For Love We Heal Podcast
Alex Bishop, RPC, RCT 43 episodes Oct 29, 2026
This podcast explores Relationship OCD (ROCD), a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder that causes intrusive thoughts, chronic doubt, and anxiety in romantic relationships. Host Alex Bishop helps listeners understand the deeper roots of ROCD, including attachment styles and childhood wounds. Topics include fear of making the wrong choice, lack of attraction, numbness, hyper-fixation on flaws, and breakup urges. The podcast teaches how to distinguish between intuition and anxiety, and what real healing looks like beyond coping mechanisms.
Episodes
Self-realization, Fulfillment & Wholeness as an Inside Job
If you've had the thought that "If only my partner were more (fill in the blank) than I'd be happier and more fulfilled," then this is an episode for you. In this episode, Liz and I talk about how Self-realization, fulfillment, and wholeness are an inside job and not something that you can achieve through finding the "right" partner.Join the Relationship OCD (ROCD) Co
ROCD & Your Anxious Partner
If you have Relationship OCD, you may also have a partner with Anxious Attachment. When your partner has Anxious Attachment, your tendency to feel responsible for their well-being increases, which leads to more anxiety, avoidance, and distress. In this episode, Grace and I break down this dynamic and how to navigate it effectively!Join the Relationship OCD (ROCD) Course & Community! Only $47 p
E50: Juan's ROCD Journey & Spiritual Awakening
In this episode, I talk with Juan about his journey with Relationship OCD (ROCD), which he has been committed to working on since he found my work and a label for what he has been struggling with for quite some time. After finding my work and discovering IFS, the concept of Self has really clicked for him and has opened up a door to a new level of spiritual awareness and wholeness. We also do a ve
The "I Had A Great Childhood" Trap
Can you have Relationship OCD (ROCD) if you had a "great" childhood? It's one of the most common questions people ask when they find us. In this episode, we break down the childhood dynamics that often sit underneath ROCD, even in families that looked loving from the outside. We talk about parental loyalty, denial, and guilt, and why so many of us minimize what actually happened. Yo
Relationship OCD (ROCD) vs Real Relationship Problems
How do you know if the doubt you're feeling is ROCD or a sign of real problems in your relationship? In this episode, we break down the differences between the two, why they're so hard to tell apart, and how to navigate each one!New YouTube Episode: "ROCD or the Wrong Relationship?"https://youtu.be/8Wsw4iJV-fM?si=7sqPUlhMIUiUQek8Join the Relationship OCD (ROCD) Course & Com
Sex & Intimacy Problems | Relationship OCD (ROCD)
If you struggle with Relationship OCD (ROCD), you might also struggle when it comes to sex and intimacy, and take that as a sign you are in the wrong relationship. You might think that if you really did love your partner, intimacy would feel more natural. Or if you were sexually compatible, it would just be easier. In this episode, we talk about the core issues of sex and intimacy to help you unde
Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD)
Are you constantly obsessing over whether you are gay or straight or whether you should explore intimacy with the opposite sex? Do these questions lead to anxiety about whether you need to leave your relationship? Perhaps you are plagued with guilt about lying to your partner and potentially hurting them. Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD) is a very confusing experience, but today we're here to
E45: Why You Want Your Ex So Bad...
In this episode, we cover topics like ex obsessions, chasing the unavailable partner, looking for the intoxication of desire and longing that we might have felt in other relationships, and worrying that there's no spark! We talk about the childhood dynamics that lead us to chase and pursue people who are emotionally unavailable, parentification, differentiation, and what it takes to heal from
E44: Agata's Session #2: Fear of Being a Narcissist, Bad, Evil + Relationship OCD (ROCD)
If you struggle with ROCD + fearing you might be narcissistic or a terrible person, then this episode is for you. Agata returns to the podcast after our session a month ago, where we did some transformational inner work on her ROCD. Today, she brings forward fear and shame that's been coming up for her that she could be a narcissist, which has been arising due to thoughts that she might be be
E43: When nothing has worked for ROCD (What to do)
If you feel like you've tried everything to break free from Relationship OCD (ROCD), and you are out of options, you're not alone! ROCD is a complex issue that many people do not know how to treat or approach properly. In today's episode, I'm going to give you an understanding of how to approach things differently than you have been. With a high-level understanding of my approa
E42: Grieving the Fantasy of "THE ONE"
Ever felt like there's a special person out there, and when you find them, you'll just know that they are right for you and that things will just click into place? Someone with whom you have zero doubts. Someone with whom things just move very smoothly and with whom you feel absolutely sure about. Well, today's episode is all about this and why it's important to grieve this fan
E41: Agata's Session: ROCD Healing, Attraction Issues, Statements vs Questions, Brain Fog & More!
In this session, I help Agata explore her ROCD by using the Internal Family Systems Therapy model. We explored parts of her who demand she leave her relationship, question attraction, and hyperfixate on height differences, block her access to parts, and give her brainfog and eventually heal an inner child who carries the shame that something is wrong with her. It's a session you won't wa
E40: Why Your Feelings Keep Disappearing
Are your feelings for your partner constantly disappearing, leaving you confused and terrified that it means you are in the wrong relationship? In this episode, I talk about how this is a common phenomenon, especially for folks with Relationship OCD (ROCD) and a Disorganized Attachment style, and one that can be worked with so that you can finally be at peace in your relationship.Join my new Relat
E39: Why Intimacy is Terrifying
Do you struggle with intimacy with your partner? Do you find that when it comes to being intimate, you feel repulsed, scared, avoidant, or just uncomfortable? Those of us with Relationship OCD (ROCD) have real issues with intimacy, and beneath the surface, we are ultimately terrified of it! In this episode, Grace and I explain why and how to go about navigating these fears.Join my new Relationship
E38: Feeling Trapped, Suffocated and Fearing Losing Yourself with Relationship OCD (ROCD)
Do you feel the urge to pull away when your partner gets closer because you feel suffocated, trapped, or fear losing yourself? If so, listen to today's episode where we break down the common reasons why we feel this way, where it comes from, and how to be at peace in the relationship without feeling like you need to escape. Join my new Relationship OCD (ROCD) Course & Community! Only $37
E37: Relationship OCD (ROCD) Partners Guide
Are you the partner of someone struggling with Relationship OCD (ROCD)? If so, this episode is going to help you make sense of what your partner is going through and how you can be of support to them and yourself. While incredibly hard, working through these challenges together can be an incredible gift. This episode will walk you through how to navigate your way forward together in this relations
E36: Lack of Attraction, Disgust & Feeling Repulsed (EXPLAINED): Relationship OCD
Do you struggle with attraction issues in your relationship? Do you ever look at your partner and feel disgusted? Do you worry that this is a sign that you are in the wrong relationship? Or if you were with someone more attractive, you'd be happier? In this episode, Grace and I reveal exactly why you are struggling to find your partner attractive, why you obsess about it, and what to actually
E35: Am I Wasting My Time? Am I Missing Out? Fear of Regret, Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships, Relationship OCD (ROCD)
I'm away on vacation, so posting the raw version of this episode without my usual intro or edits. The title says it all, and overall, it was a lovely conversation that I hope you enjoy and find helpful. :)Join my new Course & Community!https://www.rocdcourse-forloveweheal.com/sales-page-6756-8810-8850-8583Want one-to-one support for healing Relationship OCD (ROCD) from the root? Book a Fr
E34: Ideal Parent Figure (IPF) Imagery Protocol (Without Music) for Healing Insecure Attachment
In this guided exercise, you’ll be introduced to the Ideal Parent Figure (IPF) imagery protocol, developed by Dr. Dan Brown and used within integrative attachment therapy. This practice is designed to help heal insecure attachment patterns by gently and repeatedly engaging your mind, brain & nervous system in experiences of safety, attunement, and unconditional love.Through guided imagery, you
E33: Ideal Parent Figure (IPF) Imagery Protocol (With Music) for Healing Insecure Attachment
In this guided exercise, you’ll be introduced to the Ideal Parent Figure (IPF) imagery protocol, developed by Dr. Dan Brown and used within integrative attachment therapy. This practice is designed to help heal insecure attachment patterns by gently and repeatedly engaging your mind, brain & nervous system in experiences of safety, attunement, and unconditional love.Through guided imagery, you
E32: Paula's Powerful Session: Going Beyond Relationship OCD & the Fear of Making Mistakes
Witness this powerful session I did with Paula, who graciously offered to share her story and be a participant in what I would consider an absolutely beautiful and moving session. Paula shares her journey with Relationship OCD with someone she's been with since she was 15 years old and someone whom she's known almost forever. Paula touches into the core wounds of rejection and badness th
E31: Is This Relationship OCD Or My Intuition?!?!
Are you worried that your doubt, fear, avoidance, and anxiety are signs from your intuition that you have to leave this relationship? Are you worried that none of this is Relationship OCD and that you must just be lying to yourself, and trying to convince yourself that you do want this relationship? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this episode is for you, and I'm confident
E30: Comprehensive Framework for Healing Relationship OCD (Part 4) Anxious Attachment & Fears of Loss
If you are terrified of losing your partner and that all of your thoughts about leaving are true, then this episode is for you. I break down the root cause of Anxious Attachment and give you practical steps for healing this side of your insecure attachment style!Join my new Freedom from Relationship OCD Course & Community!https://www.rocdcourse-forloveweheal.com/sales-page-6756-8810-8850-8583W
E29: Comprehensive Framework for Healing Relationship OCD (ROCD) (Part 3) - Avoidant Attachment Healing with Grace McQueeny
Wondering why it feels like your truth that you're not in the right relationship? Why you struggle with break-up urges, emotional avoidance, disgust, or "grass is greener" mentality? In part 3 of the comprehensive framework series, we talk about the Avoidant Attachment system, and we cover these topics in detail!Join my new Freedom from Relationship OCD Course & Community!https:
E28: Comprehensive Framework for Healing ROCD (Part 2) - OCD & Shame Healing with Grace Mcqueeny
Part 2 of this series involves understanding the root cause of OCD Obsessions and Compulsions. OCD is an adaptive response to anticipating and avoiding mistakes that will lead to attachment disconnection (abandonment) and being shamed. OCD originates from attachment injuries resulting from a spectrum of parental emotional immaturity to narcissistic abuse. We talk about this in detail and offer a s
E27: A Comprehensive Framework for Healing Relationship OCD from the Root with Grace McQueeny (Part 1)
Dive into this 4-part series where we break down our comprehensive framework for healing Relationship OCD (ROCD) from the root. Learn how Internal Family Systems Therapy, The Conscious Relationship Framework, and Attachment Healing can literally rewrite the subconscious programming that drives your obsessions, compulsions, and leave you stuck between that exhausting Fearful-avoidant oscillation be
E26: Karena Got Engaged and Her Relationship OCD is Gone! (Part 2)
In this episode, I follow up with Karena from Episode 24, where a profound piece of IFS work allowed her to heal her wounds of failure, disappointment, and shame, leading to a sustained ending of doubt in her relationship. Karena is now happily engaged, but has felt the impact of things moving quite quickly, which led us into a new piece of healing in which we uncovered more parts asking for atten
E25: Relationship OCD (ROCD), Self-Betrayal, People-Pleasing and the Internal Rebellion - Rory's Session
If you are struggling with an internal pushback against your decision to commit to your relationship, then this episode is for you. In this episode, Rory opens up about her struggles with Relationship OCD (ROCD) and how, in the past, self-betrayal and people-pleasing put her into situations that were painful. We explore the internal rebellion she faces now due to this self-betrayal, and I help her
E24: Healing Relationship Anxiety (ROCD), Disappointment, Failure & Shame with IFS Therapy - Karena's Session
Right before Karena's engagement with her soon-to-be fiancé, we do this transformational session where we explore her fears and obsessions around commitment and potentially making a mistake. Karena's honest recount of her experience with Relationship Anxiety (ROCD) and a piece of deep inner work allow us to find that her fears were rooted in feelings of being a disappointment and a failu
E23: (Part 2) Working with Love Addiction, Limerence, Guilt, Shame & Disorganized Attachment using IFS Therapy & Parts Work - Akiva's Session
Akiva joins me for a follow-up session after our first one, where we talked about her persistent love addiction, limerence, guilt, shame, Disorganized Attachment, & Relationship OCD, which you can find here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1230701/episodes/18065421In this session, we continue her work with a vulnerable inner child (exile) in which we offer the ideal parent figure she had been longi
E22: Adult Children of Narcissistic Parents, Highly Sensitive People, Co-dependency, Relationship Anxiety & Attachment Issues with Michelle Roehab
In this episode, I speak with trauma-informed coach Michelle Roehab on the impact that narcissistic parents have, particularly on highly sensitive and highly empathic children & adults, and how that shapes we way we navigate our relationships in the present. We speak about how it erodes our sense of self, contributes to guilt, shame, and self-blame, feeling responsible for other people's
E21: The Invisible Trauma of Parentification, Boundaries & Sacred Anger with Grace McQueeny
In this episode, Grace and I candidly discuss our personal journeys with parentification, a hidden trauma and role reversal where children take on inappropriate adult responsibilities. We share how this experience shaped our roles as the family comedian and planner, and the emotional toll it takes, leading to things like people-pleasing, anxiety, depression, self-trust issues, and various other re
E20: Working through Relationship OCD (ROCD), Perfectionism, Co-dependency & Anxious Attachment with IFS Therapy- Erin's Session
In this session, Erin shares her journey of dealing with Relationship OCD (ROCD), attachment insecurities, and the challenges of seeking external validation in her relationships due to co-dependent patterns. She discusses her pattern of anxious attachment, the pursuit of unavailable partners, and the impact of these behaviors on her mental health. Through our session, Erin explores themes of self-
E19: Working with Love Addiction, Limerence, Guilt, Shame & Disorganized Attachment using IFS Therapy & Parts Work - Akiva's Session
In this episode, I help Akiva unpack and do a piece of healing around her persistent love addiction, limerence, guilt, shame, Disorganized Attachment & Relationship OCD using the Internal Family Systems Therapy Model. Watch Akiva go from a shut down, dissociated state to being able to access her parts and do a piece of healing, leading her to feel a lot better at the end.Upcoming workshop &quo
E18: Profound Change from Avoidant Attachment to Openness with IFS Therapy - Kleo's Session & Exploring Relationship OCD (ROCD), Disorganized Attachment, Avoidant Attachment, Inner Resistance & more!
In this episode, Kleo shares her journey of navigating Relationship OCD (ROCD) and Disorganized Attachment. During our session, we worked on helping Kleo connect with her avoidant parts, something she had long resisted due to the intense overwhelm these parts often triggered. In the past, their activation would lead to spirals of anxiety, helplessness, and eventually depression.By gently reassurin
E17: Chronic Anxiety, ROCD, Disorganized Attachment & Abandonment Healing - Andriy's Session
In this episode, I help Andriy explore a chronic anxiety that he's been experiencing for most of his life, in addition to Relationship OCD and Disorganized Attachment. By focusing on this anxiety, Andriy was able to connect with a one and a half year old inner child that was abandoned by his mother due to her own mental health issues. Through Andriy bringing compassion and presence to this pa
E15: Relationship OCD (ROCD), Infatuation, Limerence & Disgust - Grace's Session
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Grace, who courageously shares her journey of living with and healing from Relationship OCD (ROCD). Grace captures the wild oscillation between fantasy, infatuation, and limerence and intense disgust, anxiety, and obsessive thinking, which has gotten considerably better with all the healing work she has been doing over the years.If you've ever experie
E16: Relationship OCD (ROCD) and the Shame that Fuels it - Emily's Session
In this session, Emily shares her struggles with ROCD that began in her early years. We explored themes of guilt, shame, and the fear of making mistakes, which are deeply rooted in her past experiences, including family dynamics and personal relationships. Through our conversation, we discussed how these feelings impact her current relationship and how shame is really at the root of her obsessions
E14: "Two Weeks in, She Became Hideous," ROCD, Disorganized Attachment - Devin's Story
In this episode, Devin discusses his experiences with Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (ROCD), which often manifests as feelings of disgust or lack of attraction towards his partners. He describes how these feelings can be sudden and intense, leading to confusion and anxiety about the relationship. Devin shares that these emotions are not necessarily reflective of the partner or the rela
E13: Working Through Relationship OCD, Attraction and Intelligence Themes - Molly's Session
In this conversation, Molly shares her journey with Relationship OCD (ROCD) and how it has impacted her relationships, particularly with her husband. She discusses the patterns of infatuation and fear of commitment, the role of attachment, and the challenges of vulnerability in her marriage. The conversation delves into childhood influences on her attachment style and the healing process she is un
E12: Fearful Avoidant Attachment, Numbness & Disconnection - Christine's Session
In this episode of the For Love We Heal podcast, Christine shares her journey with Fearful Avoidant attachment. She discusses the complexities of emotional connection, the impact of trauma, and the role of intuition and spirituality in her healing process. The conversation delves into the cycles of numbness and disconnection that arise in relationships, the importance of self-discovery through the
E11: Harmony's Journey with Relationship OCD
In this conversation, Harmony and I discuss her personal journey with relationship OCD, exploring the impact of her past relationships, self-sacrifice, the importance of self-advocacy, and the challenges faced in her current relationship. We delve into coping strategies, particularly in the context of Harmie's skating career, and how she navigates feelings of loneliness and fear of abandonmen
E10: Navigating Cheating OCD, Guilt & Shame - Annuziata's Session
In this episode, Annuziata shares her personal journey with Relationship OCD, detailing her experiences from a young age and the impact it has had on her relationships. She discusses the feelings of guilt and self-doubt that arise, particularly in the context of her current relationship. The conversation explores the healing process, the importance of understanding one's inner child, and the
E9: Healing the Shamed, Confused and Embarrassed Child - Colleen's Story
The main themes in the conversation with Colleen Herman revolve around her journey with relationship OCD (ROCD) and attachment issues. Colleen shares her experiences of anxiety and self-doubt in relationships, often feeling torn between staying in or leaving a relationship due to obsessive thoughts about making the right choice. She discusses her struggle with trusting herself and the impact of he
"My mind bullied me to leave my relationship" - Lekha's Story
In this episode of the For Love We Heal podcast, Alex Bishop and Chandralekha delve into the complexities of relationship OCD, attachment issues, and the impact that anxiety and shame have had on her relationships. Chandralekha shares her journey of self-discovery, revealing how her mind often bullied her into avoiding connection. The conversation explores the importance of self-compassion, the h
Nondual IFS, Love & Awakening with Dr. Laura Patryas
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Laura Patryas, an IFS therapist, ordained spiritual minister, and author of Awaken to Love, for a deeply moving and wide-ranging conversation. We talk about spirituality, non-dualism, Internal Family Systems (IFS), romantic love versus unconditional love, and what it really means to “come home” to ourselves.Laura shares her concept of “duonity,” the experience
Befriending Dissociation with IFS Therapy - Sidney's Story
In this session, we spent the majority of the time working with one of Sidney's dissociative parts, a very common part to run into when doing work in more complex systems. I hope you enjoy!
Working with Limerence, ROCD and Healing a Shame Wound - Allison's Story
In this episode, I help Allison work on a part of her that falls into limerence, which is common for folks with Relationship OCD. We end up finding and healing a piece of shame and loneliness that is at the root of both the limerence and her ROCD.If you want support like Allison then book a free discovery call here: https://forloveweheal.com/relationshipocd-therapy/
Working with Preverbal Trauma, Anxiety & Relationship OCD with IFS - Bree's Story
Healing Relationship OCD, Fearful-avoidant Attachment, and Wounds of Inadequacy and Parentification using IFS - Mia's Story
In this session, I guide Mia inward to connect with a part of her that carries the pain of feeling not good enough for her partner. She often finds herself stuck in obsessive loops, wondering if he finds her attractive enough or interesting enough. As someone with situationally disorganized (fearful-avoidant) attachment, Mia’s anxious side gets activated when her partner leans avoidant. In those m
Healing Disorganized Attachment & Adoption Trauma with IFS – Eric’s Story
In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the For Love We Heal podcast, host Alex Bishop welcomes Eric, who shares a deeply personal journey through Relationship OCD, disorganized attachment, and the lifelong impact of early trauma, particularly his experience as an adoptee.Eric opens up about the emotional shutdown he feels in his relationships and the years of emotional turmoil.The turning point
E1: How To Heal Anxious Attachment With Valerie Rubin
In this episode, I talk to Anxious Attachment Specialist Valerie Rubin about attachment wounding, anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, conscious relationships, healing, and more! You can learn more about Valerie and her work at the links below:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healwithval/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1UZDfyhUZgAGIdlEv5VP85?si=69fb75f9b76444b7As I said in today&apo
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