Advocacy and OCD: Interview with Ethan Smith

When people talk about mental health advocacy, we often think of someone standing up on a stage, discussing statistics and spreading awareness and information about specific disorders.  What we don't think about is deeply compassionate and inspiring stories and discussions that move us towards understanding and belonging. Well, today I bring you Ethan Smith, who beautifully ties all of this together in a fun and hilarious way (that takes talent, my friends!) 

You can listen to the episode for FREE on iTunes HERE

You can listen to the episode for FREE on Stitcher HERE

You can listen to the episode for FREE streaming HERE

Ethan Smith was the 2014 Annual International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (IOCDF.org) Conference keynote speaker and is the International OCD Foundation National Ambassador.  Ethan is also a writer, director, producer and rockstar OCD Advocate.

During this interview, Ethan talks about his struggles to find correct therapy for his Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), his experience with finding evidence-based treatment such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

Ethan talks about his draw towards advocacy work, stating that advocacy "keeps him well".  Ethan discusses how being honest and open is considered advocacy work. 

Ethan shares his belief that we ultimately just have to share our story and use our story to help others not feel alone.

Thank you, Ethan, for the work that you do!

If you feel like sharing your mental health struggles with others is too big of a step right now, consider joining our Facebook Group, CBT School Campus.  This group is filled with brave, supportive and compassionate people and was created so you could feel support and connected to others who are working tirelessly on their mental health in a safe and supportive platform.  Click here to be taken to the FB group.

Click here for Ethan's Keynote Speaker Video

 DO YOU WANT TO LEARN THE MINDFULNESS SKILLS I TEACH MY CLIENTS WHO STRUGGLE WITH OCD?  CHECK OUT CBT SCHOOL'S ONLINE COURSE  MINDFULNESS FOR OCD.