Finally, a book that captures the brilliance of the OCD mind. Dr. Alcee provides a humorous, relatable, smart, and engaging must-read for those who suffer. This book will help so many harness the power of an often relentless and exhausting condition. I highly recommend it as a must-have complement to treatment!

—Nicole Pensak, PhD, clinical psychologist and author of Rattled

If OCD impacts your life in some way, then this book is a must-read. Bringing together evidence-based research with impactful and often personal stories, Alcée invites us to fundamentally rethink the nature and approaches to OCD. Everyone with OCD should have a wise, insightful champion like Alcée.

—Wendy K. Smith, Dana J. Johnson Professor of Management, University of Delaware

This book is a love letter to OCD sufferers. Offering added depth to the exploration of the OCD experience, The Upside of OCD makes a great companion to evidence-based treatments like ACT and ERP.

—Jill Stoddard, PhD, director of The Center for Stress and Anxiety Management and author of Be Mighty: A Woman’s Guide to Liberation from Anxiety, Worry, and Stress Using Mindfulness and Acceptance

Rarely does one find a book that combines personal experience and professional wisdom in such an exquisitely written package. Dr. Alcee does just that and more by challenging conventional approaches to OCD with comforting compassion and grace for those who suffer. Sensitive readers will find soft places to linger and exciting ideas that inspire. I will recommend this book for years to come as a harbinger of hope and inspiration to anyone struggling with OCD.

-Gina Simmons Schneider, PhD, clinical psychologist and author of Frazzelbrain

By penning this beautifully-written, entertaining book, Michael Alcee demonstrates his central premise—that those with OCD are particularly sensitive and talented and, if they befriend rather than battle with their OCD, it can be redirected toward wonderfully creative endeavors. That is, in writing this perspective-shifting book, he has done just that with his own OCD, and will help many change their relationship with their OCD when they realize that it is a protective part of them that can transform

—Richard Schwartz, PhD, founder of the Internal Family Systems model of psychotherapy and author of No Bad Parts

Far from a trite treatise on what it means to have OCD, psychologist Michael Alcée offers a deeply wise and compassionate voice for people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) as well as for OCD, itself. Rather than simply seeing OCD as “sound and fury, signifying nothing,” Alcée explains that there is meaning to be found, hidden powers to reclaim. An indispensable book for anyone struggling with OCD, or who loves someone struggling with OCD.

—Yael Schonbrun, author of Work, Parent, Thrive and clinical psychologist and faculty at Brown University
Drawing upon his extensive clinical experience and scientific research as well as his musical creativity, Dr. Michael Alcée has written a most unique and highly compelling re-examination of obsessive-compulsive disorder, exploring not only the burdens of this state of mind but, also, its potential benefits. A hugely clever reframing of this aspect of human psychology, I warmly recommend this book to fellow mental health professionals and, indeed, to all members of the general public!

—Brett Kahr, senior fellow at the Tavistock Institute of Medical Psychology in London; visiting professor of Psychoanalysis and Mental Health at Regent’s University London; and honorary director of research at the Freud Museum London

Alcée, a clinical psychologist, takes a glass-half-full approach to obsessive-compulsive disorder. He acknowledges the downsides, including worries, fears, and self-loathing, but says it’s possible to tap into the “hidden gold.” His goal is to help people name, tame, and claim their superpowers, especially creativity.… Alcée shares examples of obsessions people endure, encouraging readers to imagine what it's like to always worry about leaving the stove on and burning the house down. An unusual and compassionate look at this compulsive disorder.

—Booklist

This book does not glorify OCD. It gives a raw account of its pain and possibilities. Alcée encourages an integrative approach to OCD treatment with both relational and behavioral means as necessary. With sparkling but straightforward language, it is a book that individuals living with OCD, family members, and clinicians can all learn from. Practical exercises line the end of each chapter to assist readers in their journey.

―Psychology Today