Trauma, OCD, EMDR & iCBT — What Actually Helps (Live Conversation)

A live conversation about the intersection of trauma and OCD — and why getting the treatment approach right matters. In this session, Peter Ruppert is joined by Andrea Gutiérrez-Glik , a therapist specialising in trauma and OCD, to explore some of the biggest misconceptions people encounter when trying to understand their symptoms and find effective help. Together we’ll discuss how trauma and OCD can overlap, when they should be treated separately, and why certain approaches — like EMDR — are often misunderstood when it comes to OCD. We’ll also explore evidence-based treatment approaches including ERP and inference-based CBT (iCBT), and how clinicians decide what to use and when. This conversation is designed to be practical, grounded, and honest — especially for people who feel confused by the amount of conflicting information online about trauma and OCD treatment. Topics we may explore include: • The relationship between trauma and OCD • Common misconceptions about what causes OCD • Why EMDR is helpful for trauma but not used to treat OCD • When trauma work should come before OCD treatment — and when it shouldn’t • The role of ERP and inference-based CBT (iCBT) in modern OCD treatment • How to recognise misinformation about mental health treatments online • Practical questions to ask when looking for a therapist The conversation will be recorded live inside the Anxiety Fitness Community, with optional audience Q&A at the end if time allows. This is an educational discussion and does not provide individual diagnosis or treatment advice. If you’re navigating confusing or overlapping symptoms around trauma and OCD, this conversation aims to give you a clearer framework for understanding what effective, evidence-based care can look like.