RESOURCES

BOOKS

While most people struggling with OCD are likely to benefit from working with a therapist, there are some books out there created to help be your own best therapist. In my opinion, these are all essential books for anyone struggling with OCD, anxiety, or depression, whether or not you’re working with a therapist.

OCD/ANXIETY FOCUSED BOOKS:

  • Freedom from OCD

    JONATHAN GRAYSON

    Considered by many of us to be the OCD “bible”, this book is designed to help you understand OCD, assess your own symptoms, and learn how to treat your own particular set of problems. This is an indispensable book for anyone struggling with OCD.

  • Everyday Mindfulness for OCD: Tips, Tricks and Skills for Living Joyfully

    JON HERSHFIELD & SHALA NICELY

    OCD often requires lifelong maintenance work. Continuing your own treatment is essential, and mindfulness and self-compassion are key tools to long-term success. This short book is a wonderful sidekick to Grayson’s book.

  • Needing to Know for Sure: A CBT-Based Guide to Overcoming Compulsive Checking and Reassurance Seeking

    MARTY SEIF & SALLY WINSTON

    This book has a different approach. It’s more focused on more effective decision making and letting go of certainty, whether or not you meet criteria for OCD. It’s short, well-written, easy to read, and it made a huge impact on me.

  • The Imp of the Mind: Exploring the Silent Epidemic of Obsessive Bad Thoughts

    LEE BAER

    If you’re struggling with intrusive harm thoughts, this is an older book, considered an OCD classic! A brief and essential tool for anyone struggling with harm themes.

  • “Pure O” OCD: Letting Go of Obsessive Thoughts with Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

    CHAD LEJEUNE

    Many clients come to me with only covert/mental compulsions. For this type of OCD, we’re likely still going to be using ERP, but mindfulness can be especially important. This is the first book to focus purely on this type of OCD.

  • Relationship OCD: A CBT-Based Guide to Move Beyond Obsessive Doubt, Anxiety, and Fear of Commitment in Romantic Relationships

    SHEVA RAJAEE

    Many of my clients find themselves with obsessive thinking about their relationships. ROCD can be really distressing, and it can be a bit more complex than other OCD themes. This book is the first of its kind.

GENERAL THERAPY BOOKS:

  • The Happiness Trap

    RUSS HARRIS

    The Happiness Trap is perhaps the most readable introduction to Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. This book is a great adjunct for OCD treatment once a client has read a more-OCD specific book, but I have prescribed this book to almost all of my non-OCD-suffering clients as well.

PODCASTS

  • The OCD Stories

    A must for anyone struggling with OCD, treating OCD, or caring for someone with OCD. On The OCD Stories, People share their stories of struggling and overcoming OCD, and experts bust myths and share the newest research.

  • Your Anxiety Toolkit - Anxiety & OCD Strategies for Everyday

    Host & therapist Kimberly Quinlan brings the most esteemed therapists and researchers on to her podcast to share the most up-to-date tips & tricks to support you on your treatment journey.

OTHER RESOURCES

  • International OCD Foundation (IOCDF)

    The IOCDF is an incredible hub for people struggling with OCD and for the families around them. Tons of info, resources and opportunities to connect with others.

  • Russ Harris’ Free Resources

    The author of the Happiness Trap has a TON of free stuff available to those struggling with OCD, anxiety, depression, or basically anything else under the sun.

  • Responding to unwanted thoughts article

    A huge part of overcoming OCD is finding ways to respond more effectively to those annoying (or horrifying) thoughts. I have basically every client read this page, so here it is!

  • A list of mental compulsions

    The world of covert mental compulsions is misunderstood by clients and clinicians alike. It can be a confusing and mystifying world, so understanding all the unseen ways that people manage their unwanted thoughts and feelings is a crucial step into identifying your own!