Hey Reader-

Contamination OCD is often much more complex than many parents realize. It is not always about germs, handwashing, or obvious fears of illness. For many kids, contamination OCD can center around chemicals, certain people, objects, or even an intense feeling of disgust rather than fear.

In my latest podcast episode, I breaks down the subtle ways contamination OCD can be missed, misunderstood, or accidentally reinforced. Parents often focus on visible avoidance without recognizing the true “ground zero” of contamination, the original trigger or core fear driving the OCD cycle. Understanding that core fear or disgust response is essential for effective support.

Parents will also learn why appeasing OCD or rationalizing with it can unintentionally strengthen the cycle.

If your child struggles with contamination fears, disgust triggers, or confusing avoidance behaviors, this episode will help you better understand what may really be happening and how to respond more effectively.

​Anxiety and OCD are a Family Affair​ Do you feel like you are controlled by your child’s anxiety or OCD? Are your days consumed by anxiety or OCD’s demands? Are you and your family stuck following anxiety or OCD’s rules? Is your family limited to what anxiety or OCD will allow you to do? Accommodating your child’s anxiety or OCD is not only frustrating...It grows the problem. Accommodation grows the neural pathways that grow anxiety and OCD. Giving into anxiety and OCD sends a message to your child that you don’t believe they can sit in discomfort. Accommodations can prevent ERP (Exposure Response Prevention) and other treatment approaches from working. These habits took time to develop, and so will pulling them back. Pulling back your support doesn’t have to overwhelm you or your child. Eli Lebowitz from Yale University developed a systematic approach to pulling back accommodations. Research has shown that the SPACE Program is just as effective as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Click here to learn more

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​5 ways to support your child with OCD this summer​

Summer break is approaching, which means a change in routine for many families. While the shift away from homework and early morning alarms is often exciting, the sudden lack of structure can be tough for kids with OCD. If summer makes OCD harder for your child to manage, you’re not alone, and there are ways you can help. Here are 5 expert-backed tips for supporting your child with OCD, and enjoying summer as a family.​

NOCD Therapists specialize in treating OCD in children, teens, and adults. They accept most insurance plans and involve the whole family in treatment, empowering you and your loved ones to more effectively support your child. Book a free call to learn more.​

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Take care,
Natasha

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