McNeley-Phelps Psychological Services

12/03/2025

What happens when the professionals you trust to help your child’s OCD, actually make things worse?

Too many parents of kids with OCD are told to “reassure them,” “avoid the triggers,” or “help them relax.” Even well-meaning therapists often miss the mark — treating OCD like general anxiety or skipping ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) altogether.

In this episode, I’m breaking down why OCD is so often misunderstood in therapy, how to tell if your child’s therapist truly understands OCD, and the red flags that signal it’s time to look elsewhere. You’ll learn what evidence-based treatment should look like — and how to advocate for the help your child really needs.

Click here to listen: https://natashadaniels.com/psp447

11/27/2025

Recovery isn’t about eliminating anxiety, it’s about building the courage to move toward the life you want even when anxiety tags along. 🌿💛

When you choose actions that reflect your values, you’re teaching your brain something powerful:
“I can feel discomfort and still do what matters.”

This is the heart of real OCD recovery. It’s not about waiting for calm, clarity, or certainty to magically arrive… it’s about gently taking the next step with the uncertainty. That’s where freedom begins. ✨

What’s one small, values-aligned action you’re choosing this week, even if anxiety shows up?

10/24/2025

In a new article by Sammi Caramela for Vice, eight "OCD warriors" share their first-hand experience, opening up about the debilitating nature of OCD.

Read the full piece: https://bit.ly/4okRURL

10/24/2025

https://stanmed.stanford.edu/cyclic-sighing-stress-relief/

Practicing a technique called cyclic sighing for five minutes a day tops other breathing techniques in calming anxiety, study shows.

10/17/2025

The forecast shows chances of rain on Saturday, so come prepared! We will be walking rain or shine ☔️☀️ There is still time to register - we hope to see you there!

https://support.iocdf.org/event/kansas-city-ks-ocd-walk/e703056?c_src=classy-redirect

09/25/2025

The American Psychological Association is deeply concerned about the Administration’s recent announcement on autism.

Promoting unsupported scientific theories risks fueling stigma, undermines public trust and distracts from real scientific progress.

09/14/2025

An excellent strategy!

08/07/2025

SAVE THE DATE for the upcoming OCD Kansas Walk, Saturday October 18, 2025!!!

Registration open now!
https://support.iocdf.org/event/kansas-city-ks-ocd-walk/e703056?c_src=classy-redirect

08/07/2025

Ever had a thought hijack your entire day?
One minute you're fine… the next, you're spiraling through fear, self-doubt, and endless what-ifs.

Here’s the truth:
Not every thought deserves your energy.
Not every feeling is a red flag.
And you don’t have to react just because your brain is loud.

This week on the podcast, we're diving into what it really means to notice your thoughts without letting them run the show—and how a few small shifts can help you stay calm, clear, and connected to what matters most.

You’ll learn:

•How to respond to thoughts without spiraling
•Why softening your body helps settle your mind
•How to use curiosity (instead of control) to build resilience
•One simple phrase that can instantly change how you relate to anxiety

Here is the link to listen for FREE: https://kimberleyquinlan-lmft.com/stop-believing-everything-you-think-ep-445/

07/23/2025

Save the date for our THIRD Annual Conference, to be held virtually on November 8, 2025. We are so excited to share this amazing lineup of presenters!!!

Registration only $10! Link to register below ⬇️
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-ocd-kansas-conference-2025-virtual-event-tickets-1508277301009

06/29/2025

A new CNN article highlights NFL’s Braden Smith’s experience with scrupulosity OCD. “I was having a court case in my mind all the time – pleading myself to the jury – because my mind all the time would be like: ‘You know, God can hear your thoughts.’”

As Smith’s story demonstrates, more needs to be done to raise awareness of OCD and effective treatment options among individuals and clinicians alike. IOCDF’s new OCD Treatment Guide provides information and resources on evidence-based treatments such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold standard of OCD treatment, as well as key medications.

IOCDF’s Guide also reviews many adjunctive, second-line, and third-line treatment options in addition to those that are currently considered emerging and experimental, such as psychedelics, where more research is needed to determine safety and effectiveness. People with OCD should not engage in psychedelic use as treatment outside of controlled research or laboratory settings.

Read CNN's full story: https://cnn.it/3FSHzeQ

And our OCD Treatment Guide:https://bit.ly/441fqLO