When Thoughts Get Stuck

by Will Van Der Hart, Thea Joshi

224 pages, Paperback

Published July 14, 2026

About the author

Will Van Der Hart is a leadership coach and author of 10 books on resilience, emotional health and leadership. Will coaches and consults with senior leaders and organisations, helping them embed values into culture, build resilience, and support wellbeing. He has delivered coaching within many well known global companies. Will is also Wellbeing Chaplain to a network of over 200 church leaders, previously led a mental health charity for 20 years and is an ordained Anglican priest.

Reviews

[Hannah Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley

I am a Christian who was recently diagnosed with OCD. At first I worried this book would go over my head with science jargon, but it ended up being exactly what I needed - timely, encouraging, and extremely helpful. Less about solving the problem and more about cultivating understanding and compassion, specifically within the context of our faith and relationship with God.
Not only well-written, but practical as well. Each chapter ends with reflection questions and a beautiful prayer. I’d highly recommend for any Christian struggling with OCD who wants to better understand the challenges of this struggle and the hope we have in Christ.
“The Christian life for those of us with OCD is a daily experience of both ‘the trouble and the triumph’: we struggle with the lie of our condemnation, but we live in the truth of our sanctification. And we all need to grasp this glorious gospel more fully and speak its truth to ourselves daily.”

[Brie McRae · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Thoughts Get Stuck: Peace of Mind in the Battle Against OCD is a wonderful book. As someone who has always struggled with anxiety but now realizes it was likely OCD this whole time, and who is also a Christian, this book was a perfect balance of psychology and faith. One of my favorite elements in this book is the prayers at the end of each chapter. These are helpful and a great place to start. I am a firm believer that psychology and Christianity are not enemies, and this book balances that so well. It is helpful that the authors (Will Van Der Hart and Thea Joshi) both have OCD themselves. It doesn’t feel as if it is written by Christians who “have it all together,” but it feels like I’m hearing from someone who shares my same struggles, because they do!

[Chelsea Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes When Thoughts Get Stuck so powerful is that the authors aren't just writing from theory—they are writing from the front lines of their own lived experience with OCD. Their vulnerability creates an immediate bond of trust.

The practical tools for handling "stuck" thoughts and the "what-ifs" of anxiety are clear, actionable, and compassionate. I especially appreciated the specific prayers and spiritual encouragements at the end of each chapter; they provide a moment of stillness when your mind is racing. It’s a masterclass in breaking the cycle of fear with both clinical wisdom and pastoral care.

[Melanie Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I struggle with OCD and have for a long time. I thought the cover of this book was engaging. My only real criticism is that I wish the front cover identified its Christian perspective. I generally would avoid reading Christian self-help books in favor of more secular resources. With that being said, I think it was a very, very well-written book that offered a lot of interesting insights into another possible perspective of OCD.

[Grace Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for this ARC.

Out of all the books I have read about OCD before I found this one to be the most helpful. It felt very relatable which also made it easier to truly understand how to approach OCD thoughts.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC. This is a kind, intelligent and wise book both explaining OCD and sharing hope with theological grounding. A fantastic resource.

[Samantha Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was after a self help book regarding OCD checking habits this was based around intrusive thoughts and how it affects faith in Christianity. Not the book I was after so did not finish

[Bee]

Co-written by my friend, Thea. Well done 👏