Exposure Therapy in a Public Bathroom

About this episode

The episode explores the intersection of clean girl culture and OCD patterns, discussing how social media trends can influence mental health.

In this episode of Breaking the Rules , we record from an unusual location — the bathroom floor of a public restroom — as we explore an increasingly popular social media trend: “clean girl culture.” Across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, the clean girl aesthetic promotes a polished, minimalist lifestyle — natural makeup, tidy wardrobes, “clean” eating, and curated routines that appear effortless and healthy. But when does a healthy routine become rigidity, anxiety, or compulsive behavior ? In this conversation we unpack how trends like clean girl culture can blur the line between wellbeing and preoccupation , and how certain aspects of the aesthetic can overlap with OCD patterns , particularly around contamination, checking, perfectionism, and the need for control. We also explore the broader question clinicians and individuals often face: how do we know when something has gone too far? In this episode we discuss: What “clean girl culture” is and why it’s trending on social media The appeal of curated lifestyles and polished aesthetics When healthy habits start becoming rigid or anxiety-driven Parallels with orthorexia and other wellness trends How social media trends can…

People in this episode

Hosts: Dr Celin Gelgec, Dr Victoria Miller

Topics covered

• clean girl culture
• OCD patterns
• social media trends
• wellbeing vs preoccupation
• perfectionism
• compulsive behavior

Keywords

• clean girl culture
• OCD
• social media
• perfectionism
• compulsive behavior
• wellness trends
• anxiety

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: TikTok, Instagram

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