106. Saved or Sinful? Understanding Scrupulosity's Grip on Faith with Justin Hughes

Do thoughts of religious sin and moral purity consume your every waking moment, leaving you trapped in a never-ending cycle of guilt and doubt?

In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast we are joined by Justin Hughes, a licensed professional counselor with dual expertise in psychology and theology, Justin brings to the table a wealth of vital knowledge on the intersection of faith and OCD.

During our conversation, we shine a light on a lesser-known facet of OCD: scrupulosity. This variant explores an individual's deepest discomforts, tapping into their spiritual beliefs and creating perplexing doubts. We explore how intrusive thoughts affect individuals with faith-based OCD, providing examples like doubts about salvation or the correctness of prayers. The discussion also covers the challenges of treating scrupulosity, particularly within a religious context, and how exposure and acceptance commitment therapy can align with Christian values.

In This Episode

• [02:36] - Understanding Scrupulosity
• [09:46] - Challenges and internal conflict
• [13:11] - Approach to treatment
• [16:57] - Importance of honesty and truthfulness in treatment
• [18:49] - Facing scrupulosity and superstitious obsessions
• [19:41] - Overcoming avoidance behaviors
• [23:07] - Paralyzing impact of scrupulosity
• [24:19] - Challenges in exposure therapy for scrupulosity
• [26:21] - Building trust and vulnerability in recovery
• [27:49] - Finding community and support

Notable Quotes

• [07:32]” Most of the time, the person with OCD is, in my experience, usually pretty clear about the perspective. What they're trying to get clear on is the feeling and the fact that it feels like they're in a bad place.” - Justin
• [10:36] "There's hope. You're not alone; there's help. Many, many, many are walking this road currently, and many have done it before.'" - Justin 
• [13:41] "Thoughts, whether random or intrusive, reside within us. The key is acknowledging their presence and shining light on the truth." - Justin
• [23:39] “I don't think scrupulosity is worse than contamination. I don't think contamination is worse than scrupulosity.” - Justin

Our Guest

Justin Hughes is a licensed professional counselor and owner of Dallas Counseling. He is a dedicated clinician and writer committed to supporting individuals affected by OCD. As a member of the OCD and Faith Task Force and Dallas Ambassador for OCD Texas, he leverages dual training in psychology and theology to explore the intersection of faith and OCD, offering diverse clients valuable insights and assistance.

Resources & Links

Kristina Orlova, LMFT

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

Justin Hughes

• https://www.justinkhughes.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/justinkhugheslpc/

**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 bi-weekly 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!