The OCD Whisperer Podcast with Kristina Orlova

182. OCD + ADHD: Why It Feels So Much Harder Than It Should

Why does it feel like everyone else can manage their OCD… but you just can’t seem to make it stick?
 
In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Dr. Rachel LaFleur.
Together, they unpack the often-missed overlap between ADHD and OCD—and why you might feel stuck in your recovery even when you’re doing “everything right.”
 
Dr. LaFleur opens up about:
• Why so many adults—especially women—are missing an ADHD diagnosis
• How intrusive thoughts + attention struggles can feed each other
• The hidden signs of ADHD that don’t look like hyperactivity
• Why OCD therapy might not “stick” without addressing ADHD
 
This conversation also dives into:
• The subtle ways ADHD shows up in your daily life (even if you seem “high-functioning”)
• Why you might feel motivated but still unable to act
• Tools like attention training, structure, and accountability that actually work
• The bigger message: you’re not failing—your brain may just need a different approach
 
If you’ve ever thought: “Why can’t I just do what I know helps?”
This episode will help you understand what’s really going on—and what to do next.
 
Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or trying to make sense of your own patterns, this episode offers clarity, validation, and practical strategies to help you move forward.
 
📲 About Dr. Rachel LaFleur (guest):
• Rachel C. LaFleur, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, Stony Run Psychology & Wellness
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-lafleur-ph-d-73735056/
• Web Page: https://stonyrunpsych.com/
 
✂️ TIMESTAMPS:
00:01 Intro & Guest Welcome00:21 Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?01:36 Can you explain the overlap between ADHD and OCD?04:06 What are the “spidey senses” for ADHD?07:10 How do you actually tell if it’s ADHD and not just normal behavior?13:03 What gets in the way of OCD treatment if someone also has ADHD?14:48 What do you do if ADHD is suspected but not diagnosed?19:30 What if someone has ADHD but won’t take medication?22:32 Can you give a concrete example of how you’d practice this?29:48 What do loved ones typically notice?30:50 What do friends or others actually see?37:05 Outro & Where to Find Rachel
 
✅ Free Resources & Links
🎁 Free OCD Survival Kit & Classes → www.shorturl.at/KcTxM
📖 OCD CBT Journal → www.shorturl.at/7pUxB
🌐 Website → www.korresults.com/
✍️ OCD Academy→ www.ocdacademy.thinkific.com/
 
📲 Stay Connected
Facebook: www.facebook.com/korresults
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ocdwhisperer
Twitter (X): www.x.com/korresults
Website: www.korresults.com/
 
📩 Business Inquiries: info@theocdwhisperer.com
 
✅ About OCD Whisperer
Welcome to OCD Whisperer! Each episode shares tools and insights for OCD recovery, managing intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT techniques, anxiety relief, and mindfulness practices. Join me for expert interviews and personal insights into overcoming OCD. Subscribe to find support, strategies, and hope for your OCD journey.
 
⚠️ 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.
 
🔑 SEO Keywords
• ADHD and OCD overlap
• OCD not improving
• ADHD symptoms in adults
• why OCD therapy isn’t working
• ADHD in women
• rumination and ADHD
• attention training for OCD
• executive dysfunction
 
© OCD Whisperer

181. I Kept Asking 400 Times… Here’s Why

I thought I was just “anxious”… until my thoughts started scaring me.
 
In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Alicia and Liam, hosts of OCD Confessionals. Together, they explore how OCD can go unrecognized for years, how it impacts relationships and family life, and what changes when you finally understand what’s really going on.
 
Alicia and Liam open up about:
• Being undiagnosed for years despite severe anxiety and intrusive thoughts
• The hidden compulsions, fears, and “noise” that took over daily life
• How OCD affected their marriages, parenting, and sense of identity
• The moment everything shifted—from confusion to clarity and proper treatment
 
This honest conversation also dives into:
• The subtle and often misunderstood ways OCD shows up
• How reassurance, checking, and avoidance impact relationships
• Parenting with OCD and raising emotionally aware kids
• Why understanding OCD—not “fixing” it—is what actually helps
 
OCD can feel isolating, confusing, and overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to stay that way.
Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers clarity, validation, and real-life insight into what healing can look like.
 
📲 About Alicia & Liam (guests):
• Liam: Former TV news anchor, Host of The OCD Confessional
• Alicia: Mental Health Advocate, life w/ADHD + OCD, Host of The OCD Confessional
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theocdconfessional/
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ocd-confessional/id1842857962 Web Page: https://www.theocdconfessional.com/
 
✂️ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – “We Met Once… And I Told Her She Has OCD”02:00 – “Confessing the ‘Crazy’ Stuff Out Loud (And Laughing About It)”05:02 – “Is OCD Always Serious… Or Are We Missing Something?”06:32 – “When OCD Hijacks Your Relationships”08:32 – “I Had Everything… So Why Was I Falling Apart?”11:02 – “Why No One Caught My OCD (For Years)”13:02 – “I Was Breaking Down in Secret”15:02 – “The Night Everything Finally Made Sense”17:32 – “Why Not Asking for Help Makes It Worse”19:02 – “How OCD Shows Up in Parenting (And Kids Notice)”20:32 – “Mom, This Is Your OCD…”22:32 – “Are You Protecting Your Kids… Or Teaching Fear?”24:02 – “The Hardest Skill: Letting Your Kid Be Uncomfortable”26:02 – “What I’d Tell My 8-Year-Old Self About OCD”27:32 – “What Happens When You Finally Understand It?”28:32 – “Where to Find Us + Why These Conversations Matter”
 
✅ Free Resources & Links
🎁 Free OCD Survival Kit & Classes → www.shorturl.at/KcTxM
📖 OCD CBT Journal → www.shorturl.at/7pUxB
🌐 Website → www.korresults.com/
✍️ OCD Academy→ www.ocdacademy.thinkific.com/
 
📲 Stay Connected
Facebook: www.facebook.com/korresults
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ocdwhisperer
Twitter (X): www.x.com/korresults
Website: www.korresults.com/
 
📩 Business Inquiries: info@theocdwhisperer.com
 
✅ About OCD Whisperer
Welcome to OCD Whisperer! Each episode shares tools and insights for OCD recovery, managing intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT techniques, anxiety relief, and mindfulness practices. Join me for expert interviews and personal insights into overcoming OCD. Subscribe to find support, strategies, and hope for your OCD journey.
 
⚠️ 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.
 
🔑 SEO Keywords
• OCD and autism
• autism and OCD differences
• ERP therapy autism
• neurodivergent OCD treatment
• OCD rumination vs autism
• OCD treatment options
• window of tolerance OCD
 
© OCD Whisperer

180. Why OCD Treatment Doesn’t Always Feel Right: Understanding the Overlap with Autism

Is it OCD… or autism? And how do you actually treat both?
 
In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Jenna Stone, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of SideQuest Psychotherapy. Together, they explore the complex overlap between OCD and autism, and how proper evaluation and therapy can change everything.
 
Jenna opens up about:
• Her personal journey with OCD and lived experience in the mental health field
• How autism and OCD can overlap—and why they’re often misunderstood
• The differences between OCD rumination and autistic processing
• How therapy needs to adapt when working with neurodivergent clients
 
If you’ve ever questioned whether symptoms are OCD, autism, or both—this episode will give you clarity, direction, and a more compassionate understanding of your experience.
 
Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone, this episode offers practical insight, validation, and hope for a more personalized path to recovery.
 
📲 About Jenna Stone (guest):
• Clinical Director at SideQuest psychotherapy, lcsw-c
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidequestwithjenna/
• Substack: https://substack.com/@jennastone
• SideQuest psychotherapy: https://www.sidequestpsychotherapy.com/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sidequestwithjenna
 
✂️ TIMESTAMPS:
[00:00] – Is It OCD… or Autism? (Why This Topic Matters)[00:45] – What Got You Into This Work? (Jenna’s Personal Story)[02:42] – What Does an Autism + OCD Evaluation Actually Look Like?[04:32] – What Do You Mean by “Nervous System”? (Explained Simply)[06:02] – Can ERP Work for Autism + OCD? (Or Is It Different?)[08:22] – OCD Rumination vs Autistic Thinking (Key Difference)[10:32] – Why Do Autistic People Overthink Social Situations?[13:02] – Is This OCD… or Just How the Brain Works?[15:02] – What If Someone Can’t Communicate What They Feel?[17:32] – How Should Parents Handle OCD Behaviors in Kids?[20:32] – Are You Helping… or Making OCD Worse? (Hard Truth)[22:32] – Which Therapy Works Best: ERP, ICBT, or ACT?[25:02] – Why Therapy Takes Longer for Neurodivergent Clients[27:02] – How Do You Actually Build Trust With These Clients?[29:02] – What Does GOOD Therapy Look Like for OCD + Autism?[30:32] – Final Takeaway: What People Still Get Wrong
 
✅ Free Resources & Links
🎁 Free OCD Survival Kit & Classes → www.shorturl.at/KcTxM
📖 OCD CBT Journal → www.shorturl.at/7pUxB
🌐 Website → www.korresults.com/
✍️ OCD Academy→ www.ocdacademy.thinkific.com/
 
📲 Stay Connected
Facebook: www.facebook.com/korresults
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ocdwhisperer
Twitter (X): www.x.com/korresults
Website: www.korresults.com/
 
📩 Business Inquiries: info@theocdwhisperer.com
 
✅ About OCD Whisperer
Welcome to OCD Whisperer! Each episode shares tools and insights for OCD recovery, managing intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT techniques, anxiety relief, and mindfulness practices. Join me for expert interviews and personal insights into overcoming OCD. Subscribe to find support, strategies, and hope for your OCD journey.
 
⚠️ 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.
 
🔑 SEO Keywords
• OCD and autism
• autism and OCD differences
• ERP therapy autism
• neurodivergent OCD treatment
• OCD rumination vs autism
• OCD treatment options
• window of tolerance OCD
 
© OCD Whisperer

179. Can DBT Help OCD? What Actually Works (ERP, ICBT & Emotional Regulation Explained)

Does Your Brain Feel Like It’s Been Hijacked?
 
In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Maggie Duret, LPCC, an OCD specialist who integrates DBT, ERP, and ICBT into her practice. Together, they explore how to manage the "Red Alert" of high-distress OCD and the specific nuances of moral and religious scrupulosity.
 
Maggie opens up about:
• The Misdiagnosis Trap: Her journey from years of being treated for "generalized anxiety" to finally recognizing her moral scrupulosity.
• The Weight of Being "Good": Her personal experience with excessive prayer, confession, and the "Just Right" trap of finding a perfect path.
• Healing Layers: How ERP was her initial game-changer, while ICBT provided a deeper level of recovery and trust in herself.
• Transitioning Roles: Moving from a DBT background with personality disorders to becoming a passionate OCD advocate and clinician.
 
Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers high-impact tools and the reminder that recovery is about building a life worth living.
 
📲 About Maggie Durret (guest):
• LPCC and OCD specialist
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northlightcounseling/
• Northlight Counseling: https://www.northlightcounseling.org/
• Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/maggie-duret-saint-paul-mn/1498178
 
✂️ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Is it Anxiety or Something Sneakier? (The Diagnosis Trap)
03:40 – Inside the Mind of a "High-Functioning" Catholic with OCD
06:36 – When Faith Becomes a Medical Emergency (Scrupulosity)
08:49 – ICBT vs. ERP: Which Therapy Actually Works for You?
14:50 – Why Your Nervous System "Hijacks" Your Recovery
19:10 – The TIPP Hack: How to Reboot Your Brain in 30 Seconds
25:52 – Listening to Senses Over "Internal Alarms"
29:20 – Building a Life Worth Living (Beyond the Symptoms)
 
✅ Free Resources & Links
🎁 Free OCD Survival Kit & Classes → www.shorturl.at/KcTxM
📖 OCD CBT Journal → www.shorturl.at/7pUxB
🌐 Website → www.korresults.com/
✍️ OCD Academy→ www.ocdacademy.thinkific.com/
 
📲 Stay Connected
Facebook: www.facebook.com/korresults
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ocdwhisperer
Twitter (X): www.x.com/korresults
Website: www.korresults.com/
 
📩 Business Inquiries: info@theocdwhisperer.com
 
✅ About OCD Whisperer
Welcome to OCD Whisperer! Each episode shares tools and insights for OCD recovery, managing intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT techniques, anxiety relief, and mindfulness practices. Join me for expert interviews and personal insights into overcoming OCD. Subscribe to find support, strategies, and hope for your OCD journey.
 
⚠️ 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.
 
🔑 SEO Keywords
• religious scrupulosity
• DBT for OCD
• TIPP skill for anxiety
• moral OCD recovery
• vagus nerve hack for panic
• ICBT vs ERP
• mental compulsions reassurance seeking
 
© OCD Whisperer

178. Why You Feel Like a "Fraud" Even When You’re Successful (High-Functioning OCD)

Can you build a global movement and lead a team while navigating the "fangs" of OCD
 
In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Pavel Reppo, founder of A Fine Mind and a leader in international mental health. Together, they explore the intersection of high-stakes leadership, cultural expectations, and the persistent drive required to turn a diagnosis into a catalyst for social impact.
 
Pavel opens up about:
• His "gateway" symptoms at age 13, including severe hand-washing rituals triggered by household turbulence.
• How cultural stigmas in Belarus and the Eastern Bloc shaped his initial understanding of mental health.
• The "Alien" feeling of Relationship OCD and the cycle of debilitating confessions.
• His transition from "camouflaging" through perfectionism to seeking professional therapy in his early 20s.
 
Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone, this episode offers a raw, unpolished look at the reality of high-functioning OCD and the hope that comes with finding a community that sees you for who you are.
 
📲 About Pavel Reppo (guest):
• Executive Director - Finemind
• CEO - Matchbox Fund
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavelreppo/
• A Fine Mind org. : https://afinemind.org/
 
✂️ TIMESTAMPS:
[00:00] – The Global Leader’s Secret: Building a mental health empire while fighting a private war.
[01:46] – The Divorce Catalyst: How a "turbulent home" forced a child to find control in rituals.
[03:32] – The "Grit" Trap: Why the Eastern European mindset of "choosing happiness" fuels OCD.
[06:20] – The Perfectionist Masquerade: Using straight A’s to hide the "Alien" feelings inside.
[07:34] – The Relationship Punching Bag: When "Relationship OCD" turns confession into a toxic loop.
[09:32] – The Therapy Shift: Why talk therapy failed and how the precision of ERP changed everything.
[12:02] – The ACT North Star: How to stop listening to "sneaky" emotions and start living by values.
[13:52] – Micromanagement Fangs: When OCD poisons remote leadership and global delegation.
[15:47] – The 18-Hour Collapse: Reaching the breaking point—burnout, depletion, and starting over.
[20:09] – The Double-Edged Sword: Does OCD-driven tenacity actually help you succeed?
[21:39] – The New Fatherhood Filter: Re-learning balance and "holding back" for the next generation.
[23:57] – Beyond the Highlight Reel: Why we need to stop presenting a "polished" version of recovery.
 
✅ Free Resources & Links
🎁 Free OCD Survival Kit & Classes → www.shorturl.at/KcTxM
📖 OCD CBT Journal → www.shorturl.at/7pUxB
🌐 Website → www.korresults.com/
✍️ OCD Academy→ www.ocdacademy.thinkific.com/
 
📲 Stay Connected
Facebook: www.facebook.com/korresults
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ocdwhisperer
Twitter (X): www.x.com/korresults
Website: www.korresults.com/
 
📩 Business Inquiries: info@theocdwhisperer.com
 
✅ About OCD Whisperer
Welcome to OCD Whisperer! Each episode shares tools and insights for OCD recovery, managing intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT techniques, anxiety relief, and mindfulness practices. Join me for expert interviews and personal insights into overcoming OCD. Subscribe to find support, strategies, and hope for your OCD journey.
 
⚠️ 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.
 
🔑 SEO Keywords
living with OCD Relationship OCD stories ERP therapy for perfectionism Pavel Reppo mental health high functioning OCD leadership Relationship OCD confessions ACT therapy for OCD
 
© OCD Whisperer

177. Why You’re Never "Ready": Dr. Lauren Cook on Social Atrophy & The Emetophobia Trap

Can you be terrified of the future and still move forward to build it?
 
In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Dr. Lauren Cook, a licensed clinical psychologist and author of Generation Anxiety. Together, they explore the unique mental health pressures facing Gen Z and Millennials, and how to navigate big life transitions without letting anxiety hold the steering wheel.
 
Dr. Cook opens up about:
• Her personal battle with Emetophobia (the fear of vomit) and how it nearly stopped her from becoming a mother.
• The debilitating rituals and "Safety Taxes" that keep our worlds small.
• Why ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) is the gold standard for reclaiming your life from specific phobias.
• Her journey to parenthood and how she manages anxiety while raising a family.
• Why ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) is the gold standard for reclaiming your life from specific phobias.
• Her journey to parenthood and how she manages anxiety while raising a family.
 
Whether you’re navigating a major life transition or struggling with a "hidden" phobia, this episode offers the psychological frameworks and distress tolerance tools you need to embrace the mess and find your liberated living.
 
📲 About Dr. Lauren Cook (guest):
• Clinical Psychologist, Speaker, Consultant
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.laurencook/
• Heartship therapy: https://www.heartshipcounseling.com/
• Dr. Lauren's web page: https://www.drlaurencook.com/
 
✂️ TIMESTAMPS:
[00:00] – "What is Emetophobia?" Dr. Cook on the "hidden" fear of vomit.
[03:06] – The Parenthood Crossroad: Why I almost wrote off motherhood because of my phobia.
[04:34] – The Gen Z Trifecta: What are the biggest drivers of mental health stress today?
[05:44] – "Social Atrophy": Why your social skills feel like a weak muscle post-pandemic.
[06:16] – Adult Separation Anxiety: Why is this peaking in college students (not just kids)?
[07:32] – The "Ready" Delusion: Why you have to embrace the mess before the fear goes away.
[08:59] – The SUDS Strategy: How to challenge your biggest fears without being "flooded."
[10:42] – The "Emotional Flu": A clinical reframe for surviving bad breakups and setbacks.
[11:51] – The Achievement Paradox: Why "success" and perception aren't making us happy.
[12:16] – Values vs. People-Pleasing: How to stop living a life designed by other people.
[14:05] – Empowered Acceptance: Moving from "I'm a speck" to "I'm a movement."
[16:25] – The "Both-And" Rule: How to hold global grief and personal joy at the same time.
 
✅ Free Resources & Links
🎁 Free OCD Survival Kit & Classes → www.shorturl.at/KcTxM
📖 OCD CBT Journal → www.shorturl.at/7pUxB
🌐 Website → www.korresults.com/
✍️ OCD Academy→ www.ocdacademy.thinkific.com/
 
📲 Stay Connected
Facebook: www.facebook.com/korresults
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ocdwhisperer
Twitter (X): www.x.com/korresults
Website: www.korresults.com/
 
📩 Business Inquiries: info@theocdwhisperer.com
 
✅ About OCD Whisperer
Welcome to OCD Whisperer! Each episode shares tools and insights for OCD recovery, managing intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT techniques, anxiety relief, and mindfulness practices. Join me for expert interviews and personal insights into overcoming OCD. Subscribe to find support, strategies, and hope for your OCD journey.
 
⚠️ 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.
 
🔑 SEO Keywords
emetophobia recovery
Dr. Lauren Cook
Generation Anxiety
adult separation anxiety
Gen Z mental health
social anxiety muscles
ERP for phobias
distress tolerance skills
anxious attachment recovery
millennial stress management
 
© OCD Whisperer

176. The Hardest "No": Why I Stopped Fixing My Child’s OCD

Can you stop being a "fixer" and start building your feeling muscle?
 
In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Dr. Jenn Rapkin, a Naturopathic Physician, bodyworker, and author of The Feeling Muscle. Together, they explore the powerful intersection of mindfulness, parenting a child with OCD, and learning how to sit with the "just right" discomfort that keeps so many of us stuck in rituals.
 
Dr. Jenn opens up about:
• Her hidden battle with OCD as an adolescent in the 70s and 80s
• The heartbreaking moment her 8-year-old son was swallowed by "Just Right" OCD
• Why she had to go against every motherly instinct to stop accommodating his rituals
• The reality of residential treatment and finding the "recipe" for her son's recovery
 
Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself, supporting a child through treatment, or struggling to sit with uncertainty, this episode offers a profound roadmap for building the emotional strength to outlast the storm.
 
📲 About Jenn Rapkin (guest):
• Naturopathic physician & bodyworker
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennrapkin/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575991456912
• Web Page: https://drjennrapkin.com/
 
✂️ TIMESTAMPS:
[00:00] – The Secret to Outlasting Pain: Can you build a "muscle" for your emotions?
[01:57] – The 1970s Silent Struggle: Growing up in a "crowded" mind before OCD had a name.
[04:38] – The Barcelona Nightmare: How COVID triggered an 8-year-old’s "Just Right" trap.
[06:33] – The Resistance: Why adults (and kids) would rather ritual than feel.
[08:49] – The Nuclear Option: When outpatient care fails and residential is the only way out.
[10:32] – The Nurturer’s Dilemma: Why "helping" your child is keeping the OCD alive.
[12:53] – The Grief of Parenting: Admitting your marriage and life have become "small."
[14:58] – The Trigger Loop: What happens when a parent’s OCD meets their child’s.
[18:58] – The Whiteboard Revelation: The "Bell Curve" secret to sitting with discomfort.
[21:44] – The "Handshake" Method: A step-by-step guide to practicing with frustration.
[26:07] – The Fleeting Truth: Why we trust our joy but believe our pain is permanent.
[29:20] – The Witness vs. The Fixer: How to hold space for someone else’s storm.
 
✅ Free Resources & Links
🎁 Free OCD Survival Kit & Classes → www.shorturl.at/KcTxM
📖 OCD CBT Journal → www.shorturl.at/7pUxB
🌐 Website → www.korresults.com/
✍️ OCD Academy→ www.ocdacademy.thinkific.com/
 
📲 Stay Connected
Facebook: www.facebook.com/korresults
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ocdwhisperer
Twitter (X): www.x.com/korresults
Website: www.korresults.com/
 
📩 Business Inquiries: info@theocdwhisperer.com
 
✅ About OCD Whisperer
Welcome to OCD Whisperer! Each episode shares tools and insights for OCD recovery, managing intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT techniques, anxiety relief, and mindfulness practices. Join me for expert interviews and personal insights into overcoming OCD. Subscribe to find support, strategies, and hope for your OCD journey.
 
⚠️ 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.
 
🔑 SEO Keywords
parenting a child with OCD Just Right OCD treatment Dr. Jenn Rapkin Feeling Muscle how to sit with uncomfortable feelings SPACE treatment for parents childhood OCD recovery mindfulness for intrusive thoughts ERP for kids
 
© OCD Whisperer

175. Body Dysmorphic Disorder: How to spot the hidden signs with Robyn Stern, LCSW

Is it OCD, or is your brain just wired differently?🧠
 
In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Dr. Jeremy Shuman, a psychologist and specialist in the intersection of Autism and OCD. Together, they explore the complex overlap between neurodevelopmental traits and obsessive-compulsive patterns.
 
Dr. Shuman opens up about:
• The definition of Autism and the shift toward the Neurodiversity Movement.
• Why observable behaviors like "stimming" are often mistaken for OCD compulsions.
• The internal experience of sensory seeking versus sensory rejecting.
• The trait of Monotropism and how deep focus differs from clinical obsessions.
 
Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone who is neurodivergent, this episode offers essential tools and insights to help you understand the "why" behind the rituals.
 
📲 About Robyn Stern (guest):
• Specialized treatment for OCD, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), and anxiety disorders
• Web Page & all contacts: https://www.rlsterntherapy.com/
 
✂️ TIMESTAMPS:
[00:00] – Welcome to the show: Meet Robyn Stern.
[02:20] – "Before you knew it was BDD, what did you think was wrong with you?"
[03:32] – "What was it like? Did you think it was just insecurity or that you were just anxious?"
[07:22] – "What was the turning point that made you decide to seek help?"
[11:07] – "Did you just stop talking to your friends altogether?"
[12:57] – "Did you think you were just being vain or that you were broken?"
[20:43] – "What is the actual therapy to get better?" (The difference between OCD and BDD treatment).
[24:02] – The "Perfect Storm" of beauty standards and BDD
[25:12] – "Is it a painful pill to swallow thinking this is just your lot in life?"
[28:12] – "How can you have a relationship with a person when you're in a relationship with a body part?"
[30:22] – How to connect with Robyn Stern and find resources.
 
✅ Free Resources & Links
🎁 Free OCD Survival Kit & Classes → www.shorturl.at/KcTxM
📖 OCD CBT Journal → www.shorturl.at/7pUxB
🌐 Website → www.korresults.com/
✍️ OCD Academy→ www.ocdacademy.thinkific.com/
 
📲 Stay Connected
Facebook: www.facebook.com/korresults
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ocdwhisperer
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Website: www.korresults.com/
 
📩 Business Inquiries: info@theocdwhisperer.com
 
✅ About OCD Whisperer
Welcome to OCD Whisperer! Each episode shares tools and insights for OCD recovery, managing intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT techniques, anxiety relief, and mindfulness practices. Join me for expert interviews and personal insights into overcoming OCD. Subscribe to find support, strategies, and hope for your OCD journey.
 
⚠️ 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.
 
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Body Dysmorphic Disorder BDD recovery Robyn Stern LCSW lived experience BDD appearance OCD vs BDD mirror checking compulsions overcoming body shame BDD treatment and therapy
 
© OCD Whisperer

174. STOP Treating Autism like OCD: The "Golden Rule" of Differential Diagnosis with Dr. Jeremy Shuman

Is it OCD, or is your brain just wired differently?🧠
 
In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Dr. Jeremy Shuman, a psychologist and specialist in the intersection of Autism and OCD. Together, they explore the complex overlap between neurodevelopmental traits and obsessive-compulsive patterns.
 
Dr. Shuman opens up about:
• The definition of Autism and the shift toward the Neurodiversity Movement.
• Why observable behaviors like "stimming" are often mistaken for OCD compulsions.
• The internal experience of sensory seeking versus sensory rejecting.
• The trait of Monotropism and how deep focus differs from clinical obsessions.
 
Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone who is neurodivergent, this episode offers essential tools and insights to help you understand the "why" behind the rituals.
 
📲 About Dr. Jeremy Shuman (guest):
• licensed psychologist, expert in OCD and anxiety disorders, autism and OCD
• Web Page: https://mindfulstl.com/providers/jeremy-shuman-psy-d/
• OCD/Autism SIG Interest Form: https://www.tfaforms.com/5069768
 
✂️ TIMESTAMPS:
[00:00] – Why what you know about Autism is wrong
[03:05] – The DSM Trap: Why Autism diagnosis was designed for "School-age White Boys" (and who gets left out).
[05:16] – Hidden Clues: Common behaviors in school and social life that scream "A deeper look is needed."
[06:52] – Is it OCD or Autism? The "Locked Door" vs. the "Body Motion" (Distinguishing the two).
[09:32] – The Golden Rule of Diagnosis: Is your behavior "Neutralizing a Threat" or "Regulating your Body"?
[11:32] – Beyond ERP: Why a "Standard" OCD treatment plan might fail an Autistic client.
[14:42] – The Case of the Circular Mind: When "Rumination" is actually a neurological focus trait.
[18:37] – The "Car Breakdown" Analogy: A must-watch for families struggling to understand their loved one’s disability.
[22:17] – The Big Question: Is OCD actually a form of Neurodivergence? (Dr. Shuman’s definitive answer).
[25:26] – The "Scalpel vs. Weapon" Controversy: Can Exposure Therapy actually be harmful to the Autism community?
 
✅ Free Resources & Links
🎁 Free OCD Survival Kit & Classes → www.shorturl.at/KcTxM
📖 OCD CBT Journal → www.shorturl.at/7pUxB
🌐 Website → www.korresults.com/
✍️ OCD Academy→ www.ocdacademy.thinkific.com/
 
📲 Stay Connected
Facebook: www.facebook.com/korresults
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ocdwhisperer
Twitter (X): www.x.com/korresults
Website: www.korresults.com/
 
📩 Business Inquiries: info@theocdwhisperer.com
 
✅ About OCD Whisperer
Welcome to OCD Whisperer! Each episode shares tools and insights for OCD recovery, managing intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT techniques, anxiety relief, and mindfulness practices. Join me for expert interviews and personal insights into overcoming OCD. Subscribe to find support, strategies, and hope for your OCD journey.
 
⚠️ 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.
 
🔑 SEO Keywords
autism and ocd neurodivergent ocd monotropism ocd erp for autistic people distinguishing ocd and autism stimming vs compulsions neurodiversity movement mental health Dr. Jeremy Shuman ocd
 
© OCD Whisperer

173. How long does OCD RECOVERY take? The 4 to 8 month roadmap EXPLAINED!

Is Perfectionism Hijacking Your Values? 🧠
 
In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Dr. Marisa Mazza, PsyD. Together, they explore the final pieces of the ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) puzzle: values and committed action, and how to integrate these tools into a long-term recovery journey.
 
Dr. Mazza opens up about:
• The critical difference between "Values" (directions) and "Goals" (destinations)
• How perfectionism can turn your guiding principles into rigid, impossible rules
• The "60–70% Rule"—why aiming for "good enough" is the secret to avoiding burnout
• A breakdown of the 6 core processes of ACT: Presence, Values, Committed Action, Self-as-Context, Defusion, and Willingness
 
Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone, this episode offers a clear, compassionate roadmap for moving away from a life ruled by fear and toward a life led by what truly matters to you.
 
📲 About Marisa Mazza (guest):
• PsyD, a faculty member of the Behavioral Therapy Training Institute, author of The ACT Workbook for OCD
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmazza/
• Web Page: https://www.choicetherapy.net/team
 
✂️ TIMESTAMPS:
[00:00] – The "Success" Trap: Why your goals might actually be feeding your OCD.
[02:01] – The North Star Method: Values vs. Goals (And why the difference is everything).
[04:29] – The 60% Rule: How "Good Enough" is the ultimate weapon against perfectionism.
[05:55] – The Life Basket Strategy: How to stop OCD from hijacking your entire energy supply.
[09:24] – The "Miracle Morning" Test: A 60-second self-reflection to find your true self.
[11:58] – The "Itty Bitty Step": How to move forward when you feel completely paralyzed.
[14:56] – Courage is Fear Walking: Why you don't need to "feel ready" to start recovery.
[16:54] – The Carrot Technique: Finding the "Big Purpose" that makes the pain of ERP worth it.
[21:07] – Failing with Purpose: Why you need to get "good" at failing to get better.
[24:20] – The Recovery Roadmap: What actually happens inside an ACT therapy session?
[26:40] – Compulsion Math: Why short-term relief is stealing your long-term life
[29:30] – The Real Timeline: How long does it actually take? (4 months vs. 1 year)
[32:27] – The "Slow Food" Movement: Why rushing recovery is the fastest way to stay stuck
 
✅ Free Resources & Links
🎁 Free OCD Survival Kit & Classes → www.shorturl.at/KcTxM
📖 OCD CBT Journal → www.shorturl.at/7pUxB
🌐 Website → www.korresults.com/
✍️ OCD Academy→ www.ocdacademy.thinkific.com/
 
📲 Stay Connected
Facebook: www.facebook.com/korresults
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ocdwhisperer
Twitter (X): www.x.com/korresults
Website: www.korresults.com/
 
📩 Business Inquiries: info@theocdwhisperer.com
 
✅ About OCD Whisperer
Welcome to OCD Whisperer! Each episode shares tools and insights for OCD recovery, managing intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT techniques, anxiety relief, and mindfulness practices. Join me for expert interviews and personal insights into overcoming OCD. Subscribe to find support, strategies, and hope for your OCD journey.
 
⚠️ 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.
 
🔑 SEO Keywords
ACT for OCD Values vs Rules OCD Committed Action therapy OCD recovery roadmap Acceptance and Commitment Therapy tips Perfectionism and OCD Exposure and Response Prevention Dr. Marisa Mazza
 
© OCD Whisperer