Anxiety vs OCD: Intrusive Thoughts, ACT & EMDR Explained — with “Therapy with Josh”

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In this episode of Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker, Dr. Barker sits down with Josh (“Therapy with Josh”), an accredited CBT therapist from Essex, UK, trained in EMDR and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). Together they unpack the real differences between anxiety and OCD, why OCD isn’t just “an anxiety disorder,” and how emotions like shame, guilt, disgust, and embarrassment can fuel the OCD cycle.

Josh shares how he treats OCD by targeting the “D”—the disorder—and explains why compulsions create more doubt. You’ll hear practical examples (like checking while driving), clear markers for when everyday quirks tip into disorder, and how defusion (e.g., “I’m noticing I’m having the thought that…”) helps people unhook from intrusive thoughts.

👉 Please LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT, and email Dr. Barker with questions, topic ideas, or to be a guest!

Guest

• Josh — Therapy with Josh, Essex, UK
• Instagram: @therapywith_Josh
• TikTok: @therapywithjosh

#OCD #Anxiety #EMDR #ACT #CBT #MentalHealth #IntrusiveThoughts #Compulsions #Grounding #Breathwork #SelfCompassion #CFT #DBT #TherapyPodcast #HoldingSpace

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