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OCD & Guilt: Emotional Struggle Behind Obsession

OCD & Guilt: Emotional Struggle Behind Obsession

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental disorder with irrational thoughts and repetitive patterns. The person may fear irrational beliefs and thoughts. Between these painful cycles, pain holds a power within this disorder. A person with OCD can suffer from guilt or shame. Further, we will dive deeper into how guilt plays a role and what treatments can work for this mental disorder.

OCD And Guilt? How They Are Closely Connected

These two are powerful emotions that form a painful cycle for the individual. The OCD in a person is responsible for intrusive thoughts. But the guilt and shame arise when they start believing in their harmful imagination. This creates fear and shame in them as if they did something wrong. This OCD guilt will make you feel like a bad person. Also, they will feel ashamed to openly express their fear publicly. This addition of guilt in OCD disorder can add more pain to their lives.

Read More: Do You Ever Wonder That Your OCD Thoughts Are Not Real?

Why Guilt Feels So Intense In OCD 

Regular guilt may pass when the mistakes are corrected. But the guilt hits differently in OCD. This can create unimaginable pain for an OCD person. This can make the condition even harder for a person. For instance, I thought of “what would happen if I hurt someone?”. This thought is just based on their imagination. They are not even near or exist in reality. But these thoughts can trigger them. This excessive guilt OCD can compel a person towards self-punishment or avoidance. Besides this, the guilt will make you feel terrible about yourself, which further causes anxiety and depression. This will lead them to seek constant reassurance.

Subtypes Of OCD Where Guilt Is Most Common 

You will discover guilt as a common emotion in subtypes of OCD disorder. You can find the different subtypes of OCD disorder. This way, you will quickly determine your treatment for your mental well-being.

Relationship OCD: 

You may feel insecure in relationships, which is quite normal. But it hits differently for people with OCD disorder. The minor doubt can trigger you. It can lead to uncontrolled thoughts. You may think that you are not good enough for your partner. These repetitive, toxic thoughts will drain your energy.

Contamination OCD: 

This subtype includes the fear of germs. This way, a person may fear getting ill because of uncleanliness. Their obsession with cleanliness restricts them from using public restrooms. They have an excessive obsession with washing hands and cleanliness. They use gloves as protection to touch any object to reduce their anxiety.

Moral OCD: 

This category specifically revolves around the religious beliefs, ethics, and moral values of someone. Also, breaking religious rules can lead them to extreme guilt and OCD. They might think they are not an honest person. They will remain in constant fear of doing something that goes against their religious beliefs.

Harm OCD: 

To feel uncertainty is normal for human beings. But to seem obsessed with violent thoughts is another debate. A person with harm OCD will fear harming themselves or others. Although people relate OCD to guilt over past mistakes that are based on real-life events. But the harm OCD is not reality-based. It is nothing more than a painful imagination of hurting others. This will lead them to create a safe distance in relationships so they won’t hurt their partners.

Read More:  OCD in relationships: Understanding, coping, and supporting each other

OCD & Guilt Cycle: How Obsession & Guilt Feed Each Other: 

Guilt benefits us by realizing our mistakes. But two types of OCD guilt exist. The healthy guilt compels you to correct your mistake, while unhealthy guilt can create unhealthy barriers. It will make you feel like a filthy person over assumptions. Also, the obsession with guilt makes it even worse for a person. However, you can explore how unwanted thoughts work in a certain pattern.

Intrusive Thought: 

An unpleasant thought may pop into an OCD person’s mind, for instance What if I ever hurt them? This can cause panic disorder in a person. This can lead them to think more frequently about intrusive thoughts.

Emotional Reaction: 

Afterwards of these unwanted thoughts, a person will feel intense guilt or shame without the intent of doing wrong.

Compulsion: 

A person will try to undo the thought by maintaining a distance from people. Also, schizophrenia delivers symptoms that are similar to OCD disorder. For instance, they act upon the command auditory hallucination while doing handwashing.

Temporary Relief: 

A person may succeed in running away from their guilt for a certain period. But it will come back with vengeance via new obsessions and fears.

Read More: Which Brain Region Is Believed to Play a Critical Role in OCD?

Signs You May Experience Guilt: Driven OCD

The following are a few signs to notice that can badly affect an OCD person.

  • You may notice things that you have never done.
  • You avoid your loved ones to protect them from any harm
  • The terrible thoughts make you feel bad person.
  • You repeatedly ask for forgiveness

Treatment Options For OCD And Guilt: 

There are several treatments and self-strategies available to deal with OCD and guilt.

Cognitive Behavioral Group: 

This therapy will be effective in reducing negative thought patterns. This will help to transform your thinking pattern. Also, you can take the session via telepsychiatry. This will allow you to comfortably express your fears without any judgment.

Exposure & Response Prevention: 

This is a powerful therapy in reducing stress for OCD people. The therapy resolves the underlying issues of does OCD makes you feel guilty. The experts will help you face your trigger points without compulsions.

Read More: Defining Contamination OCD

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy: 

This therapy allows you to accept your fears. This way, you can live with your values and morals.

Medications SSRIS: 

The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can be used to reduce the symptoms of OCD. Also, you can join a psychiatric medication management plan. The experts will deal with you based on your condition.

Breaking The Shame Around OCD & Guilt: 

People with OCD disorder feel ashamed to share about their fears and symptoms publicly. The guilt and these intrusive thoughts don’t define you. Remember that you are not alone in this journey; you don’t need to carry the weight all alone. Besides this, you can visit us at Orange Coast Psychiatry. Our experts will help you let go of your shame and guilt with our effective methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

 You can take therapy, medications, and practice self-compassion to reduce the symptoms.

Yes, it will not only worsen the condition but can make it harder for a person to manage with it.

Yes, it can be beneficial for people with OCD symptoms. The relaxing environment will help them to instantly recover from the disorder.

No, you can not have OCD without compulsion. You will continue to do repetitive things and behaviors to reduce anxiety.

Reference and Footnotes
  1. OCD Clinic. (2025, February 5). Harm OCD – OCD Clinic. https://www.ocdclinicbrisbane.com.au/disorders-treatments/harm-ocd/
  2. West, M. (2023, February 28). Types of psychotherapy for OCD. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psychotherapy-for-ocd#other-types
  3. Breaking the guilt & shame cycle in OCD and anxiety recovery. (n.d.). https://www.restoredminds.com/blog/breaking-the-guilt-shame-cycle-in-ocd-and-anxiety-recovery

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Dr. Grawert

Psychiatrist

Dr. Lauren Grawert is a double board-certified psychiatrist with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and Addition Psychiatry. She is an integral part of the team of Supervising Psychiatrists for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast Psychiatry.
In previous roles, Dr. Lauren Grawert was the founder of LHG Telemedicine LLC, as well as Chief of Psychiatry (Northern Virginia) for the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group; she has also worked in private practice specializing in general psychiatry, substance use disorders, and medically assisted treatment (MAT). Dr. Grawert has served as an expert for the San Diego Community Response to Drug Overdose Task Force; the Addiction subcommittee leader for Kaiser Permanente National Mental Health & Addiction Leadership Organization; and a Professor of Psychiatry at Penn State College of Medicine. She received her medical and psychiatric training at Medical University of South Carolina.
Dr. Grawert is also experienced with a variety of behavioral healthcare models through both private practice and leadership roles at Kaiser Permanente and other organizations.

Jackson Tea

MSN, PMHNP-BC

Administrative Director and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Jackson Tea, MSN, PMHNP-BC, serves as the Administrative Director and a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) at Orange Coast Psychiatry. Dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, Jackson is passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers individuals to take charge of their mental well-being. His expertise includes comprehensive psychiatric assessments, personalized medication management, and behavioral health interventions designed to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes in their mental health journey.
Jackson’s approach to care is rooted in the belief that mental health is just as vital as physical health. He focuses on creating a supportive, judgment-free environment where patients feel heard, valued, and understood. By offering individualized treatment plans tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals, Jackson helps clients overcome obstacles such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and other mental health challenges.
He holds a Post-Master’s Certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from National University, a Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, Los Angeles, where he earned Dean’s List honors. As a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing, Jackson remains committed to advancing mental health awareness and promoting high standards of care in the field.
In his role at Orange Coast Psychiatry, Jackson leads clinical operations while ensuring regulatory compliance and delivering high-quality care. His core competencies include psychiatric assessment, evidence-based interventions, crisis management, clinical leadership, and risk mitigation. Above all, Jackson strives to make mental health care accessible and effective for everyone, supporting individuals in making meaningful progress, improving their quality of life, and achieving lasting well-being.

May Faustino

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

May Faustino, PMHNP-BC, is a compassionate and highly skilled psychiatric provider with over four years of nursing experience, including three years specializing in psychiatric care. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from West Coast University, where she received extensive training in managing the psychiatric needs of pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations, as well as providing therapy and counseling services.
May has worked in diverse mental health settings, including forensic psychiatry at the Department of State Hospitals and behavioral health services at Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health. Her clinical expertise spans psychiatric assessments, medication management, and trauma-informed care, with a strong focus on treating anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders.
Bilingual in English and Tagalog, May is dedicated to serving diverse patient populations with a culturally sensitive approach. She is trained in evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing and is well-versed in trauma-informed care and suicide prevention strategies.
May is passionate about promoting resilience and recovery through preventive mental health care and individualized, holistic treatment plans. Her commitment to excellence is reflected in her memberships in the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
In her personal time, May enjoys fostering mindfulness and well-being through activities she loves, such as spending time with her husband and their two beloved cats, Pippy and Eva.

Dr. Montgomery

M.D. – Psychiatrist

Dr. Torri Montgomery, M.D., is a board-certified psychiatrist with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with a subspecialty board certification in forensic psychiatry. Dr. Montgomery is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Montgomery earned her Bachelor of Science (Magna Cum Laude) from Arizona State University and her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from The University of Arizona, College of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency at Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. During her psychiatry residency, Dr. Montgomery completed a year-long certification in Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT), earned a certificate from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to prescribe medication for the treatment of substance use disorders, and worked in a Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) clinic for substance use disorders. Additionally, she was appointed Chief Resident and received an Excellence in Teaching award.
After psychiatry residency, she completed her Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine. After completing her fellowship, Dr. Montgomery has worked in public psychiatry for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. She teaches, consults, and treats individuals with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, and serious mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia spectrum and bipolar disorders. Her experience includes outpatient, inpatient, emergency, consult liaison, addiction, dual-diagnosis, and forensic psychiatry. She is an expert evaluator on the Superior Court of California Panel of Expert Psychiatrists and Psychologists. Dr. Montgomery is an attending physician for the Harbor-UCLA Department of Psychiatry and serves as a psychiatrist with Orange Coast psychiatry.

Dr. Ravi

M.D. – Psychiatrist

Dr. Dave Ravi, M.D., is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with additional qualifications in geriatric psychiatry. Dr. Ravi is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Ravi graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (B.S., Magna Cum Laude), VCU School of Medicine (M.D.), Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (Residency in Psychiatry), and John. A. Burns School of Medicine (Fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry). He currently is a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at John A. Burns School of Medicine in Honolulu, HI and serves as a psychiatrist with Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Ravi is a dedicated community psychiatrist with extensive experience in public, correctional, inpatient and outpatient settings, and an experienced tele-psychiatrist. He consults on topics in general psychiatry, including quality improvement, treatment planning, and crisis management, and in correctional psychiatry, including recovery-oriented treatment for individuals with serious mental illness and dual diagnosis. His current and future interests focus on understanding the various approaches in managing the suffering and disturbance of complex psychiatric disorders, particularly in the use, misuse, overuse, and misrepresentation of psychotropic medications.

Dr. Irwin

M.D. , Ph.D – Psychiatrist

Dr. Scott Irwin, M.D., Ph.D., is Board Certified Psychiatrist. Dr. Irwin is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
His career mostly focuses on improving outcomes for those with cancer or other progressive, potentially life-limiting illnesses, and their families, through leading-edge clinical services, ongoing research, as well as program development, improvement, and implementation.
He is widely published, has been recognized at many levels for his research, teaching, consulting, and clinical endeavors, and has received research funding from the NCI, NIMH, the National Palliative Care Research Center, the Archstone Foundation, and industry.
Dr. Irwin earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and both his MD and PhD (neuroscience) at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He successfully completed his psychiatry residency at UC San Diego as chief resident of Outpatient Psychiatric Services, as well as a two-year elective in hospice and palliative care at San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with subspecialty certification in psychosomatic medicine.

Richard Samedra.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Richard Samedra, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, working with clients facing a wide range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. His journey began as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Charge Nurse at Westminster Therapeutic Residential Treatment, where he supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Richard’s dedication was centered on helping these individuals improve their mental health and transition to a lower level of care, whether that meant returning to their families, a board and care facility, or a sober-living environment.
Motivated by a growing passion for mental health care, Richard pursued his Registered Nurse (RN) education at Saddleback Community College and later transitioned to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Behavioral Health. In this role, he specialized in geriatric psychiatry, working with older adults experiencing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This experience solidified his commitment to mental health, leading him to work at Bellflower Community Hospital, where he provided care for patients experiencing severe psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, manic and depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and exacerbated schizophrenia symptoms.
Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.
Richard currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where he is supervised by Dr. Montgomery.

Shaheena Gazipura

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Shaheena Gazipura is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 9 years of dedicated experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.
Shaheena began her career working on an adult psychiatric inpatient unit before transitioning to the geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Shaheena also serves as a Nursing Clinical Instructor, guiding the next generation of nurses through their mental health rotations at a large community college.
Shaheena is a passionate advocate for mental health, believing that it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel empowered to work alongside her in achieving their mental health goals.
Outside of her professional life, Shaheena enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, staying active through exercise, and planning her next travel adventures.
Shaheena currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Clint Nacar

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner -BC

Clint Nacar, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mr. Nacar graduated from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Currently Mr. Nacar works in an inpatient psychiatry unit at a leading academic medical center in Los Angeles, Renewed Mental Health Group, and Orange Coast Psychiatry
Mr. Nacar brings over 7+ years of experience with the mental health population. He works to help patients take control of their mental health through patient education, psychotherapy and medication management. Mr. Nacar’s areas of focus include: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr. Nacar treats children ages 6+, adolescents, and adults, offering both in-person services and telehealth at Renewed Mental Health Group.
With the collaboration of each patient, Mr. Nacar strives to develop individualized plans of care addressing each patient’s unique situation and concerns. He also encourages each patient to take charge of their mental health through a holistic approach while also employing the latest evidence based practices in treatment.

Clint is one of our most experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is 103NP Licensed in the State of California.

Cristian Cuevas

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

Cristian Cuevas, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over seven years of experience in inpatient psychiatry and mental health.
A California State University Long Beach graduate, Cristian also earned recognition as a board-certified psychiatric mental health registered nurse. With a wealth of expertise in adult psychiatric care across the lifespan, Cristian has successfully diagnosed and treated a diverse range of mental health disorders.
Additionally, his specialized experience in child and adolescent inpatient populations further enhances his ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate mental health care.
Cristian Cuevas is the Lead Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is supervised by Dr Barrios.

Mina Cheriki

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Mina Cheriki is a masters-prepared Registered Nurse (RN), certified Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), and a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). She brings nearly a decade of experience within the healthcare industry, particularly within the fields of nursing, mental-health, education, research, and leadership. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, followed by a Master of Science degree in Nursing at The Ohio State University.
Rooted in the highest quality of evidence-based practice and informed by a holistic, collaborative, person-centered approach, Mina’s clinical skillset encompasses psychiatric assessments, medication management, psychotherapy, and education. Her clinical focus covers symptoms and conditions related to depression, anxiety, panic, mood imbalances, attention/concentration deficits and hyperactivity, executive dysfunction, life transitions, acute stress, grief, trauma, and more. Additionally, Mina has experience in providing ketamine-assisted therapies and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for mental health.
Coming from a family of immigrants, Mina is familiar with providing culturally-, religiously-, and spiritually sensitive care while also maintaining efforts in delivering highly therapeutic communications. Furthermore, she continues her commitment in providing evidence-driven care and in upholding standards of quality by remaining active in organizations such as the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Above all, Mina is committed to empowering her clients throughout their journeys toward recovery and well-mindedness. More specifically, she uses her combined knowledge and passions for physical and mental health to assist her clients toward achieving a lasting balance between the mind, body, and spirit.
Aside from her dedication to providing mental health care, Mina also enjoys exploring nature and hiking, making photography and art, as well as spending quality time with friends, family, and her dog, Kona.

Dr Barrios

Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Carlos Barrios is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in mental health care. His expertise in telepsychiatry has allowed him to serve patients across California and beyond. In his practice, Dr Barrios integrates metabolic and functional methodologies, focusing on guiding patients toward medication independence and emphasizing the connection between physical and mental health.
Outside of his professional life, Dr Barrios is passionate about kettlebell training, which helps him maintain my physical and mental wellness. He cherishes visiting his family in Guatemala, to reconnecting with his cultural roots and rejuvenating his spirit. Dr Barrios is also deeply involved in transcendental meditation and rucking, practices that not only provide him with tranquility but also keep him grounded and connected to nature. These hobbies reflect his commitment to a holistic approach to health, both personally and professionally.