Christian Faith and OCD, Scrupulosity, Intrusive Thoughts, Compulsions, Peace

185. What Does It Mean to Take This Thought Captive? What About Intrusive Thoughts?

In this episode, Carrie unpacks what it really means to take a thought captive and why that verse can feel confusing for Christians navigating OCD. She brings biblical clarity, challenges common misconceptions, and shares a more grace-filled way to respond to intrusive thoughts.Episode Highlights:What that “take every thought captive” verse actually means in context—and why it’s not about perfect thought controlHow spiritual armor like the helmet of salvation helps protect your mind in OCD strugglesWhy trying to squash every thought can keep you stuck in compulsionsThe difference between intrusive thoughts and sin—and how to respond with grace instead of fearHow to let go of the pressure to manage every thought and trust God’s work in your healingFree Webinar: Calming the Inner Chaos: Tips for Christians Seeking OCD Treatmenthttps: www.carriebock.com/calm/ Explore the Christians Learning ICBT training: https://carriebock.com/training/ Carrie's services and courses: carriebock.com/services/ carriebock.com/resources/Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianfaithandocd/and like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/christianfaithandocd for the latest updates and sneak peeks.

184. From Questioning God's Will to Embracing Grace: A Personal Story with Michael Kheir

In today’s episode, we’re wrapping up our Personal Story Summer Series with Michael Kier, author of Waging War Against OCD: A Christian Approach. Michael shares his honest journey through scrupulosity, intrusive thoughts, and how grace—not striving—transformed his view of God and mental health. Episode Highlights:What it’s like to live with scrupulosity (religious OCD) from childhood into adulthoodHow to tell the difference between conviction from God and intrusive OCD thoughtsWhy legalism, fear, and shame often get tangled with our view of GodHow becoming a parent deepened Michael’s understanding of graceWhat it really means to walk by faith—not fear-driven compulsionsFree Webinar: Calming the Inner Chaos: Tips for Christians Seeking OCD Treatmenthttps: www.carriebock.com/calm/ Explore the Christians Learning ICBT training: https://carriebock.com/training/ Carrie's services and courses: carriebock.com/services/ carriebock.com/resources/Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianfaithandocd/and like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/christianfaithandocd for the latest updates and sneak peeks.

183. Deciding to Take OCD Medication During Pregnancy: A Personal Story with Amber Williams Van Zuyen

As part of the Personal Story Summer Series, we’re bringing back Carrie’s powerful conversation with Amber Williams Van Zuyen, who shares her journey through harm OCD, intrusive thoughts, and the difficult decision to take medication during pregnancy. Amber’s story is relatable, faith-filled, and a reminder that you’re not alone in the struggle.Plus, don’t miss Carrie’s upcoming live webinar Calming the Inner Chaos: Tips for Christians Seeking OCD Treatment on August 11 at 4PM CT—replay available!Episode Highlights: What harm OCD really looks like behind closed doorsThe guilt and confusion that often swirl around faith and medicationThe impact of dismissive or misinformed "Christian" counselingWhy finding the right diagnosis and treatment made all the differenceHow Amber leaned into Scripture, community, and honesty to reclaim her peaceFree Webinar: Calming the Inner Chaos: Tips for Christians Seeking OCD Treatmenthttps: www.carriebock.com/calm/ Explore the Christians Learning ICBT training: https://carriebock.com/training/ Carrie's services and courses: carriebock.com/services/ carriebock.com/resources/Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianfaithandocd/and like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/christianfaithandocd for the latest updates and sneak peeks.

182. Breaking Family Silence and Stigma by Seeking Therapy: Personal Story with Peyton Garland

In this episode, Carrie revisits a powerful conversation with author Peyton Garland, who shares her journey through OCD, scrupulosity, and anxiety while holding onto her Christian faith. Episode Highlights:-The emotional weight of growing up in a culture where therapy was viewed as weakness,-The spiritual confusion and fear that can accompany OCD in rigid religious environments-How finding a diagnosis provided clarity and freedom-The role of her supportive husband in her healing journey-The generational impact of seeking therapy and breaking silence in her family-How therapy, grace, and community helped her overcome shame and find peacehttps://www.instagram.com/peytonmgarland/https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08QND5Z5FFree Webinar: Calming the Inner Chaos: Tips for Christians Seeking OCD Treatmenthttps: www.carriebock.com/calm/ Explore the Christians Learning ICBT training: https://carriebock.com/training/ Carrie's services and courses: carriebock.com/services/ carriebock.com/resources/Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianfaithandocd/and like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/christianfaithandocd for the latest updates and sneak peeks.

181. My Response to the Updated IOCF's Treatment Recommendations

In this episode, Carrie responds to the International OCD Foundation’s newly released 2024 treatment guidelines. She offers a therapist’s take on the updates, and what they mean for Christians navigating OCD. Episode Highlights:What the IOCDF’s updated 2024 treatment guidelines mean for OCD care, and why this shift matters.How Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) compares to newer approaches like Inference-Based CBT (ICBT) and metacognitive therapy.Why faith-based concerns and nervous system sensitivity can make ERP difficult for some Christians with OCD.Which therapies the IOCDF considers “adjunct,” “second-line,” or “potentially harmful”—and Carrie’s take on that, especially when it comes to EMDR.How to navigate your treatment choices with discernment, hope, and a plan that fits both your story and your values.https://iocdf.org/ocd-treatment-guide/Free Webinar: Calming the Inner Chaos: Tips for Christians Seeking OCD Treatmenthttps: www.carriebock.com/calm/ Explore the Christians Learning ICBT training: https://carriebock.com/training/ Carrie's services and courses: carriebock.com/services/ carriebock.com/resources/Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianfaithandocd/and like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/christianfaithandocd for the latest updates and sneak peeks.