Free Me from OCD

Dr. Vicki Rackner

This podcast offers a helping hand to families in which a teen or college-aged kid is learning to manage OCD. OCD impacts families; it can hold all family members hostage. Sometimes it feels like OCD is the family boss running the show. The goal of this podcast is to help people managing OCD, their parents and other OCD champions get in the driver's seat of their lives so they are in charge--not OCD. Come as you are and create the life you want.--even when OCD is part of the picture. Learn how to get and stay connected to the person with OCD doing the hard work of managing their minds.

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62 episodes
Updated Nov 28, 2024

Episodes62

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Apr 20, 2023 · 32 min
Postpartum OCD: Insights from OCD Expert Jenna Overbaugh
Welcoming a new baby into the family is a joy-filled event. However, human brains can pose challenges. You already know about postpartum depression. In this podcast episode you will learn about postpartum OCD. My guest, Jenna Overbaugh, is a licensed professional counselor and NOCD therapist. Jenna shares her own experience with postpartum OCD and demystifies this taboo condition. Do you know someone who might be struggling with postpartum OCD? Here are some helpful resources. Contact NOCD to speak with a therapist who treats OCD--and postpartum OCD-- with the evidence-based clinical intervention ERP. Click here to learn more about ERP. Listen to Jenna's podcast All The Hard Things. Join Jenna's Facebook mom's support group Lake Country Moms of Wisconsin. Click here to learn more about the OCD Freedom Formula Bootcamp. This 28 day program kicks off 5/7/24. Connect with Dr. Vicki Rackner: Website: FreeMeFromOCD.org Social Media: Follow Dr. Rackner on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and resources on managing OCD.
Apr 10, 2023 · 16 min
Is Your Child with OCD Broken?
Has your child learning to manage OCD ever told you, “I’m broken?” Have you ever thought about your child as broken? This podcast is for you. We’ll explore the high cost of thinking of people as broken. Then I’ll show you a different path. Click here to watch the basketball challenge. Click here to learn more about the OCD Freedom Formula Bootcamp. This 28 day program kicks off 5/7/24. Connect with Dr. Vicki Rackner: Website: FreeMeFromOCD.org Social Media: Follow Dr. Rackner on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and resources on managing OCD.
Apr 4, 2023 · 54 min
What to Know and Do When Your Child with OCD Applies to College
College application is the source of anxiety. In this podcast episode, you'll hear a conversation with our guest Dan Ulin. For the past 35 years, Dan has helped kids get into the college of their dreams and set them up for success in adult life through his company Elite Student Coach. In this episode, Dan offers answers to the following questions: 1. What do college admissions officers want? 2. What are some tips to help a college applicant be successful? 3. Should the diagnosis of OCD be disclosed on college applications? 4. What if the student likes a college, but there are no resources for students with OCD? Questions for Dan? He invites you to email him at dan@elitestudentcoach.com Click here to learn more about the OCD Freedom Formula Bootcamp. This 28 day program kicks off 5/7/24. Connect with Dr. Vicki Rackner: Website: FreeMeFromOCD.org Social Media: Follow Dr. Rackner on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and resources on managing OCD.
Mar 30, 2023 · 25 min
What to Do When You Think, "I'm to Blame for My Child's OCD."
Have you ever thought, “I’m to blame for my child’s OCD?” It seems like such an innocent thought; however, it is not. In this podcast episode I will help you understand the the high cost to hanging onto the thought, “I’m to blame for my child’s OCD.” Or any variation of “I’m a bad parent.” You’ll see why it’s downright dangerous. You’ll also learn and what to do when you have this thought, or your in-laws tell you that you are responsible for your child’s OCD. We’ll also explore what to do when your child blames you for their OCD. Click here to learn more about the OCD Freedom Formula Bootcamp. This 28 day program kicks off 5/7/24. Connect with Dr. Vicki Rackner: Website: FreeMeFromOCD.org Social Media: Follow Dr. Rackner on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and resources on managing OCD.
Mar 8, 2023 · 19 min
Family Feuds Part 3: What to Say to Your Child Instead of Engaging in Power Struggles
Would you like an alternative to power struggles with your kids managing OCD? In this episode, you learn the third stage of the Relationship Reboot. Here you'll learn what to say to you kids instead of getting into an emotional tug-of-war about how your adult child managed OCD. Click here to learn more about the OCD Freedom Formula Bootcamp. This 28 day program kicks off 5/7/24. Connect with Dr. Vicki Rackner: Website: FreeMeFromOCD.org Social Media: Follow Dr. Rackner on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and resources on managing OCD.
Feb 13, 2023 · 19 min
Fighting Family Feuds, Part 2 of 3
Have you ever been in an emotional tug-of-war with your child or other family members about how OCD is managed? In this episode, you'll learn to unplug from OCD-related power struggles with the Relationship Reboot. This is the second of a series of 3 podcasts. Click here to listen to the first in the series. Click here to learn more about the OCD Freedom Formula Bootcamp. This 28 day program kicks off 5/7/24. Connect with Dr. Vicki Rackner: Website: FreeMeFromOCD.org Social Media: Follow Dr. Rackner on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and resources on managing OCD.
Jan 17, 2023 · 23 min
Family Feuding About OCD? Try Something That WORKS!
Have you ever been in an emotional tug-of-war with your child or other family members about how OCD is managed? In the next series of 3 podcasts, I’ll uncover the origins of the most common conflict within families—which are usually power struggles— and show you how power struggles do more harm than good. Then I’ll lay out an alternative I call the Relationships Reboot. Click here to listen to the podcast episode in which I interview NOCD's Tracy Ibrahim about EPR--the evidence-based treatment for OCD proven to work. Connect with Dr. Vicki Rackner: Website: FreeMeFromOCD.org Social Media: Follow Dr. Rackner on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and resources on managing OCD.
Aug 26, 2022 · 28 min
How to Manage Harm OCD with Guest Tracie Ibrahim
What do you do if OCD obsessions take the form of thoughts or urges of harming yourself or harming others? In this podcast interview, Dr. Vicki interviews NOCD leader and therapist Tracie Ibrahim. Tracy helps us understand what harm OCD is--and what it is not. Here are the main take-away messages: 1. People with OCD can have thoughts and urges about harming themselves or others. 2. These thoughts about harm are usually obsessive thoughts or urges. 3. Harm themes are managed in exactly the same way other OCD thoughts or urges are managed. 4. It's critically important to be evaluated and treated by a therapist skilled at managing OCD harm themes. Reach out to NOCD to get connected with such a therapist. NOTE: If you have any question about whether your child is suicidal, err on the side of safety and bring your child to the ER. Click here to learn more about the OCD Freedom Formula Bootcamp. This 28 day program kicks off 5/7/24. Connect with Dr. Vicki Rackner: Website: FreeMeFromOCD.org Social Media: Follow Dr. Rackner on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and resources on managing OCD.
Aug 12, 2022 · 21 min
Debunking the Top 5 Myths About OCD
I would like to nominate OCD as one of the 5 most misunderstood condition in medicine. Lack of information can lead to suffering as the OCD diagnosis and treatment are delayed. In this podcast episode I will debunk the top 5 myths. Click here to visit the International OCD Foundation. Click here to listen to the podcast about ERP. Click here to visit NOCD and find an ERP therapist. Click here to get on the waiting list for The OCD Haven. This is a safe place to educate yourself, talk about your experiences with OCD, pose your questions and get support. Click here to learn more about the OCD Freedom Formula Bootcamp. This 28 day program kicks off 5/7/24. Connect with Dr. Vicki Rackner: Website: FreeMeFromOCD.org Social Media: Follow Dr. Rackner on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and resources on managing OCD.
Jul 25, 2022 · 28 min
OCD and Shame
OCD and shame seem to be tied at the hip. In this podcast episode we'll explore what shame is, where it comes from and how to manage it. You’ll see that shame can sabotage you as you learn to manage OCD—-or serve you. Here are the main take-away messages: Shame is just a feeling. It will not kill you, although it might feel like it! Shame communicates the message that you have not lived up to the standards you set for yourself. When you have guilt, you say to yourself, "I made a mistake." When you have shame, you say to yourself, "I am a mistake." You get embarrassed when you worry what others will think of you. Click here to listen to the podcast episode about embarrassment. If you think you have to earn your worthiness, you are vulnerable to feeling shame. OCD makes you more vulnerable to experiencing shame. When you have shame, you will want to hide. The hiding can prevent you from getting to the other side of OCD. Shame is triggered by circumstances; however, shame is caused by a thought that you are unworthy. Shame leads to hiding and lying. the hiding makes shame worse. Here are some thoughts to manage shame: 1. Recognize the feeling of shame. 2. Don't judge yourself for having shame. 3. You can replace the thought "I'm unworthy" to "I'm worthy." The "thought ladder" can help you get there. 4. Don't hide. Speak your truth. You can send an anonymous postcard to Here's the mailing address: OCD Confessions Dr. Vicki Rackner 2355 Fairview Ave N #219 Roseville, MN 55113 Can't wait to share them with you! Connect with Dr. Vicki Rackner: Website: FreeMeFromOCD.org Social Media: Follow Dr. Rackner on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and resources on managing OCD.
Jun 24, 2022 · 42 min
How to Manage OCD Sexual Themes with Guest Tracie Ibrahim
It's the ultimate taboo topic---OCD sexual themes. Listen to this podcast conversation with NOCD therapist Tracie Ibrahim . You will find: Unpleasant and disturbing sexual thoughts and images are very common with OCD. OCD thoughts are often lies. Sexual OCD obsessions are managed in the exact same way any other obsession is managed. Would you like to break the conspiracy of silence about your OCD sexual thoughts? Send an anonymous postcard to OCD Confessions 2400 NW 80th St #216 Seattle WA 98117 Click here to listen to my conversation with Tracie about ERP. Please feel welcome to leave your thoughts or comments. Click here to learn more about the OCD Freedom Formula Bootcamp. This 28 day program kicks off 5/7/24. Connect with Dr. Vicki Rackner: Website: FreeMeFromOCD.org Social Media: Follow Dr. Rackner on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and resources on managing OCD.
Jun 13, 2022 · 12 min
What Do You Do When You Feel Stuck?
Have you ever tried to achieve a big goal and felt stuck? Maybe you're even moving backwards. What do you do? In this podcast episode, Dr. Vicki offers a suggestion about how to get unstuck. Click here to watch a video of Dr. Vicki's son deadlifting 550 lbs https://youtu.be/8wEjkQiFCAA Connect with Dr. Vicki Rackner: Website: FreeMeFromOCD.org Social Media: Follow Dr. Rackner on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and resources on managing OCD.
May 18, 2022 · 21 min
Why Is Managing OCD So Hard?
If your child has OCD, you might wonder, "My child is exhausted from responding to all the demands his 'OCD Monster' makes. He wants to get back in the driver's seat of his life. He knows what to do to manage OCD. Why isn't he doing it?" There are good reasons. Here are the top three you will learn about in this episode: 1. Your child's biology. 2. Limits of medical science that make it difficult to get a diagnosis of OCD and then find the right treatment. 3. Beliefs that transformation should be fast, easy and relatively free from discomfort. Managing OCD is HARD WORK. The evidence-based treatment proven to work is ERP. To learn more, I invite you to visit NOCD. Do you like the idea of creating a family culture in which members do hard things? You're invited to be a Founding Member our "Do Hard Things and Get Results" Community. The goal of this community is to help you evolve into the best version of yourself--no matter what. We want to help you: Be who you are Know what you know and Do what you need to do. Here you will: 1. Set a goal--whether it's losing weight, or becoming more fit or stop overspending. 2. Have a community who holds you accountable. 3. Celebrate wins and overcome hurdles. 4. Participate in training calls where we address specific topics like: How to resist urges What to do when you fall off the wagon How to manage hard feelings How to deal with perfectionism or people pleasing How to create a protocol that works for you. 5. Join group coaching calls. You can get in the hot seat and get specific ideas about how to get unstuck. Click here to learn more about becoming a Founding Member of the Do Hard Things and Get Real Results Community. The membership fee covers all members of your family. Each family member can set different goals. Membership includes participation in the general community. We will also have breakout groups for: People who want to lose weight. People who want to get fit. People who want to respond to their kids with OCD more effectively . We will open other topic-specific groups as the needs arise. We look forward to working with you! Connect with Dr. Vicki Rackner: Website: FreeMeFromOCD.org Social Media: Follow Dr. Rackner on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and resources on managing OCD.
Apr 28, 2022 · 33 min
What is ERP? An Interview with NOCD's Tracie Ibrahim
In this episode I have the pleasure of interviewing Tracie Ibrahim. Tracie is the Director of Clinical Risk Management at NOCD. She's also a therapist who uses ERP in her OCD toolbox. You will hear Tracie's personal and professional journey with OCD. She will also share with you what ERP is, and why she uses it as she treats her clients with OCD. Click HERE to visit the NOCD web site and learn more about using ERP to manage OCD . Connect with Dr. Vicki Rackner: Website: FreeMeFromOCD.org Social Media: Follow Dr. Rackner on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and resources on managing OCD.
Apr 25, 2022 · 26 min
How to Respond When Your Child is in OCD Crisis
What do you do when your child is in OCD crisis? As a parent, you will have a longing to fix things so your child's pain goes away. The problem is that this does not work. In this podcast episode, you will find an alternative. It's called the ABLE Protocol. The name communicates the reality that you have what it takes to make a positive difference when your child is in crisis. ABLE is also an acronym for the four steps of the process. Click here to join the waiting list to learn when we open membership to The OCD Haven. You never have to be alone as you navigate the OCD journey. Connect with Dr. Vicki Rackner: Website: FreeMeFromOCD.org Social Media: Follow Dr. Rackner on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and resources on managing OCD.
Mar 22, 2022 · 27 min
How to Manage Embarrassment, Blame, Guilt and Shame 2 of 3
If you live with someone with OCD, embarrassment is part of your life. In this podcast episode you will learn how to manage embarrassment more effectively. Here are action steps mentioned in the podcast: Send an OCD Confession Postcard to this address: Vicki Rackner MD 2355 Fairview Ave N #219 Roseville, MN 55113 If you or your child are interested in joining our private community, please send an email to DrVicki@OCDParenting.com. Click here to get on the waiting list to learn when our upcoming OCD PowerParenting course is live. Click here to get on Dr. Vicki's calendar. Connect with Dr. Vicki Rackner: Website: FreeMeFromOCD.org Social Media: Follow Dr. Rackner on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and resources on managing OCD.
Mar 14, 2022 · 23 min
How to Manage Embarrassment, Blame, Guilt and Shame 1 of 3
We all have a deep longing to be seen and accepted for who we are. If you have a child learning to manage OCD, you know this is a tall order. One of the big worries is, “What would people think about me if they could see my life?“ Your child might wonder: Would you be my friend— even if you knew about my dark thoughts and crazy rituals? Would you hire me— even if you knew about my OCD? As a parent, you might wonder: Would you see me as a competent parent—even if you saw the chaos in my home? In the next podcast episodes, I’ll offer tips to help you and your child more effectively manage embarrassment, blame, guilt and shame. Click here to grab a spot on my calendar. Click here to get on the waiting list for the OCD PowerParenting training. Connect with Dr. Vicki Rackner: Website: FreeMeFromOCD.org Social Media: Follow Dr. Rackner on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and resources on managing OCD.
Feb 26, 2022 · 31 min
5 Things Your Kid with OCD Wants You to Know
There are reasons that it's hard for parents to understand what life is like for a child learning to manage OCD. In this podcast episode, Dr. Vick Rackner shares 5 messages she's extracted from conversation with young adults who have learned to manage OCD. Here they are: 1. "I'm in the fight of my life!" 2. "I have a hard job." 3. "See me, not the OCD." 4. "You're the most important person in my life." 5. "I'm going to do this my way. Let me make my own choices. And my own mistakes." You will take away some ideas to put this insight into action. Click here to learn more about the OCD Freedom Formula Bootcamp. This 28 day program kicks off 5/7/24. Connect with Dr. Vicki Rackner: Website: FreeMeFromOCD.org Social Media: Follow Dr. Rackner on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and resources on managing OCD.
Feb 12, 2022 · 19 min
The 5 Zones of OCD
At any given moment in time, there is a power balance between your child and the OCD Terrorist. I find it helpful to think about different OCD Zones. In the BLUE OCD ZONE, your child is completely in charge. It’s as if OCD went into a deep sleep. In the GREEN OCD ZONE, your child has just waged a war on OCD and triumphed. They recognized the obsessive thought for what it was , resisted the urge to perform the compulsion and lived through their anxiety and discomfort. In the YELLOW OCD ZONE, your child has the awareness that a thought COULD be OCD, but they’re not sure. I often got calls from my son that went something like this, “I have a thought and I’m not sure if it’s real or it’s OCD.” Almost every time he asked the question he was right. In the ORANGE OCD ZONE, your child and your child’s OCD are wrestling for power. Part of our child’s awareness includes the possibility that this is most likely an obsessive thought, but the OCD may be very cunning. My son’s OCD says “This time it’s different. I’m telling you the truth.” Your child might be sleepwalking through OCD Land. When your child is in the RED OCD ZONE, OCD has taken complete control. Your child is in the midst of their OCD nightmare, and they're asleep to their reality. In any moment in time, your child is in one of these zones. However, they can shift zones in the course of minutes. The goal is always to help them spend more time in the BLUE and GREEN and Yellow Zones and less time in the RED and ORANGE Zones. Connect with Dr. Vicki Rackner: Website: FreeMeFromOCD.org Social Media: Follow Dr. Rackner on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and resources on managing OCD.
Jan 20, 2022 · 17 min
Is OCD Real?
Is OCD real, or is it a hashtag description for people who organize things? In this podcast episode, OCD PowerParenting Coach Dr. Vicki Rackner offers answer to these questions: What is OCD? How is OCD diagnosed? What is the value of a diagnosis? What do you do when people think that OCD is a hashtag fad? Click here to learn more about the OCD Freedom Formula Bootcamp. This 28 day program kicks off 5/7/24. Connect with Dr. Vicki Rackner: Website: FreeMeFromOCD.org Social Media: Follow Dr. Rackner on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and resources on managing OCD.