The OCD Whisperer Podcast with Kristina Orlova

Have you ever caught yourself picking at your skin, biting your nails, or pulling out a hair—then wondered why you can’t seem to stop? You’re not alone.   In this eye-opening episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, host Kristina Orlova sits down with Juliet Gustafson , a Michigan-based OCD therapist and professor, to explore the often-misunderstood world of Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs)—like hair pulling (trichotillomania), skin picking, and nail biting. Far from mere "bad habits," these behaviors are complex disorders tied to emotions, sensory triggers, and even biology. Juliette breaks down the five key drivers behind BFRBs: sensory satisfaction, cognitive patterns, emotional states, motor habits, and environmental cues.   You'll learn how to distinguish between occasional grooming and compulsive behaviors, discover practical strategies for intervention (like replacement movements and awareness tools), and explore compassionate approaches to self-management. The episode also highlights vital resources, including the TLC Foundation, HabitAware’s smart bracelets, and supportive communities like BFRB Changemakers.   Whether you’re struggling with BFRBs or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers hope, clarity, and actionable steps to reclaim control—plus a reminder: healing is possible.   The 3 things you’ll learn in  today’s episode: Why BFRBs are more than habits—they’re coping mechanisms. How to identify your personal triggers and replace harmful behaviors. Where to find support, tools, and expert-backed solutions. In This Episode [00:00] Introduction  [00:45] Juliette’s academic and professional background [01:12] Defining body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) [02:22] Recognizing BFRBs and their impact [03:28] Identifying and understanding BFRBs in yourself [04:19] Managing and exploring BFRBs [05:29] Functions and triggers of BFRBs [09:04] Replacing and modifying BFRB habits [10:58] Awareness and control in BFRBs [12:54] Intervening and self-compassion [13:44] Tools and resources for BFRBs [15:20] Additional BFRB resources and communities [17:27] Encouragement and self-kindness [18:28] The Fidget Podcast and more resources [18:28] OCD representation in media [19:23] Closing and podcast outro Our Guest Juliet Gustafson  is a licensed OCD therapist based in Michigan, a part-time professor at Wayne State University’s School of Social Work, and co-host of the Intrusive Plots podcast, which explores OCD representation in film and TV. With a deep passion for helping people better understand and manage OCD and related conditions, Juliette brings both clinical expertise and lived experience into her work. Through therapy, advocacy, and education, she’s helping break the stigma around misunderstood struggles like BFRBs. Resources & Links   Kristina Orlova, LMFT Instagram  YouTube  OCD CBT Journal Tracker and Planner  Website   Juliet Gustafson  Website LinkedIn Instagram Patreon Community Podcast   Mentioned Cognitive Therapy for OCD Sneaky Rituals with Jenna Overbaugh  ICBT with Kristina Orlova and Christina Ennabe TLC Foundation for BFRBs Picking Me Foundation BFRB Changemakers HabitAware & Keen Bracelet The Fidget Podcast with Jason Yu Film (Exposure, Director: Peter Cannon)

Did you know OCD is like an overprotective friend—one that targets what you love most? It sounds strange, doesn’t it?   In this episode of the OCD Whisperer Podcast, host Kristina Orlova is joined by Dr. Thomas Ballas, a clinical psychologist specializing in OCD, anxiety, perfectionism, and trauma. Dr. Ballas provides therapy via telehealth across 42 states and brings a practical, evidence-based perspective to the discussion.   Together, they explore the concept of theme shifting in OCD—how intrusive thoughts often jump from one obsession to another—and why ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) remains effective even as themes evolve. The conversation also covers Relationship OCD, highlighting ways to differentiate between genuine relationship concerns and OCD-driven doubt.   The episode concludes with a discussion on rebuilding self-trust and confidence after years of navigating OCD.   If you've ever found yourself second-guessing your thoughts, your feelings, or even your relationships, this conversation offers clarity, practical tools, and a fresh way to understand what’s really going on. Let’s jump into it! The 3 things you’ll learn in  today’s episode: Why OCD themes change and how to apply ERP no matter what your brain latches onto What differentiates real relationship concerns from Relationship OCD and how to tell the difference How to build mood-independent confidence and make values-based decisions despite doubt In This Episode [00:32] Introduction to Dr Thomas Ballas [01:23] What OCD theme shifting is and why it happens [02:01] Why OCD attacks what we value most [03:29] The internal false alarm system and shifting fear [05:07] How to apply ERP even when themes change [06:11] Noticing the same patterns behind different thoughts [07:05] Navigating taboo and emotionally charged OCD themes [08:19] “But this time it feels different” – how to manage doubts that seem real [09:23] Diving into Relationship OCD and distinguishing it from real concerns [11:14] Real dysfunction vs. OCD-fueled rumination [13:07] Self-doubt, shame, and the role of mood-independent choices [14:25] Confidence, compassion, and choosing values-based actions [15:28] Where to find Dr. Thomas Ballas online Our Guest Dr. Thomas Ballas is a clinical psychologist based in New York and New Jersey, specializing in OCD, anxiety, perfectionism, and trauma. Through telehealth, he serves clients in over 42 states. His approach emphasizes evidence-based techniques like ERP and values-driven recovery. Dr. Ballas is passionate about helping people regain self-trust and build resilience on their journey with OCD. Resources & Links   Kristina Orlova, LMFT Instagram  YouTube  OCD CBT Journal Tracker and Planner  Website   Dr. Thomas Ballas Website Instagram LinkedIn   Mentioned Cognitive Therapy for OCD Sneaky Rituals with Jenna Overbaugh  ICBT with Kristina Orlova and Christina Ennabe Please note, while our host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.   Stay tuned for weekly episodes filled with valuable insights and tips for managing OCD and anxiety. And remember, keep going in the meantime. See you in the next episode!  

In this powerful and candid episode of the OCD Whisperer Podcast, host Kristina Orlova sits down with Hussain, the founder of The Struggling Warrior, a platform dedicated to raising awareness and educating people about OCD. With over a decade of personal experience, Hussain shares his journey from the onset of his OCD at a young age to his eventual path to therapy and recovery.   Hussain opens up about the challenges of dealing with intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and the isolation that came with his OCD. He discusses his struggles through college, how his OCD affected his academic life, and the turning point when he finally reached out for help. In this conversation, Kristina and Hussain explore how therapy, ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention), and medication ultimately helped him regain control of his life.   Additionally, Hussain shares his passion for supporting others living with OCD and his mission behind creating his platform and writing his book, Listen Up: OCD is Talking. He discusses his book's unique approach, personalizing OCD, and offering readers insights into how OCD functions, its tricks, and ways to challenge it.   Whether you're on your own OCD journey or seeking inspiration and guidance, this episode offers hope, vulnerability, and practical advice. The 3 things you’ll learn in  today’s episode: How OCD can evolve and worsen over time, and the importance of seeking help before hitting rock bottom Why finding the right therapist is crucial for recovery and the impact of a supportive, understanding relationship Hussain’s innovative approach to understanding OCD through his book Listen Up: OCD is Talking and his Unbound OCD Toolkit In This Episode [00:03] Introduction and guest introduction [01:08] Hussain’s early experiences with OCD and intrusive thoughts [03:42] The development of compulsive behaviors and the impact on his school life [06:07] Hitting rock bottom during college and the decision to reach out for help [08:21] The turning point: reaching out to his family and seeking therapy [09:24] The struggles with stigma and the mental health system [12:05] Medication changes and how his OCD evolved [14:52] Finding the right therapist and the introduction of ERP [16:22] How Hussain’s book and resources aim to help others living with OCD [20:47] Conclusion and how to reach out to Hussain and access his resources Our Guest   Hussain is the founder of The Struggling Warrior, a platform aimed at educating and raising awareness about OCD. With over a decade of personal experience, he is dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and offering practical tools for managing OCD. Hussain is also the author of Listen Up: OCD is Talking and the creator of the Unbound OCD Toolkit. Resources & Links   Kristina Orlova, LMFT Instagram  YouTube  OCD CBT Journal Tracker and Planner  Website   Hussain Al Abdullah Website Listen Up: OCD is Talking  Unbound OCD Toolkit Instagram LinkedIn Mentioned Cognitive Therapy for OCD Sneaky Rituals with Jenna Overbaugh  ICBT with Kristina Orlova and Christina Ennabe Please note, while our host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.   Stay tuned for weekly episodes filled with valuable insights and tips for managing OCD and anxiety. And remember, keep going in the meantime. See you in the next episode!

In this deeply personal and enlightening episode of the OCD Whisperer Podcast, host Kristina Orlova sits down with  Crystal  Propes—a wife, mother of three, and passionate mental health advocate.  Crystal  shares her lifelong experience with emetophobia (fear of vomiting), OCD, ADHD, and PTSD, offering a raw and honest look at what it’s like to live with intersecting conditions—and how healing is possible.   Crystal  opens up about the early onset of emetophobia and how it later intertwined with health and contamination OCD, particularly as a mother. She walks us through the long road to diagnosis, the gap between recognizing OCD and finally seeking help, and the breakthrough she experienced using Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT).   You’ll hear about how CBT modules, especially those on reality sensing and alternative narratives, helped her stop ruminating and reconnect with the present. Kristina and  Crystal  also dive into the nuanced differences between OCD and ADHD, offering clarity and validation for listeners who might be navigating both.   Whether you’re exploring treatment options, parenting with OCD, or trying to make peace with uncertainty, this episode is filled with hope, humor, and empowering insights. The 3 things you’ll learn in  today’s episode: How emetophobia and OCD often intertwine—and why it can escalate during parenthood Why ERP isn’t one-size-fits-all, and how CBT reality-sensing exercises helped  Crystal  stop compulsive rumination The surprising differences between OCD-driven behaviors and ADHD tendencies—and how understanding both leads to self-compassion In This Episode [00:03] Introduction and guest introduction [01:08]  Crystal ’s early experiences with OCD and phobia [02:04] Teenage years and OCD development [03:38] Realization and diagnosis of OCD [04:17] College years and OCD struggles [06:16] Seeking treatment and therapy journey [08:46] CBT modules and life-changing insights [12:05] Managing doubt and realistic fears [14:44] Acceptance and setting boundaries [16:28] OCD and ADHD intersection [18:32] ADHD symptoms and coping strategies [20:28] Conclusion and contact information   Our Guest Crystal  Props is a wife, mom of three, and passionate advocate living with OCD, emetophobia, ADHD, and PTSD. Through her candid storytelling and social media presence, she helps others feel seen in their mental health journeys, breaking stigma and offering relatable, real-life tools for navigating anxiety, neurodivergence, and parenting.   Resources & Links   Kristina Orlova, LMFT Instagram  YouTube  OCD CBT Journal Tracker and Planner  Website   Crystal Propes Instagram   Mentioned Cognitive Therapy for OCD I-CBT Training Online Sneaky Rituals with Jenna Overbaugh  ICBT with Kristina Orlova and Christina Ennabe Please note, while our host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.   Stay tuned for weekly episodes filled with valuable insights and tips for managing OCD and anxiety. And remember, keep going in the meantime. See you in the next episode!

Living with OCD isn’t just about managing anxiety—it’s about reclaiming your life through your values. In this powerful episode of the OCD Whisperer Podcast, host Kristina Orlova welcomes OCD therapist Lennon Jones, founder of Golden Hour OCD and Anxiety, to explore how personal values bring clarity, purpose, and resilience to Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy.   ERP, first line treatment for OCD treatment, can often feel grueling, especially when it’s reduced to simply "sitting with anxiety." Lennon shares why this approach can feel torturous without an internal compass—and how integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) shifts the focus from fear to meaning. Together, Kristina and Lennon unpack how clarifying your values (like connection, creativity, or service) can turn exposures from hollow tasks into empowering acts of self-trust.   They dive into psychological flexibility, the antidote to OCD’s rigid thinking, and offer real-life examples of how values-based actions—even small ones—can help you live with purpose, despite intrusive thoughts. Whether you're just starting treatment or navigating setbacks, this episode offers hope, compassion, and actionable guidance for building a life driven by what matters most.   Tune in to learn how to stop living for certainty—and start living for your values. The 3 things you’ll learn in  today’s episode: What makes OCD treatment feel torturous—and how a simple mindset shift can change everything The surprising mistake many people make with exposure therapy (and what to do instead). Why saying “maybe I am a terrible person” might actually be the path to healing. In This Episode   [00:00:01] Introduction and guest welcome   [00:01:10] The importance of values in ERP   [00:03:57] Meaning behind exposures   [00:05:48] Blending ERP and ACT: Facing daunting thoughts   [00:09:25] Building a solid values base   [00:10:13] Evolution of ERP and incorporating values   [00:11:45] Values in relationship OCD   [00:12:33] Values are not perfection   [00:14:19] Introducing psychological flexibility   [00:15:13] CBT, ERP, and psychological flexibility   [00:18:33] Recognizing rigidity and all-or-nothing thinking   [00:20:17] Practical values-based tool   [00:24:05] Exposure to your true self   [00:25:41] Autonomy and making choices   [00:26:44] Trusting yourself and closing thoughts   [00:27:03] How to find Lennon    Notable Quotes   [02:15] "Exposure therapy should not be torture. And if it doesn't have those values, beliefs, that trust in yourself behind it, a lot of times it can be torturous for people." —Lennon   [23:59] "Sometimes the exposure we’re trying to do is exposing yourself to who you really are.." — Lennon   [11:48] "If I'm having a relationship-based OCD and not sure about my partner, but I know connection is a value for me, then yeah, maybe I’m going to go and spend time with my partner even though I'm feeling anxious and uncomfortable."— Kristina   [12:47] "A value per se is not measurable. Like you can't reach a certain level of perfection in the value." — Lennon   [13:59] "Psychological flexibility... is the goal of exposure therapy. We want to be more flexible in these situations. We want to just enjoy our lives." — Lennon   [21:58] "I’m open about my OCD. There’s still a certain way I thought, and next thing you know, you’re right back in this anxious state that just feels horrendous.'." — Kristina   [23:12] "Even in an area where your senses can't detect anything, the reasonable, rational way to live is to do that functional certainty thing and just to assume you're okay." — Mike Parker Our Guest   Lennon Jones is a licensed OCD and anxiety therapist based in Southern Utah and the founder of Golden Hour OCD and Anxiety, a digital platform offering support and education for those navigating OCD recovery. She specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), helping clients move from fear-driven behavior to values-based living. Lennon is also involved in global mental health efforts, providing free therapy to Ukrainian refugees. Her approach is grounded in compassion, psychological flexibility, and helping clients reconnect with who they are beyond OCD. Resources & Links   Kristina Orlova, LMFT Instagram  YouTube  OCD CBT Journal Tracker and Planner  Website   Lennon Jones Website  Facebook Instagram YouTube   Mentioned Cognitive Therapy for OCD I-CBT Training Online Sneaky Rituals with Jenna Overbaugh  ICBT with Kristina Orlova and Christina Ennabe   Please note, while our host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.   Stay tuned for weekly episodes filled with valuable insights and tips for managing OCD and anxiety. And remember, keep going in the meantime. See you in the next episode!

🧠 Episode Summary: Struggling with feeling ugly, ashamed, or alone? In this episode, Dr. Sony Khemlani-Patel shares insights from 25+ years of treating OCD and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). Discover how BDD affects self-worth, why it’s often misunderstood, and what real recovery looks like.     🔍 What You’ll Learn: • How Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) differs from body image issues and eating disorders • Why people with BDD often suffer in silence—and what keeps them from speaking up • The impact of social media, AI, and perfection culture on self-perception • Real-life insights from clinical practice, including powerful patient stories • How shame, trauma, and brain biology intertwine in BDD • What therapy approaches work best—and how to break the comparison cycle • How to recognize the signs of BDD and take the first step toward healing   ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: [00:00:23] Introduction to the episode [00:01:48] BDD vs Body Image vs Eating Disorder: Understanding the Differences [00:03:36] Eating Disorders and BDD: How They Overlap and What Makes Them Different [00:05:10] BDD and Distorted Perception: Seeing Flaws That Aren’t Really There [00:05:51] Is BDD in the Brain? The Biological Side of the Disorder [00:06:53] Best Real-Life Example of BDD in Everyday Life [00:07:26] Hyperfocusing: When the Brain Locks Onto Details and You Zoom Out [00:07:53] The Patient Who Was a Photographer: A Unique BDD Story [00:08:25] What to Say When Someone’s “Flaw” Isn’t Just in Their Head [00:09:46] Is BDD Caused by Trauma or Is it Something Else? [00:10:52] Understanding the Gap Between Appearance and Body Image [00:12:07] Looking in the Mirror: Carrying the Weight of Childhood and Environment [00:12:53] Spotting BDD in Yourself: Key Warning Signs and Actions [00:15:36] What Percentage of People with BDD Experience Suicidal Thoughts? [00:16:08] Why People Hide Their BDD from Doctors and Loved Ones [00:17:13] The Comparison Trap: AI, Social Media, and Unrealistic Perfection [00:19:04] How to Stop Comparing Yourself and Find Peace [00:19:59] What Therapy Works Best for BDD? Expert Recommendations [00:21:44] Managing Heavy Emotions and Shame in BDD Treatment [00:23:13] Closing Reflections and Final Thoughts   🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned: 🎁 Free Download: https://shorturl.at/KcTxM 📓 OCD Journal: https://shorturl.at/7pUxB   ✅Bio Behavioral Institute: 👉Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bio.behavioral/ 👉Website - www.biobehavioralinstitute.com   👤 About the Host: The OCD Whisperer Podcast is hosted by Kristina Orlova, LMFT, a licensed therapist who has helped hundreds of clients with OCD and anxiety using ERP, ACT, and ICBT.   🌐 Learn more: www.korresults.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer 📧 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://shorturl.at/KcTxM   🎧 Subscribe & Follow: Never miss an episode! 🟢 Spotify → https://shorturl.at/k5kEq 🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://shorturl.at/C30wn 📻 All platforms → https://ocdwhisperer.podbean.com/ 🔔 Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@OCDWhisperer   ⚠️Disclaimer: Please note while the host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.   © OCD Whisperer

🧠 Episode Summary: What if your own mind was the biggest mystery you ever had to solve? In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova sits down with writer and director Dillon Tucker, creator of the narrative feature film PURE O. Diagnosed with OCD himself, Dillon shares how the chaos, fear, and obsessive spirals of his own mind became the raw material for a deeply personal and groundbreaking movie. Together, they explore the power of storytelling to humanize OCD, break stigma, and reach those silently suffering. This isn’t just a film—it’s a lifeline for people who feel misunderstood, unseen, and trapped in their own thoughts. Because sometimes the most healing thing we can do… is turn pain into art.   🔍 What You’ll Learn: • How turning OCD pain into art can be healing for you and others • Why films like PURE O matter in breaking OCD stigma • What makes OCD storytelling different from typical mental health narratives • How OCD can be reframed as a superpower through creativity and advocacy   ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: [00:00:01] Introduction to the episode   [00:01:35] Did Dillon Expect the Film to Be Therapeutic for Others?   [00:03:00] What Viewers Said After Watching Film   [00:04:05] Dilan’s Emotional Response to Seeing the Finished Film   [00:04:15] The Purpose Behind Making This Movie   [00:05:30] Where the Film Stands Now & What’s Coming   [00:06:30] Why Everyone Should Watch This Movie — Not Only People with OCD   [00:07:20] We Need More Stories, Films, and Resources on OCD   [00:08:05] What to Know Before Making Something Similar / Manage Emotional Weight   [00:10:00] OCD as a Superpower: Boosting Your Potential   [00:11:25] First Time Screening the Film in a Movie Theater   [00:13:00] How Family Reacted to the Film’s Premiere   [00:13:30] Dilon's OCD Advocacy and Impact Today   [00:14:28] The Community Built Through OCD Advocacy   [00:14:47] OCD Is Gaining Awareness and Acceptance   [00:15:46] Why Mainstream Media Representation of OCD Matters   [00:17:36] Movie Characters Development Explained   [00:18:28] OCD and the Pain of Social Isolation / Educating Loved Ones About OCD   [00:20:04] Other Popular Films and Series Featuring Disorders   [00:21:27] Where Can You Watch the Film? / Where Can You Reach Out to Them?   [00:22:20] Closing Reflections and Final Thoughts     🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned: 🎁 Free Download: https://shorturl.at/KcTxM 📓 OCD Journal: https://shorturl.at/7pUxB   ✅Dillon Tucker: 👉Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dillontucker/   ✅Pure O Movie: 👉Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pure_o_movie/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw%3D%3D 👉Buy/rent a movie - https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CVR6M2NJ/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r 👉Watch on Tubi -https://shorturl.at/C5PGX   👤 About the Host: The OCD Whisperer Podcast is hosted by Kristina Orlova, LMFT, a licensed therapist who has helped hundreds of clients with OCD and anxiety using ERP, ACT, and ICBT.   🌐 Learn more: www.korresults.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer 📧 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://shorturl.at/KcTxM   🎧 Subscribe & Follow: Never miss an episode! 🟢 Spotify → https://shorturl.at/k5kEq 🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://shorturl.at/C30wn 📻 All platforms → https://ocdwhisperer.podbean.com/ 🔔 Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@OCDWhisperer   ⚠️Disclaimer: Please note while the host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.   © OCD Whisperer

Episode Summary: Do you feel trapped in endless loops of “what if”? Like your brain is constantly playing out worst-case scenarios, you can’t prove, but can’t ignore either? In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Frederick Aardema, clinical psychologist, OCD researcher, and co-creator of Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT). Together, we unpack how faulty reasoning and imagination, not just intrusive thoughts, drive OCD. Dr. Aardema shares how ICBT offers a powerful path back to reality, trust, and your authentic self—without relying on fear-based exposures.   🔍 What You’ll Learn: Why OCD is more about reasoning than anxiety How imagination overrides perception in OCD The concept of “functional certainty” and how it heals obsessional doubt How ICBT differs from ERP and when to use which Why your OCD may be rooted in a “false self” and how to reconnect with who you really are 🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned: OCD Journal → https://shorturl.at/7pUxB Guest: Dr. Frederick Aardema’s Books → Resolving OCD Vol. 1 & Resolving OCD Vol. 2 ICBT Online Resource Center → https://icbt.online ICBT Masterclass → https://www.korresults.com/icbtmasterclass Sneaky Rituals Masterclass → https://www.korresults.com/sneakyrituals 📩 Take Action: 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter → https://shorturl.at/KcTxM   👤 About the Host: The OCD Whisperer Podcast is hosted by Kristina Orlova, LMFT, a licensed therapist who helps people with OCD and anxiety using ERP, ACT, and ICBT. 🌐 Learn more: www.korresults.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer 📧 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://shorturl.at/KcTxM 🎧 Subscribe & Follow: 🟢 Spotify → https://shorturl.at/k5kEq 🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://shorturl.at/C30wn 📻 All platforms → https://ocdwhisperer.podbean.com/ 🔔 Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@OCDWhisperer   Disclaimer Please note, while our host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy. Stay tuned for weekly episodes filled with valuable insights and tips for managing OCD and anxiety. And remember, keep going in the meantime. See you in the next episode!

🧠 Episode Summary: In this podcast episode, two close friends delve into a journey of battling OCD, confronting alcohol dependency, and the transformative power of support. They discuss the daily challenges of living with obsessive-compulsive disorder, the spiral into substance use, and how a steadfast friendship became the cornerstone of recovery.   🔍 What You’ll Learn: The difference between mental compulsions and real problem-solving Response prevention and OCD limits Strategies that helped manage OCD How to respond when intrusive thoughts hit   [00:00:01] Introduction to the episode [00:01:45] Childhood with OCD: daily struggles [00:02:20] The descent into alcohol use and memory loss [00:04:15] Developing a new obsession [00:05:41] Opening up to a trusted friend [00:06:30] Realizing it’s OCD & taking the first step [00:07:34] Obsessing over OCD and facing new problems [00:08:54] Turning point towards healing [00:09:20] Friendship that changed everything [00:10:05] What helped the most in recovery [00:12:50] Strategies that helped manage OCD [00:14:50] The power of not answering OCD [00:17:23] How a friend found a way to help [00:19:13] Lessons learned and moving forward [00:21:27] OCD has no limits: response prevention [00:22:20] Encouragement for those struggling [00:23:20] Closing reflections and final thoughts   👤 About the Host: The OCD Whisperer Podcast is hosted by Kristina Orlova, LMFT, a licensed therapist who has helped hundreds of clients with OCD and anxiety using ERP, ACT, and ICBT. 🌐 Learn more: www.korresults.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer 📧 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://shorturl.at/KcTxM   🎧 Subscribe & Follow: Never miss an episode! 🟢 Spotify → https://shorturl.at/k5kEq 🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://shorturl.at/C30wn 📻 All platforms → https://ocdwhisperer.podbean.com/ 🔔 Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@OCDWhisperer   🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned: 📓 OCD Journal → [Insert link] https://shorturl.at/7pUxB   🧠 Guests: Liam & Kirby 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sharedmindspodcast/ 🔔 Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@SharedMindsPodcast 🟢 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/1fIUNuUyovjDJM3bIaqCKu     Disclaimer Please note, while our host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy. Stay tuned for weekly episodes filled with valuable insights and tips for managing OCD and anxiety. And remember, keep going in the meantime. See you in the next episode!

You wash your hands… but did you really get them clean? You wiped down the package… but what if something invisible is still there? You tell yourself it’s fine, yet your brain won’t let it go. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In this episode of the OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova welcomes back Mike Parker, licensed clinical social worker and creator of the OCD Space YouTube channel, to explore the obsessive doubt that drives contamination fears—and the path out of its grip. Together, they dive into the complexities of inference-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) and how it helps those with OCD step out of fear-driven reasoning and back into reality. But how do you convince your mind to trust your senses when OCD keeps whispering “what if”? Whether it’s worries about unseen germs on a park bench, contamination from a package, or the lingering fear of harming others through inaction, this conversation lays it bare. Mike and Kristina break down the difference between healthy caution and compulsive checking, and why the way we reason matters just as much as the content of our fears. They explore how OCD hijacks imagination and certainty, and why choosing functional certainty—the decision to act as if you’re okay unless proven otherwise—can be a powerful turning point. Can you learn to trust your senses again? Or will your imagination keep calling the shots? Tune in and find out—this might just change how you see everything… especially what you can’t see. Let's dive in!   In This Episode [00:00:03]  Introduction to the episode [00:00:53]  Understanding ICBT [00:01:08]  Discussion on contamination fears [00:02:13]  Addressing invisible threats [00:03:04]  Grounding in reality [00:06:37]  Healthy reasoning vs. OCD reasoning [00:10:21]  Living with possibility [00:12:06]  Inferential confusion in OCD [00:13:33]  Constantly thinking about the unseen [00:14:24]  Helping clients recognize reality [00:15:29]  The challenge of OCD as a competitor [00:16:50]  Understanding reality and OCD [00:18:48]  Trust and perception [00:19:30]  Reality sensing in CBT [00:20:43]  Behavioral change and CBT [00:21:58]  Individualized treatment approaches [00:23:01]  Possibility vs. sensory information [00:24:02]  Relying on senses [00:24:25] Closing remarks and resources Notable Quotes [03:04] "It's true our senses can't detect certain things, but we have ways of dealing with that. They're already established, you know, as far as hand washing routines or, you know, if it's a religious situation, how much you should pray, what rituals you should do." — Mike Parker [06:06] "Healthy reasoning is like, okay, I know the limitations of my senses. I know what information I have available, and then ultimately I'm gonna make that decision based on that." — Mike Parker [07:07] "If you really want to sit on park benches and stop doing that. Let's realize you don't have to actually concern yourself with what you can't." — Mike Parker [15:59] "So, right, what you're telling me basically, is you're walking down the street and you have no visible poop on you, and you don't smell poop on you, and you're thinking about poop. We gotta figure out what's going on there, because you don't do that anywhere else in life." — Mike Parker [21:58] "I’m open about my OCD. There’s still a certain way I thought, and next thing you know, you’re right back in this anxious state that just feels horrendous.'." — Kristina [23:12] "Even in an area where your senses can't detect anything, the reasonable, rational way to live is to do that functional certainty thing and just to assume you're okay." — Mike Parker Our Guest Mike Parker, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and private practice therapist based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He specializes in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and inference-based cognitive therapy (I-CBT). As the host of the OCD Space YouTube channel, Mike is dedicated to educating individuals and mental health professionals on effective OCD treatment approaches. He is passionate about helping clients understand and overcome obsessional doubt while also training fellow therapists in evidence-based interventions. With a focus on empowering individuals to trust themselves and break free from the cycle of compulsions, Mike continues to be a leading voice in the OCD treatment community. Resources & Links Kristina Orlova, LMFT Instagram YouTube OCD CBT Journal Tracker and Planner Website Mike Parker Website  LinkedIn  YouTube Mentioned Cognitive Therapy for OCD I-CBT Training Online Sneaky Rituals with Jenna Overbaugh (https://www.korresults.com/sneakyrituals) ICBT with Kristina Orlova and Christina Ennabe (https://www.korresults.com/icbtmasterclass) Disclaimer Please note, while our host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy. Stay tuned for bi-weekly episodes filled with valuable insights and tips for managing OCD and anxiety. And remember, keep going in the meantime. See you in the next episode!