Scrupulosity and Religious OCD with Claire Breedlove

Today’s episode is a continuation of the Faith and Doubt Series. I am joined by Claire Breedlove, LCSW, who specializes in treating Religious Scrupulosity and working with members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints. Claire was kind enough to share her passion with the LDS community and how she works to help the LDS community living with Religious Scrupulosity overcome their fear and find greater connection with their faith.

6. Scrupulosity and Religious OCD with Claire Breedlove

Hey everyone, it’s Jennie Dildine here with another episode of the LDS Mission Podcast. Today I have a really insightful discussion about religious OCD and scrupulosity. I talk with Claire Breedlove, a licensed clinical social worker who has a lot of experience treating OCD, especially when it comes to religious themes.

We discuss what scrupulosity is, how it can impact missionaries and young adults, and tips for managing anxiety. Claire also shares about effective treatment options like exposure therapy. If you or someone you know struggles with religious OCD, I hope you find this conversation helpful. Be sure to check out the resources mentioned in the show notes. Thanks for listening!

Claire Breedlove is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in providing evidence-based treatment for religious OCD, also known as scrupulosity, in members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Claireis an active member of the International OCD Foundation and has completed the IOCDF’s Pediatric Behavior Therapy Training Institute. Claire currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Mormon Mental Health Association and is licensed to practice in California, Utah, Idaho, Texas, Louisiana and Florida. Claire holds masters degrees from Johns Hopkins University and the Tulane University School of Social Work.

Faith And Doubt: Scrupulosity Within The LDS Church With Claire Breedlove, LCSW

Today’s episode is a continuation of the Faith and Doubt Series. I am joined by Claire Breedlove, LCSW, who specializes in treating Religious Scrupulosity and working with members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints. Claire was kind enough to share her passion with the LDS community and how she works to help the LDS community living with Religious Scrupulosity overcome their fear and find greater connection with their faith.

Is scrupulosity linked to religion? An expert responds

In this episode, we sit down with an experienced LDS therapist, Claire Breedlove, to explore the topic of scrupulosity, a mental health struggle that affects many individuals, particularly in early adulthood. We discuss how this condition manifests, the role of faith in managing it, and why the Church is not the cause of scrupulosity, despite common misconceptions. Whether you're dealing with these challenges yourself or looking to support a loved one, this conversation offers valuable insights and guidance for navigating scrupulosity within a faith-based context.

Scrupulosity: Managing Intrusive Thoughts About Faith with Claire Breedlove

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

When it isn't a faith crisis: Identifying signs of scrupulosity in Mormon context

The Truth about Faith and Mental Health

Scrupulosity is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that is characterized by extreme worry and obsession about religious or moral themes. It is a common issue within the LDS community, particularly among youth and young adults. Research has shown that there is a strong genetic component to OCD, and studies are being conducted to understand the genetic factors associated with scrupulosity.

The LDS community is more susceptible to scrupulosity due to the emphasis on perfectionism and the importance of faith. However, it is important to note that scrupulosity is not caused by the teachings of the Church. Scrupulosity, a form of OCD characterized by religious and moral obsessions, can be effectively treated through exposure and response prevention therapy.

Parents can support their children with OCD by helping them develop psychological flexibility and tolerance for uncertainty. The treatment for OCD involves exposing oneself to triggers and gradually reducing anxiety through repeated exposure. It is important to differentiate between scrupulosity and a faith crisis, as the former is driven by anxiety while the latter is a values-based concern. Mental illness, including OCD, is treatable, and seeking help should not be stigmatized.