Bonus Ep: How to FORGIVE Yourself for Intrusive Thoughts: Self-Compassion for OCD Shame & Guilt

WE ARE SPONSORED BY NOCD,  a leading provider of OCD treatment. With NOCD, you can do live video sessions with a therapist who specializes in OCD and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, and get 24/7 support between sessions. NOCD Therapists accept most major insurance plans to make treatment more accessible. Book a free 15-minute call to learn more.

https://learn.nocd.com/youranxietytoolkit

In this episode, we talk about one of the most painful parts of OCD and anxiety: the shame that comes from intrusive thoughts. Many people experience sudden thoughts that are violent, sexual, blasphemous, or completely against their values—and when they do, they often assume it must mean something terrible about them.

But intrusive thoughts are not a reflection of your character. They are unwanted, repetitive, and distressing mental events that show up precisely because you care so deeply about your values.

In this episode, we unpack why these thoughts trigger such intense guilt and self-judgment, and why the urge to “forgive yourself” can actually be part of the OCD trap. Instead, we explore a healthier path: learning to see thoughts as mental noise rather than facts.

You’ll also learn a simple four-step approach for responding to intrusive thoughts:
recognizing that thoughts are not facts, understanding that feelings aren’t facts either, dropping the internal tug-of-war with the thought, and responding with radical self-compassion.

Most importantly, we discuss how compassion—not punishment—is what actually breaks the OCD cycle and helps you move forward.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why would I think that?” this episode will remind you of something essential: intrusive thoughts say nothing about who you are.

Share this article with your favorite people
I Did a Hard Thing!
Archives