD (00:18:29)
9. Challenges people face in getting the right diagnosis (00:20:38)
10. Cass advocates for breaking the stigma against mental health conditions and discusses the shame that is often felt by those with OCD (00:22:08)
11. Dr Cooper explains the impact of untreated OCD (00:27:03)
12. What are the most effective evidence-based treatment options for OCD? (00:28:16)
13. Strategies to help people who feel stuck or are resistant to treatment (00:34:52)
14. Dr Cooper explain, in general, what recovery from OCD looks like (00:37:12)
15. Where people can find the right support - from those trained, and experienced, in treating OCD (00:43:31)
16. Dr Cooper suggests how friends, family and work-places can offer support to those living with OCD (00:45:42)
17. Dr Cooper explains what gives him hope about working with people living with OCD (00:51:00)
18. Dr Cooper reinforces that there are effective treatments available to help people recover from OCD (00:53:52)
19. How Dr Cooper Minds His Being (00:54:19)
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