127. The Best Path to Recovery: Why Psychotherapy Outshines Medication for OCD

Did you know that many people with OCD still turn to medication as a first option, even though psychotherapy could be just as effective, if not more so?

 

In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, host Kristina is joined by Dr. Amy Huberman, a psychiatrist specializing in OCD, anxiety, and trauma. Dr. Huberman discusses her journey from prescribing medication to focusing solely on psychotherapy as a way to treat OCD.

 

In their conversation, Dr. Huberman shares how her initial belief in the necessity of medication shifted after observing the remarkable progress some patients made through intensive cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). She describes how, during her residency at Johns Hopkins, she learned that OCD, anxiety, and depression were often treated with medication, but over time, she began to see the power of psychotherapy in helping patients regain their agency—allowing them to take control of their lives and symptoms.

 

Dr. Huberman also opens up about her decision to stop prescribing medication and dedicate her practice to providing intensive psychotherapy. She reflects on the benefits and challenges of this decision, emphasizing that therapy, especially tailored CBT techniques, can have a profound and lasting impact on patients.

 

This episode offers insight into a psychiatric professional's personal and professional journey toward providing more holistic and individualized care. Whether you're struggling with OCD yourself or working in the mental health field, this conversation is a deep dive into the evolving treatment options for OCD and anxiety.

In This Episode

• [00:01:00] Meet Dr. Huberman
• [00:01:36] Medication debate
• [00:02:07] Dr. Huberman's decision to focus on psychotherapy.
• [00:02:48] Residency training influence
• [00:04:48] Experiencing recovery through therapy
• [00:05:47] Understanding agency
• [00:06:56] Realization about treatment
• [00:07:32] Pursuit of psychotherapy
• [00:08:34] Initial practice approach
• [00:10:21] Challenges with medication
• [00:12:04] Therapy's effectiveness
• [00:14:34] Pandemic impact on practice
• [00:16:07] Learning new approaches
• [00:16:37] Embracing psychotherapy
• [00:18:09] Understanding and acceptance
• [00:20:08] Key elements for self-acceptance
• [00:22:21] The paradoxical agenda-setting
• [00:23:03] Facing fears and self-identity
• [00:23:58] Finding Dr. Huberman
• [00:24:23] Closing remarks and resources

 

Notable Quotes

• [00:02:48] "So I trained at Johns Hopkins, and there the message was very strong. Exactly what that person said in that comment is that everyone with OCD or anxiety disorders or depression should receive medication." - Dr. Amy Huberman
• [00:04:48] “I saw patients fully getting their lives back, really recovering in a sustained and full way, that was in the few months when I received some training in cognitive behavioral therapy.” - Dr. Amy Huberman
• [00:08:34] “So when I left residency and sort of started my own practice, I, you know, despite the fact that I was already so excited about psychotherapy and questioning a little bit, at least the message that I had taken away from my training of medication must