Executive Producer Troy Searer discusses how trust, responsibility and honesty are all crucial to creating an episode of Obsessed.

Following in the footsteps of Intervention, Obsessed is a true life docu-series that tracks individuals as they confront their darkest demons and attempt to change their lives for the better. How would you say this show draws other parallels to Intervention and how is it unique?

Troy Searer, Executive Producer, Obsessed: The primary difference between the shows is that Intervention leaves off as the individual is about to enter treatment. Treatment is a fundamental component to Obsessed. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the hands-on, dramatic, facing-your-fears techniques that our therapists use with the patients is an inherent part of our series and one that makes for some of the most dramatic television I've ever had the privilege to be a part of.

Each of the people featured on the show has such an original story and situation. How do you go about selecting which stories make it into the show?

TS: As you can imagine, finding OCD patients willing to participate was not easy. By nature, this is not a group that is raising their hands saying "I want to be on television and show the world my affliction." It was important that we embedded ourselves with the OCD community and make it clear to them, patients and doctors alike, that our intentions were true and our goals were earnest. We in no way wanted to take advantage of them or ridicule them, on the contrary. Once everyone saw that we were offering help and therapy they would otherwise not be able to receive and that we were merely documenting not manipulating the process, that's when many individuals agreed to be interviewed. At that point, we were looking for a combination of who needed the help the most and what stories would make for the best relatable, dramatic television. We're all very proud and happy with the end results as the vast majority of our patients have been helped considerably. It really is gratifying to be using television as a way of helping people. Everyone involved in the show is genuinely very proud of that.

For these participants, abandoning behaviors and thoughts that they've been struggling with for so long is no doubt a painful and harrowing process. Has there ever been an incident where you've been asked to shut the cameras off because things have gotten too intense?

TS: We always show great discretion. You have to. Trust between us and the doctors and patients is key. They must trust us and if they ask us to shut off cameras we always do. Again, this isn't about taking advantage or doing something simply for dramatic television. People's lives and futures are at stake here and nothing can be underestimated or taken lightly. That said, we really didn't have any situations where we were asked to turn cameras off. The patients and doctors trusted us completely and therefore gave us an access that is really unprecedented.

The individuals on Obsessed feel comfortable enough to take you into their worlds on camera during the most difficult moments in their lives. How do you create that level of intimacy while shooting a TV show at the same time?

TS: It really is about trust. The doctors and patients trusting in our intentions. We are capturing them at an extremely vulnerable time in their lives and we hold a great responsibility because of that. The individuals that have allowed themselves to be captured for this documentary series have shown nothing but the utmost courage and for that we are incredibly grateful and inspired to show them only in the most honest way.

As for the level of intimacy, we shoot in a very unobtrusive fashion. We often use long lenses so as to stay removed, yet voyeuristic from a scene or situation. Also, people in general most often become incredibly comfortable with camera being around them after only a few short days. I've always been fascinated by this. And given that we shot most of the episodes over a 3 to 4 month period, the patients had plenty of time to get comfortable and most did rather quickly.

What message do hope to get across with Obsessed?

TS: There are many...I suppose the primary one is that treatment and a better life are out there if you commit to confronting your fears. And I suppose that goes for life as well as OCD. Don't underestimate what you are capable of and how great life can be if you do the work and allow yourself to be happy. It will not be without drama and difficulty along the way but the end result will be well worth it.