Content from Moses Appel, PhD, Doctor of Psychology, Ph.D.

“WebMD on Steroids”: Understanding Health Anxiety

July 15, 2026

“WebMD on Steroids”: Understanding Health Anxiety by Moses Appel, PhD, Doctor of Psychology, Ph.D.

Dr. Moses Appel (Edited by Matthew Shields) Leah was brushing her teeth before bed when she felt a dull ache in her jaw. Almost instantly, her thoughts shifted: What if…

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The Role of Rumination in Clinical Disorders and What to Do About It

Moses Appel, PhD

July 15, 2026

Dr. Moses Appel We’ve all had moments when our mind just won’t stop spinning. A conversation replays over and over. A “what if” keeps you awake at night. Or a…

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How to Truly Listen (and Be Heard)

Moses Appel, PhD

July 15, 2026

Dr. Moses Appel We all have moments where we just want to feel understood, where someone hears not just our words, but what’s behind them. That’s the heart of validation.…

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Panic Disorder

Moses Appel, PhD

July 15, 2026

Dr. Moses Appel (Edited by Matthew Shields) Michael was riding the subway to work when his heart suddenly began racing. He felt lightheaded, his hands were shaking, and he was…

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Taboo OCD: Demystifying the OCD People are Scared to Talk About

Moses Appel, PhD

July 15, 2026

Dr. Moses Appel (Edited by Matthew Shields) Introduction Talking about “taboo” OCD can feel uncomfortable—which is precisely why it’s so important. These thoughts are often ignored or hidden, sometimes to…

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Is My Relationship “right?” Unpacking Relationship OCD

Moses Appel, PhD

July 15, 2026

Dr. Moses Appel (Edited by Matthew Shields) In my opinion, Relationship OCD (ROCD) might be one of the few subtypes of OCD to which all people –regardless of whether they…

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Religious OCD Among Orthodox Jews

Moses Appel, PhD

July 15, 2026

Dr. Moses Appel (Edited by Matthew Shields) What happens when devotion turns into obsession? When prayer becomes plagued by intrusive thoughts? This post aims to unravel the complexities of a…

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OCD Treatment Challenges and Solutions

Moses Appel, PhD

July 15, 2026

Dr. Moses Appel (Edited by Matthew Shields) Here are ten common challenges people encounter when undertaking Exposure and Response Prevention (E/RP) therapy for OCD, along with solutions we employ here…

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What is Major Depressive Disorder, and How Can We Treat It?

Moses Appel, PhD

July 15, 2026

Dr. Moses Appel (Edited by Matthew Shields) What is Major Depressive Disorder, and How Can We Treat It? “So, you’re telling me you’re sad?” asks Michael’s friend, Jerry. “Everyone gets…

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10 Foundational Concepts for Treating OCD

Moses Appel, PhD

July 15, 2026

Dr. Moses Appel (Edited by Matthew Shields) Whether you're a loved one of someone with OCD or you experience the disorder yourself, learning about OCD can sometimes feel like trying…

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Breaking Through the Quiet: Confronting Social Anxiety in School

Moses Appel, PhD

July 15, 2026

Dr. Moses Appel (edited by Matthew Shields) "We're worried about Chaim," the principal gently tells the Liebowitz parents. "Is he causing trouble?" his mom asks, frowning. "I knew setting…

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Inside the Loop: Understanding and Overcoming OCD

Moses Appel, PhD

July 15, 2026

Dr. Moses Appel (edited by Matthew Shields) As if struck by lightning, Zachary halts in his tracks while New York City foot traffic swarms around him. He presses the sides…

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