In this interview, Chris Leins shares his journey into OCD and anxiety treatment, effective therapy modalities like ERP, and practical strategies for managing intrusive thoughts. Perfect for anyone seeking understanding and hope in their mental health journey. Chris J.K. Leins, MA, LPCC-S, is a leading clinician in OCD and anxiety disorders, known for helping hundreds of individuals reclaim their lives since 2015. Trained directly in the tradition of Dr. Edna Foa, the founder of modern Exposure Therapy, Chris brings clinical rigor and real-world experience to every project he supports. Chris also lives with OCD himself, bringing both professional expertise and lived understanding to his patients. A published author and respected voice in the field, Chris has presented his work at both the International OCD Foundation and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies conferences.   OCD Straight Talk Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ocd-straight-talk/id1503360581 Kentucky OCD Treatment Center - https://kentuckyocd.com Oscar, the AI OCD Coach - https://ocdspace.com   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to OCD and Anxiety Disorders 02:26 Chris Leins' Journey into Counseling 05:20 Understanding OCD and Personal Experiences 08:13 Effective Treatment Modalities for OCD 11:00 The Role of Exposure Therapy 13:42 Compulsions and Their Management 16:24 Tolerating Distress and Managing Intrusive Thoughts 17:01 Understanding Tolerance in Anxiety Management 19:55 Empowerment Through Acknowledgment and Choice 22:51 The Hard Work of Therapy: Resistance and Commitment 26:37 Behavior Change as the Key to Overcoming OCD 30:38 Transitioning from Validation to Action in Therapy