Inspiring Conversations with Juliet Gustafson, LMSW of Juliet Gustafson, LMSW LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Juliet Gustafson, LMSW

Juliet, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Juliet. I am a Licensed Master Social Worker, proud member of the LGBTQ+ Community, and OCD Therapist and Advocate. I was privileged to grow up in a family where mental health was discussed. When I was eight, I developed a debilitating fear of vomit, also known as Emetophobia. This fear of vomit quickly shifted into fears of death, illness, losing control, and of harming myself and others. When I was eleven, I started therapy. In therapy, I learned that my oddly specific fears were actually telltale symptoms of a common mental illness: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

In therapy, I learned how my “OCD Bully” was fueled by my avoidance and anxiety based actions. I learned to face my fears head on. I regained my confidence, became less afraid of my thoughts, and found joy again.

Now let’s fast forward to 2020. I earned my MSW and was working as a therapist at a community mental health agency. The COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak. Little did I know, my OCD was also at its peak. I was experiencing terrifying intrusive thoughts, doubts about myself, my relationship, and my morals. I was engaging in countless compulsions in order to get through each day. I was a giant ball of anxiety, but I had no idea that my OCD was the cause. I mention this to highlight how sneaky OCD can be. I was a trained therapist, with a prior diagnosis of OCD, and it STILL fell under my radar for almost a year. Once I caught it, I started ERP therapy and medication. My life truly changed for the better and I began to feel empowered.

This experience fueled my passion for OCD treatment and advocacy. As an OCD therapist, it is a joy and a privilege to walk with my clients towards their fears and to help them regain control of their lives.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One obstacle I have encountered is misinformation and a lack of understanding about OCD. I have seen this both personally and professionally. Clients have shared with me that their old therapists have made comments such as “everyone’s a little OCD” and “OCD is a good trait to have!”

Here are three pieces of information about OCD that I hope you take away from this article:
1. OCD is not an adjective- OCD is a debilitating mental illness. It is not a synonym for being organized. We would never say “I’m so breast cancer!”

2. OCD is not just about germs- OCD can attach to anything. Some of the common OCD Subtypes are: Health OCD, Harm OCD, Moral/Religious OCD, Sexual Orientation OCD, Relationship OCD, Just Right/Symmetry OCD, Pedophilia OCD.

3. OCD is ego-dystonic- This means that the content of obsessions does against a person’s values, wishes, or desires. Meaning, someone with OCD will do anything in order to prevent themselves from acting on their obsessions.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Juliet Gustafson, LMSW LLC?
My therapy practice is dedicated to the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders, such as: Trichotillomania, Dermatillomania, Hoarding Disorder, and Body Dysmorphic Disorder. I provide in-person and tele-therapy services to adolescents and adults in Michigan.

My primary therapeutic approach is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). This is an evidence-based therapy for OCD, anxiety, and specific phobias. ERP, also known as “exposure therapy” is incredibly effective and empowering. I also augment my approach with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Comprehensive Behavioral Treatment interventions.

I am in-network with BlueCross BlueShield, and I also accept private-pay.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
One quality that has been very helpful in my success is my sense of humor. I use humor to approach my educational content on my OCD Instagram Account @ocd_therapist_juliet and Patreon. For example, on my Patreon I have a video series called “Singing Karaoke to Your Intrusive Thoughts” where I sing peoples most disturbing intrusive thoughts to popular songs. This is a diffusion technique that can be helpful for people to use to create distance from their thoughts and their actual wants. After all, not all thoughts and feelings are facts.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://julietgustafson.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ocd_therapist_juliet/
• Other: https://www.patreon.com/ocd_therapist_juliet