122. Unmasking Moral Scrupulosity in OCD

Have you ever struggled with feelings of guilt, shame, or an overwhelming need to "do the right thing"? For individuals experiencing moral scrupulosity, a subset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), this focus on morality can become a debilitating cycle of self-doubt and fixation on being a "good person." In this episode, host Kristina Orlova welcomes Dr. Rachel LaFleur, a licensed psychologist specializing in OCD and telehealth services, to explore this often misunderstood OCD theme.

Together, they uncover the roots of moral scrupulosity, how it can intersect with other OCD types like contamination and "just right" OCD, and the psychological impact of this fixation on morality. Dr. LaFleur also shares practical advice on accessible treatment pathways, including self-help resources, therapy groups, and ways to find affordable OCD care. Tune in to learn how to build self-compassion, recognize OCD's influence on morality, and access valuable tools for managing these thoughts.

In This Episode

• [00:00] Introduction to Dr. Rachel LaFleur and her work in OCD therapy
• [02:34] Understanding moral scrupulosity in OCD
• [04:05] How moral scrupulosity overlaps with other OCD themes
• [06:12] Examples of everyday challenges for individuals with moral scrupulosity
• [10:15] Accessible self-help resources for OCD
• [12:38] Importance of self-reflection and flexibility in managing OCD
• [14:22] Finding affordable therapy options and support groups
• [19:02] Dr. LaFleur’s message of hope for those experiencing OCD

Notable Quotes

• [04:43] "People with moral scrupulosity OCD often experience intense guilt over minor actions, believing they might reflect a flaw in their character." – Dr. Rachel LaFleur
• [09:57] "Being hyper-vigilant about morality can lead people to overlook their actual values, impacting relationships and self-worth." – Dr. Rachel LaFleur
• [20:26] "OCD can cloud our view of who we are. But through treatment, many people reconnect with their authentic, compassionate selves." – Dr. Rachel LaFleur

Our Guest

Dr. Rachel LaFleur is a licensed psychologist based in Maryland, offering telehealth services for children, adolescents, and adults across multiple states. With a passion for evidence-based treatments, Dr. LaFleur works flexibly with clients to uncover and address the complex facets of OCD. She believes in a patient-centered approach that fosters both critical self-reflection and community support, empowering individuals to reclaim their lives from OCD.

Website: stonyrunpsych.com

https://www.abct.org/self-help-book-recommendations/

Resources & Links

Kristina Orlova, LMFT

• • https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
  • https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel
  • https://www.korresults.com/
  • OCD Journal and Planner: CBT based tracker

Dr. Rachel LaFleur

• https://stonyrunpsych.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-lafleur-ph-d-73735056

Disclaimer

Please note while our host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.

Stay tuned for biweekly episodes filled with valuable insights and tips for managing OCD and anxiety. And remember, keep going in the meantime. See you in the next episode!