Justin’s Blog: “The Jog”

The Mind and Soul Foundation is a non-profit in the U.K. described as a team of leaders who bring together resources on both faith and emotions, instead of separating the two.  This article is re-posted in full with their permission (formatting is the only change).  You may read more about them at the end of […]

Recorded on Tuesday, 2/15/22, I was honored to be invited to the first in a series of Roundtables on Faith and OCD. I hope this helps you!! Description: Are you seeking to navigate OCD while remaining connected to your faith community? Have you ever felt like you had to choose between your religious space and […]

That Voice. You undoubtedly know the difference when someone uses that voice.  The conversation went from being lighthearted to now serious.  As a child, you may remember actual examples when your parent got serious and “laid down the law.”  I’m working on how to do this graciously, yet firmly, with my toddler right now. Have […]

OCD can be a highly debilitating disorder- yet it is highly treatable! You don’t have to check your faith at the door to get good help.   One example is from Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale, Director of the McLean OCD Institute // Houston and Lecturer at Harvard Medical School.   She is also Founder of the Peace […]

This four part series is meant to be a brief, yet fairly comprehensive, overview into the world of uncertainty for Christians.  SUMMARY: In Part 1, uncertainty is explored as a human experience- one for which Christians do not escape simply in lieu of being a faithful follower.  Part 2 addresses what ways people generally handle […]

This four part series is meant to be a brief, yet fairly comprehensive, overview into the world of uncertainty for Christians.  SUMMARY: In Part 1, uncertainty is explored as a human experience- one for which Christians do not escape simply in lieu of being a faithful follower.  Part 2 addresses what ways people generally handle […]

This four part series is meant to be a brief, yet fairly comprehensive, overview into the world of uncertainty for Christians.  SUMMARY: In Part 1, uncertainty is explored as a human experience- one for which Christians do not escape simply in lieu of being a faithful follower.  Part 2 addresses what ways people generally handle […]

This four part series is meant to be a brief, yet fairly comprehensive, overview into the world of uncertainty for Christians.  SUMMARY: In Part 1, uncertainty is explored as a human experience- one for which Christians do not escape simply in lieu of being a faithful follower.  Part 2 addresses what ways people generally handle […]

As a sequel to my popular, “ERP 4 OCD- Ultimate Guide to Treating OCD” training, here is the full length training on “Common Pitfalls in ERP 4 OCD.”  I have given this to OCD sufferers, family/friends, clergy, and clinicians.  May it benefit you wherever you find yourself today. Intro Evidence-based treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder […]

It’s “supposed” to be a special time.  You’ve worked hard and are ready to take a break.  But you feel more distressed and a certain pressure to be relaxed.  Welcome to anxiety invading special moments.   This can be true with vacations, holidays, days/hours off, and birthdays and anniversaries.  If you struggle to feel happy, content, […]

When I first learned to implement mindfulness, relaxation, and deep breathing into my therapy practice, I have to admit I was surprised when some clients quickly stated one of a few things: They didn’t want to continue. It was distressing to them. It didn’t work for them.  It threw me off a little as a […]

This is the shortened version of the article, the “PRO Version” available here. Functional Assessment Defined A functional assessment (or analysis, FA) is a framework that clinicians use to assess and plan treatment.  It is simply “any empirical demonstration of a cause-effect relation,” its purpose being “to determine which sources of reinforcement account for problem […]

Talk therapy is not the way to improve with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).  Talk therapy is also known as “supportive psychotherapy” or insight-oriented therapies.  In many cases, these approaches can OCD worse.  Writer and actress Lena Dunham shares how she experienced both sides of the street.  The Gold Standard of treatment is Exposure and Response Prevention […]

Small changes, over time, lead to big results.   Keep Choppin’ If you chop a tree with an axe once per day, you won’t see much progress.  Daily for a year and a tree (most) won’t stand a chance.  However, we are often limited with black and white, insular thinking (a cognitive distortion), also called “all […]

This is the full, “PRO version” of this article.  Looking for the quick read with graphics?  Click here. A great strength we have as human beings is to make connections and associations between simple and complex information.  At its best, we can learn and grow.  At worst, we can live in total unreality. Therapy at […]