Values, Paradox, and OCD: Finding Flexibility in the Tension

About this episode

The episode discusses how values and paradox impact therapy for clients with OCD, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and acceptance.

In this thought-provoking episode of Breaking the Rules, the hosts explore how values and paradox show up in the therapy room—especially when working with clients who experience OCD. Drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles, they discuss how being “fused” with one’s values can keep clients stuck in rigidity, perfectionism, and fear of imperfection. The conversation dives into the art of helping clients find flexibility between competing values—like control vs trust, safety vs freedom, and perfectionism vs growth—and how learning to hold both truths can open the door to meaningful change. They also unpack how clinicians can use values-based reflection, curiosity, and compassion to move clients beyond “sitting with uncertainty” toward truly living aligned, balanced lives. 💬 Key themes: • What it means to be fused with thoughts and values • Common paradoxes in OCD (purity vs imperfection, safety vs health, control vs trust) • Using values work to build insight and reduce rigidity • The connection between values, uncertainty, and acceptance • Why “sit with uncertainty” isn’t enough without context • Mapping paradoxes and value clashes in therapy • How building…

People in this episode

Hosts: Dr Celin Gelgec, Dr Victoria Miller

Topics covered

• values in therapy
• paradox in OCD
• flexibility in treatment
• rigidity and perfectionism
• values-based reflection
• uncertainty and acceptance

Keywords

• OCD
• values
• paradox
• flexibility
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• rigidity
• perfectionism
• uncertainty
• self-concept

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

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• Why OCD Gets Worse Before It Gets Better (Extinction Bursts) · May 4, 2026 · 19 min
• What Exposure Therapy Actually Feels Like (The Mentos/Jelly Bean Exercise) · April 20, 2026 · 16 min
• OCD and Productivity: The Struggle Behind the Scenes · April 6, 2026 · 28 min
• Perfectionism, Process-Based Therapy & The Anxious Perfectionist · March 23, 2026 · 60 min
• Developmental Patterns in OCD Onset and Flare-Ups · March 9, 2026 · 17 min