Michelle Meadows

My goal was to help people lead fulfilling lives. I wanted people to have meaningful days. I started my journey in the military and then as a teacher, and then I realized I could do a little bit more to help. I worked with military children as a therapist, so I come from the perspective of a family member. I relate to the journey. It's not just one person; it affects that family unit or support system as well. Also, people close to me have OCD and anxiety. And I work through anxiety all the time. It's important to understand that anxiety is a human emotion.

I have several loved ones who suffer with OCD. When I started doing the research, ERP really stood out. That's when I became very interested in helping others, because I was able to help my loved ones.

In my experience with community mental health, I treated major depressive disorder, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. I really enjoy investing in a person's recovery and their journey back to leading fulfilling lives and having meaningful days.

I'm straightforward. I really value being rooted in evidence-based practices. I have been incorporating ACT and CBT for 10 years now, and that really goes hand in hand with ERP. ERP is very effective. I've seen it work in my personal life. I'm watching it work in my clinical journey. It's as effective as the effort you put into it. But you can see progress in just a few sessions. That's one of the most gratifying things I've ever experienced—watching members, even in just a couple of weeks, say, 'Hey, this isn't nearly as tough as I thought it was going to be,' or, 'Yeah, it's tough, but I was able to do it.' That's awesome.

It's an investment. Treatment is not always comfortable. Actually, it's pretty uncomfortable at times. But it's important to remind yourself that long-term relief is possible. The investment is invaluable.

This is a no-judgment zone. We are collaborating on this journey together. I want to be here to help you take those steps in your treatment. My personal experience has helped me understand the need for self-compassion. When you have a severe and persistent mental illness, sometimes that self-compassion piece is lacking. Maybe you, or your family, are burnt out and tired. I bring that piece to NOCD—helping you how to give yourself some grace and self-compassion.