127. The Best Path to Recovery: Why Psychotherapy Outshines Medication for OCD

Did you know that many people with OCD still turn to medication as a first option, even though psychotherapy could be just as effective, if not more so?

In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, host Kristina is joined by Dr. Amy Huberman, a psychiatrist specializing in OCD, anxiety, and trauma. Dr. Huberman discusses her journey from prescribing medication to focusing solely on psychotherapy as a way to treat OCD.

In their conversation, Dr. Huberman shares how her initial belief in the necessity of medication shifted after observing the remarkable progress some patients made through intensive cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). She describes how, during her residency at Johns Hopkins, she learned that OCD, anxiety, and depression were often treated with medication, but over time, she began to see the power of psychotherapy in helping patients regain their agency—allowing them to take control of their lives and symptoms.

Dr. Huberman also opens up about her decision to stop prescribing medication and dedicate her practice to providing intensive psychotherapy. She reflects on the benefits and challenges of this decision, emphasizing that therapy, especially tailored CBT techniques, can have a profound and lasting impact on patients.

This episode offers insight into a psychiatric professional's personal and professional journey toward providing more holistic and individualized care. Whether you're struggling with OCD yourself or working in the mental health field, this conversation is a deep dive into the evolving treatment options for OCD and anxiety.

In This Episode

• [00:01:00] Meet Dr. Huberman
• [00:01:36] Medication debate
• [00:02:07] Dr. Huberman's decision to focus on psychotherapy.
• [00:02:48] Residency training influence
• [00:04:48] Experiencing recovery through therapy
• [00:05:47] Understanding agency
• [00:06:56] Realization about treatment
• [00:07:32] Pursuit of psychotherapy
• [00:08:34] Initial practice approach
• [00:10:21] Challenges with medication
• [00:12:04] Therapy's effectiveness
• [00:14:34] Pandemic impact on practice
• [00:16:07] Learning new approaches
• [00:16:37] Embracing psychotherapy
• [00:18:09] Understanding and acceptance
• [00:20:08] Key elements for self-acceptance
• [00:22:21] The paradoxical agenda-setting
• [00:23:03] Facing fears and self-identity
• [00:23:58] Finding Dr. Huberman
• [00:24:23] Closing remarks and resources

Notable Quotes

• [00:02:48] "So I trained at Johns Hopkins, and there the message was very strong. Exactly what that person said in that comment is that everyone with OCD or anxiety disorders or depression should receive medication." - Dr. Amy Huberman
• [00:04:48] “I saw patients fully getting their lives back, really recovering in a sustained and full way, that was in the few months when I received some training in cognitive behavioral therapy.” - Dr. Amy Huberman
• [00:08:34] “So when I left residency and sort of started my own practice, I, you know, despite the fact that I was already so excited about psychotherapy and questioning a little bit, at least the message that I had taken away from my training of medication must always be a part of treating somebody with OCD or anxiety." - Dr. Amy Huberman
• [00:14:34] “The things that people were telling me was most helpful to them were not actually the medication pieces but the psychotherapy, which has honestly always been the part that I really loved about working with patients.” - Dr. Amy Huberman
• [00:21:38] “Understanding what our symptoms say about us, reveal about us, that's actually really important and positive.” - Dr. Amy Huberman
• [00:23:03] “When I hold a knife up to my loved one's neck and I don't do the thing that I think I'm going to do, that process itself can reveal, 'Oh right, this is actually the person I am, somebody who would never want to do that.'” - Dr. Amy Huberman

Our Guest

Dr. Amy Huberman, a skilled psychiatrist on the volunteer faculty at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, brings her expertise to individuals through private practice in Maryland. Specializing in individually tailored psychotherapy and coaching, she focuses on treating OCD, anxiety, and trauma, offering a refreshing break from the traditional 15-minute session model. Dr. Huberman's approach is personalized and intensive, allowing for deep healing. While her psychotherapy services are available to those in Maryland, her coaching extends globally, empowering clients worldwide to overcome challenges and thrive.

Resources & Links

Kristina Orlova, LMFT

• https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
• https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel
• https://www.korresults.com/

Dr. Amy Huberman

• https://www.amyhubermanmd.com/

Mentioned

• Sneaky Rituals with Jenna Overbaugh

• ICBT with Kristina Orlova and Christina Ennabe

• OCD CBT Journal Tracker and Planner

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!