Shala Nicely, LPC OCD Treatment with ERP Therapy
Shala Nicely, LPC OCD Treatment with ERP Therapy
When OCD won’t let your mind rest
If your mind feels stuck in loops, arguments, or nonstop checking, you’re not alone. Many people with OCD describe feeling worn down by the constant effort to figure things out, feel certain, or make anxiety go away.
The free guide that accompanies my monthly OCD newsletter is designed to help you understand what’s happening and how to respond differently when anxiety won’t let up.
It focuses on moments when mental rituals take over, such as internal debates, repeated reviewing, monitoring how you feel, or trying to reason your way out of doubt. The guide helps you see how these patterns work and what it means to step out of them in ways that support real recovery.
You’ll receive this free guide right away when you sign up for my OCD newsletter, Shoulders Back.
The newsletter focuses on one topic or one skill at a time, so learning supports recovery instead of overwhelming it. You can unsubscribe at any time.
A slower pace, by design
Many people with OCD are already overwhelmed with information. Reading everything, listening to every podcast, or trying to apply too many ideas at once can quietly become exhausting or even counterproductive.
More content isn’t always helpful when you’re trying to practice ERP or figure out how to respond differently to anxiety.
That’s why this OCD newsletter is intentionally monthly.
Each issue focuses on one clear skill or pattern that often gets overlooked. Sometimes that means noticing subtle compulsions. Other times it means clarifying how to make ERP more effective or understanding why certain approaches backfire.
The slower pace gives you room to work with what you’re learning without feeling rushed, behind, or pressured to do more.
What you’ll receive in the OCD newsletter
When you join, in addition to receiving the free guide, you’ll receive one email per month that helps you:
- Identify patterns that keep OCD going, whether subtle or obvious
- Understand how these patterns show up during ERP and everyday life
- Learn how to respond differently, without turning learning into another compulsion
Recent topics readers have found especially helpful include understanding the micro-monitoring trap and why traditional talk therapy can make OCD worse.
Each issue is written to support clarity and steadiness. The goal isn’t to flood you with strategies, but to help you see what OCD is doing more clearly so change has room to happen over time.
Staying informed, delivered to you
The newsletter is also where I share occasional updates, including:
- Upcoming live events you can attend
- Conference talks and speaking appearances
- Updates about when I’m accepting new therapy clients, which only happens a few times a year
This part is optional. Some people like receiving these updates. Others simply read the new blog post or content and skip the rest.
If timing matters to you, this is the easiest way to stay informed without needing to seek out updates elsewhere.
Want more help between newsletters?
If you’d like support right now, you don’t have to wait for the next issue. You’re welcome to explore:
Learn About OCD & ERP
Clear, foundational information about OCD and ERP, the evidence-based therapy for OCD. This section also includes links to conversations and interviews that address common questions and misconceptions.
Get Unstuck from OCD
A growing collection of in-depth resources on hidden compulsions, mental rituals, technology-related traps, and other patterns that often interfere with recovery.
Together, these sections offer what amounts to a free book’s worth of information you can return to anytime, at your own pace.
Join the OCD newsletter
If you’re looking for content to support a compassionate, self-empowering approach to OCD recovery delivered at a manageable pace, you’re welcome to join the Shoulders Back newsletter.
There’s no pressure to read everything or apply it perfectly. Most people take what’s useful and leave the rest.
Once a month. Clear, focused, and designed to support real change over time.