🧠 Understanding OCD & Building Long-Term Resilience - with CBT Therapist Jess Hayes

OCD is often misunderstood as simply intrusive thoughts, but the reality is far more complex. It operates as a cycle where triggers lead to intrusive thoughts, which are then interpreted in ways that create anxiety and drive compulsive behaviours. Stress levels, emotional wellbeing, and personal background factors can all influence how powerful and convincing these thoughts feel. Featuring Jess Hayes, this Reel explores a comprehensive approach to treating OCD that focuses not only on challenging intrusive thoughts, but also on building strong psychological foundations. Jess highlights the importance of basic self-care, sensory regulation, and emotional support systems in strengthening a person’s capacity to tolerate uncertainty and distress. The discussion also touches on how major life transitions — such as becoming a parent or moving home — can increase vulnerability to OCD symptoms. Through gradual strategies that build resilience and coping skills, therapy aims to help individuals better understand their thoughts and eventually develop the confidence to become their own therapist over time. #mindfriend #mindfriendtalk #mindfriendmedia #podcast #JessHayes