When Progress Makes OCD Panic: Why Symptoms Spike Right Before They Get Better

In this episode, we talk about one of the most confusing and discouraging moments for parents raising a child with OCD, when things seem to get worse right as you start doing the right things. Many parents interpret a sudden spike in distress, anger, or compulsions as a sign that therapy is not working. But often, this increase in symptoms is actually a sign that OCD feels threatened. When OCD accommodations are reduced or exposures begin, OCD does not quietly step aside, it escalates. This episode explains why that happens and what it means for your child’s recovery. You will learn what an extinction burst looks like in real life, how to tell the difference between a true setback and a growth spike, and why your child may appear more dysregulated even though they are building resilience. We also talk about the most common mistakes parents make during this phase, like backing off boundaries too quickly or returning to reassurance out of fear, and how those well-intended responses can accidentally strengthen OCD. Most importantly, this episode focuses on how to stay grounded as a parent when your child is struggling more. We cover what supportive responses sound like, how to emotionally hold your child without feeding OCD, and how to keep your long-term goals in mind when short-term distress shows up. If you have ever thought, “We were doing better, why is this suddenly worse?” this episode will help you understand what is really happening and how to stay the course with confidence and compassion. Video: OCD is Like an Octopus ⚠️ Grab any courses you have wanted before our pricing goes up on March 1, 2026 at AT Parenting Survival School *** This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go to https://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parenting This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional. Parents, do you need more support?   🌸 Here’s are resources I offer parents 👇🏻❤️ Online classes for parents raising kids with anxiety and OCD: https://atparentingsurvivalschool.com Join the AT Parenting Community (A membership designed to support parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD): https://atparentingcommunity.com Take one of my FREE webinars: www.Natashadaniels.com/webinars Check out my books:  www.Natashadaniels.com/books 🌸 Other social places I hang out: http://www.facebook.com/ATparentingSurvival  http://www.pinterest.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.instagram.com/ATparentingSurvival http://www.twitter.com/Parentingsurvival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.