There’s a lot of conversation about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), some real and some of it is just talk. But no matter where the conversation falls or the parties involved, OCD is a very real situation. It can take over your days, limit your existence, and have a profound impact on your overall quality of life.  “My professional opinion is that OCD is under-diagnosed and misdiagnosed all the time.” (Amanda), 1:38 My guest today is Amanda Petrik-Gardner. Amanda knows a lot about OCD, how to detect it, and most importantly, how to help victims build strategies to overcome it. Her practice spans the nation and over the course of her career, she’s seen, heard, and helped with it all. Today, she stops by to discuss OCD, debunk myths surrounding it, and talk to us about why the time has come for our world to begin opening up and getting real about our mental health.  “One of the beauties of mental health is that it does not discriminate.” (Amanda), 6:08 OCD is real, but so are the treatments that help sufferers overcome it. If you’ve been diagnosed with OCD or any other condition that falls on the spectrum, this show is for you. If you think you may have this disorder, listen to it, make an appointment with a specialist, and boldly seek the help you deserve. This is an amazing conversation that focuses on a truly debilitating condition and one that will help you become your best version! Amanda Petrik-Gardner … today on Off the Cuff! “When we start living in this imagined story that’s not even happening, we start acting on it.” (Amanda), 14:17 “Don’t rely so much on what everybody tells you to do. Find out what works for you.” (Danny), 33:03 In This Episode: (1:30) – Is OCD over or under-diagnosed? (2:10) – Amanda debunks stereotypes surrounding OCD.  (2:32) – Danny discusses his classmate who had OCD/Repetitive Behavior as a child.  (3:22) – Amanda reveals that clinicians often have trouble understanding the concept.  (4:18) – There is no link between OCD and violence.  (4:50) – A person with OCD is the least likely to harm someone because the thought actually scares them. (6:30) – Amanda discusses her childhood and knowing what she wanted.  (6:53) – Understanding that some therapists go into a field because they didn’t get the help they needed.  (9:30) – Everybody has intrusive thoughts, but not everybody has OCD.  (10:35) – Amanda discusses the two OCD models.  (11:57) – Your brain creates stories, and they happen rather quickly.  (14:47) - Amanda assures listeners doubts aren’t concerns.  (15:02) – The percentage of people born with OCD and the genetics of it.  (17:09) – Danny opens the floor to traumatic brain injuries and OCD. (18:33) – Athletes are among the most OCD diagnoses.  (19:13) – The Nomar Garciaparra Experience. (19:43) – Routines can become OCD.  (20:21) – No direct correlation between addiction and OCD.  (21:25) – Amanada discusses the hierarchy of disorders.  (23:52) – Danny gets blunt about OCPD’s.  (25:30) – Amanda goes deeper into her childhood and early story and how the family doesn’t talk about mental health. (28:00) – Amanda reveals that OCD can be mental or physical.  (29:13) – Thoughts on people who self-diagnose.  (30:33) – The idea of treating OCD without therapy is discussed.  (32:40) – The importance of OCD homework.  (34:03) – Can OCD be a positive? (37:54) – Exposure Therapy for OCD (40:50) – Danny discusses the increased popularity of CBT.  (41:40) – The topic of Harm Obsession is discussed.  (43:00) – Amanda offers listeners guidance on how to work through Harm Obsessions.  (43:52) – How OCD looks in children. (44:54) – When should you seek treatment for OCD? Our Guest  Amanda Petrik-Gardner is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who works with indivi