Your Intrusive Thoughts Don't Define You: The Truth About Catholic OCD
From The Catholic Therapist by The Catholic Therapist
May 25, 2026 · 1h 3m · Episode 141
About this episode
The episode discusses scrupulosity in Catholic life, exploring its roots in anxiety and OCD rather than weak faith, and offers insights on healing methods.
What if the religious doubt, the obsessive confessing, the fear of receiving communion — isn't a sign of weak faith, but actually reveals how deeply you love God? In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross, LMFT (#116623) joins Amber from the Catholic Counseling Institute for a wide-ranging conversation on scrupulosity — one of the most painful and misunderstood struggles in Catholic life. Together they unpack the clinical reality that scrupulosity is rooted in anxiety and OCD, not poor faith — and they share what actually helps people heal, from ERP therapy and parts work, to the role of medication, spiritual direction, and a healthy God image. Topics covered: What scrupulosity is (and isn't) — theologically and clinically Intrusive thoughts: the difference between temptation and desire The lifeboat analogy: when coping strategies become obstacles ERP for scrupulosity: sitting with uncertainty instead of seeking certainty Reassurance seeking — and what families can say instead SSRIs, GeneSight testing, and the Church's view on medication Nervous system regulation and experiencing God's peace Healing is possible. This conversation is proof. Have questions? Visit…
People in this episode
Host: Amber
Guest: Adam Cross
Topics covered
- scrupulosity
- Catholic OCD
- intrusive thoughts
- anxiety
- spiritual direction
- healing
Keywords
- scrupulosity
- Catholic OCD
- intrusive thoughts
- ERP therapy
- spiritual direction
- medication
- anxiety
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Catholic Counseling Institute, adamcrossmft.com
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