Jonathan Grayson: A Mentor in OCD Treatment and the Power of Loop Tapes

Jonathan Grayson’s Freedom from OCD remains one of the most meaningful resources I have encountered in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. In my clinical work with children, adolescents, and their families, Grayson’s explanations consistently help individuals understand intrusive thoughts in a way that reduces shame and opens the door to skill development.

I first saw Dr. Grayson present at the International OCD Foundation Annual OCD Conference in Boston in 2015. That experience clarified why so many clinicians look to him not only as an expert, but as a mentor whose work shapes evidence-based practice. His ability to combine clinical precision with compassion continues to influence how OCD treatment is delivered across all settings.

One of his most powerful contributions is the concept of loop tapes. This strategy invites individuals to record statements that capture their most distressing fears or intrusive thoughts. Instead of offering reassurance, neutralizing the statement, or attempting to “push it away,” they repeatedly listen to the recording. By doing so, they practise sitting with discomfort rather than resorting to compulsive behaviors that temporarily reduce anxiety but ultimately reinforce the cycle.

Loop tapes require courage and support. They are not a shortcut, nor are they intended to make anxiety disappear. Their value lies in helping individuals tolerate uncertainty and develop confidence in their ability to manage internal distress without compulsions. In my experience, this approach can be life-changing for clients and families who have spent years feeling controlled by intrusive thinking.

For clinicians, caregivers, or individuals navigating OCD themselves, Freedom from OCD is a resource worth returning to many times. Its strategies are grounded in research, written with empathy, and aligned with the long-term goal of helping individuals reclaim their lives from fear.