Hello Everyone!

[OCDAdvocateKatie]

Hi Everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself...I'm Katie and I have OCD. BUT I think it's really important to note that while it can be tough sometimes, I don't let my OCD define me anymore. Rather, I would like to introduce myself by things that do define me...I'm an interfaith chaplain for 2700 kiddos, an ordained minister, an ultra-marathon runner, a podcaster, a kitty mom...and so many other things!

I used to be on HealthUnlocked much more frequently as tri2befree when I was really struggling with a major OCD relapse, trauma, harm OCD, false memories, and beyond. I thought I would never escape the cycle...but ERP and ACT helped me reclaim my life in some truly beautiful ways. Oh...and the people on THIS FORUM helped me through one of the toughest periods of my life when I thought I had absolutely no hope, and they reminded me that there is a beautiful, present life out there.

I now have the pleasure of serving as an IOCDF Lead Advocate, with a big focus on our faith and mental health programming (and am starting my doctorate next week on the intersection between faith/mental health...horray!!). I helped with our first ever faith/mental health conference and am working to let everyone know that faith/OCD treatment do not have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, they can work together as a part of living into your values! I actually lead the IOCDF's SIG in this area (meeting tonight if anyone is interested...would LOVE to have you...just let me know!). AND it you want to check out a little more about our faith/OCD initiatives, check out this page - iocdf.org/ocdandfaith/

Just wanted to drop in and say "hi" again...and reintroduce myself not just based on my OCD but based on my values. And while it can still be tough sometimes, there is so so so so much hope, and I'm looking forward to being more active on this forum as each of you AMAZING, strong, brave humans navigate your journey, always remembering that no matter what OCD says - you are so much more than your OCD. We are all in this together, and you are never alone - I promise!!!

[alexandraisobsessed IOCDF Advocate]

Hey Katie! 👋

[MyOCD123]

I rarely go on here anymore (as I’ve been in a good place with my OCD for awhile now) but I felt compelled to open this app tonight and now I know why. Hope you are doing well! ❤️

[OCDAdvocateKatie IOCDF Advocate in reply to MyOCD123]

I am sooooo incredibly glad you're in a good place with your OCD, and this absolutely made my day to see you pop up. You were literally such a lifeline for me when I was at my lowest and encouraged me to keep going with ERP. I will always always always appreciate our friendship and connection. I'm so glad I met you (through this forum!) at that time in my life

[MyOCD123 in reply to OCDAdvocateKatie]

Same! I still find a lot of comfort in knowing that there are others out there who struggle with themes that are more stigmatized. I really needed to know I wasn’t alone at that time and because of you I wasn’t. And I also know that if it gets bad again I have this amazing community to fall back on. Keep up the amazing work!

[BlackOnyx]

Hey Katie! I saw you talk at the mental health and faith conference.

[OCDAdvocateKatie IOCDF Advocate]

I LOVE that!!! I'm so glad you attended the conference!😀

[StandinStill]

Thank you so much . I hope to be at the point you are one day. I think it’s fantastic to see your progress and to feel like I can still “try” to maintain faith, even during the very difficult times . I often struggle and get caught between being angry and feeling like I struggle to have faith anymore, and the times I can actually feel like faith is pulling me through those tough times.It’s very difficult to even say a prayer and feel like it’s not an obsession and then compulsions.

It’s so challenging for a lot of people to let go and trust their higher power even without OCD. So I’m really really struggling to find that because OCD gets in the way every day .

But I’m holding onto hope, and seeing your post today gives me a little more light at end of tunnel

Thank you

[OCDAdvocateKatie IOCDF Advocate in reply to StandinStill]

You WILL be at that point, and you are already on the journey. I think I spent so long wishing I was in a good place that I missed out on the journey of the beautiful progress I made all along in treatment. Please know that you can completely navigate OCD (and ERP/treatment) while having faith...and being angry and frustrated can be a part of that, too! I think the idea of treatment is to get to a place where you really can pray for you - because you want to - as opposed to having that obsessional piece to it. I'm so sorry OCD gets in the way of faith, but please know that you are such a beautiful person (and created wonderfully by God) even in the low points of the journey.

[StandinStill in reply to OCDAdvocateKatie]

Thank you so much!! I need those positive words of encouragement and truly appreciate it

[Blue_Red]

My faith has been struggling because I feel how can God allow myself and others to suffer so much. I have done some research on ERP and ACT. Can you help me find a therapist in the twin cities, Minneapolis Minnesota area that specializes in both these areas for contamination ocd? Thank you

[OCDAdvocateKatie IOCDF Advocate in reply to Blue_Red]

Thank you so much for asking. That is definitely a question I've had, and it can be tricky! And yet, I really believe God allows amazing individuals to lead ERP/ACT so that you can live the beautiful life you were created to live (filled with joy). Feel free to check out the IOCDF directory for a therapist licensed to do ERP in your area - iocdf.org/find-help/

[Pratheek]

Great profile nice to see you here helping each other and filling the courage to come out of OCD is very much important hope u r doing good god bless you