The OCD Whisperer Podcast with Kristina Orlova

155. OCD Exposed: 10 Myths and Misconceptions about OCD (and what people get wrong)

Is everything you’ve been told about OCD wrong?
 
In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova sits down with Elysse Lescarbeau, writer, advocate, and author of OCD Exposed: 10 Myths and Misconceptions About Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Together, they uncover the hidden sides of OCD—from misunderstood symptoms to the powerful truth about recovery.
 
Elysse opens up about:• Being misdiagnosed and discovering OCD later in life• Living with mental compulsions and invisible obsessions• The breaking point that led to her diagnosis and healing• How ERP, ACT, and ICBT changed her life and mindset
This honest conversation dives into:• The biggest myths and misconceptions about OCD• The hidden forms of OCD most people never see• How OCD recovery rewires your brain and restores hope• Real stories of survival, recovery, and empowerment
 
Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone you love, this episode offers hope, clarity, and practical tools for real recovery.
 
📲 About Elysse Lescarbaugh (guest):
Certified life coach + future therapist
OCD & Anxiety Survivor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ocd.or.just.me
Webpage: https://www.ocdorjustme.com/
 
✂️ TIMESTAMPS
[00:00] “I Thought My Brain Was Broken” — Meet Elysse, Who Discovered OCD at 29[00:57] The Childhood Moment That Changed Everything: Protecting Her Little Brother Became an Obsession[01:45] Silent Struggles: Living Decades with OCD No One Could See[02:30] The Breaking Point: When Compulsions Suddenly Stopped Working in Europe[03:15] “I Don’t Want to Live Anymore” — The Night She Finally Asked for Help[03:45] The Doctor Who Changed Her Life With One Sentence: “Have You Ever Considered OCD?”[04:30] The Power of Honesty: How One Conversation Opened the Door to Recovery[05:15] From Despair to Diagnosis — The Moment Everything Made Sense[05:50] Why OCD Isn’t About Cleaning or Order — The Biggest Myth Everyone Believes[06:45] How the Media Got OCD All Wrong (and Why It Still Hurts Real People)[07:30] The Hidden Type of OCD No One Talks About: Mental Compulsions & Rumination[08:40] The Book That’s Changing the Conversation — OCD Exposed: 10 Myths & Misconceptions[09:35] Why OCD Doesn’t Define Who You Are — And How to See It Clearly[10:14] The Human Side of OCD: Real Survivor Stories from Around the World[11:00] The Truth About OCD Recovery: It’s Not Easy, But It’s Possible[11:50] What OCD Really Feels Like — Beyond the Stereotypes and Statistics[12:40] The Science of Recovery: How ERP, ACT & ICBT Rewire the Brain[13:30] “I Still Get Intrusive Thoughts… But They Don’t Control Me Anymore.”[14:40] OCD and the Brain: Why It’s Not a Personality Flaw, But a Biological Cycle[15:55] Breaking the Cycle: What Actually Helps the Brain Heal from OCD[17:00] Freedom Over Fear: How to Live Fully Even When OCD Shows Up[18:15] Why Recovery Isn’t About Getting Rid of OCD — It’s About Taking Your Life Back[19:20] Applying OCD Tools to Everyday Life — From Therapy to Surfing in Hawaii[20:25] How OCD Recovery Teaches You to Live Stronger, Freer, and More Present[21:15] How ERP Helped Kristina Heal Her Own Grief After Losing Her Mom[22:45] The Real Secret: Empowerment Through Discomfort and Acceptance[23:30] “I’ve Never Felt More Empowered Than in My OCD Recovery.” — Elysse’s Message of Hope[24:20] Where to Find Elysse, Her Book OCD Exposed, and Why This Story Matters
 
✅ 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@korresults.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 myths and misconceptions• OCD recovery stories• Intrusive thoughts and mental compulsions• ERP and ACT therapy• ICBT for OCD• Living with OCD• How to recover from OCD• OCD Awareness Week
 
© OCD Whisperer

154. Life With Harm OCD - “I Thought I Was Danger to the People I Love”

What happens when your mind turns against you — and fills you with thoughts you can’t control?
 
In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Maurice, creator of the Obsessless app — a powerful new tool designed to support people living with OCD. Maurice opens up about his terrifying first intrusive thoughts, years of misdiagnosis, and how ERP therapy and mindset work helped him turn pain into purpose.
 
Together, we explore:
• The hidden side of OCD most people never see
• How intrusive thoughts can completely take over your life
• What it really takes to heal when therapy isn’t immediately available
• The creation of Obsessless — and why tech could change OCD recovery forever
 
Whether you’re currently navigating OCD or supporting someone who is, this episode offers raw truth, hope, and tools for reclaiming your mind.
 
📲 About Mourice Schuurmans (guest):
Co-founder of ObsessLess
OCD Survivor & Advocate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obsessless_mourice/
ObsessLess App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/obsessless-ocd-treatment-app/id6742539895
 
✂️ TIMESTAMPS:[00:00] From Suffering to Solution: Meet Maurice, Creator of Obsessless[00:57] “Something’s Not Right…” — The Childhood Clues Everyone Missed[01:45] 21 Years of Misdiagnosis: When OCD Hides Behind “General Anxiety”[02:30] The Date That Changed Everything: When Intrusive Thoughts Strike Out of Nowhere[03:20] “I Thought I’d Hurt Someone” — Living Through the Scariest OCD Theme[04:15] Waiting 8 Months for Help: What Happens When the System Fails You[06:45] Rock Bottom: Trapped on a Chair, Fighting Thoughts You Can’t Escape[07:30] How His Dad Accidentally Did Exposure Therapy in the Backyard[08:20] The Turning Point: Finding Mark Freeman & Discovering He Wasn’t Alone[09:00] “I Wouldn’t Wish This on My Worst Enemy” — The Real Pain of OCD[10:15] ERP Therapy Explained: What Actually Helped Him Heal[11:06] Why EMDR Isn’t for OCD (and What Is)[11:48] The Harsh Truth: Why OCD Recovery Takes Time (and Why That’s Okay)[13:30] How to Stop Being Afraid of Your Own Thoughts[15:42] The Secret to Living Peacefully With Intrusive Thoughts[16:40] “I Still Get the Thoughts… I Just Don’t Care Anymore.”[18:10] From Patient to Creator: How Obsessless Was Born[19:22] Inside the App: The SOS Feature That Saves People in Crisis[20:43] Meet OLLIE — The AI OCD Companion That Won’t Reassure You[22:22] “We’re Lowering the Barrier to OCD Treatment.” — Maurice’s Mission[22:55] Where to Find Maurice & The Obsessless App
 
✅ 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@korresults.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 intrusive thoughts
• ERP therapy for OCD
• OCD recovery story
• Obsessless app
• overcoming harm OCD
• mindfulness for OCD
• Kristina Orlova OCD Whisperer
 
© OCD Whisperer

153. I Couldn’t Stop Pulling My Hair! I Hid My Disorder For 30 Years Until... (Trichotillomania)

Have you ever felt ashamed of a habit you couldn’t control?
 
In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Aneela Idnani, co-founder of HabitAware and mental health advocate. Aneela opens up about living with trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder), how shame kept her silent for decades, and how awareness and acceptance transformed her recovery journey.
 
Aneela shares:
• Her early experiences with hair pulling and intrusive thoughts
• The hidden shame and secrecy that fueled her struggle for 20+ years
• How pregnancy and stress intensified her compulsions
• The turning point—finally opening up to her husband and seeking help
• How HabitAware’s Keen Smart Bracelet helps build awareness and break the cycle
 
This conversation also dives into:
• Why awareness is the first step to any lasting change
• The role of self-care, mindfulness, and acceptance in recovery
• How shifting perspective can turn struggle into strength
• The importance of removing shame and embracing your full self
 
Whether you’re navigating OCD, BFRBs (Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors), or supporting someone who is, this episode offers hope, tools, and strategies for healing.
 
📲About Aneela Idnani (guest):
Co-founder of HabitAware
Long-time lived experience: pulled hair since adolescence; integrated intrusive thoughts and self-soothing behaviors into her journey
HabitAware: habitaware.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aneelaidnani
 
✂️ TIMESTAMPS:
[00:30] Aneela’s Untold Story
[01:39] When Hair Pulling First Began—and Why No One Saw It
[03:46] Living in Silence: The Hidden Shame No One Talks About
[06:11] The Moment Everything Changed—Her Husband Finds Out
[07:33] From Struggle to Solution: How HabitAware Was Born
[11:01] The Game-Changer: Turning Awareness Into Freedom
[14:18] ADHD, Intrusive Thoughts & The Spiral of Self-Criticism
[15:55] Shutting Down the Inner Bully: Mindfulness That Works
[20:47] From Self-Hate to Self-Grace: Reframing the Struggle
[24:43] Losing It All, Finding Meaning: Processing Grief Differently
[26:47] Want to Heal? Here’s How to Reach Aneela & HabitAware
 
✅ 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@korresults.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
• trichotillomania recovery
• hair pulling disorder help
• body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs)
• OCD and shame
• awareness in OCD recovery
• HabitAware Keen Smart Bracelet
• living with OCD and BFRBs
 
© OCD Whisperer

152. Response Prevention: Most Important Part of ERP for OCD

What is Response Prevention and why is it the most important part of ERP?
 
In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with therapist Natalia Aiza. Together, they explore Response Prevention (the RP in ERP therapy)—why it’s the most crucial step in breaking free from OCD cycles, and how to actually apply it in daily life.
 
Natalia opens up about:
• Why exposures without response prevention don’t work
• The difference between physical vs. mental compulsions
• Tools for handling rumination, avoidance, and reassurance-seeking
• How “good enough” ERP (not perfection) helps real people recover
 
This conversation also dives into:
• How to identify sneaky mental rituals disguised as “thinking”
• Why delaying compulsions builds brain flexibility
• The power of uncertainty, creativity, and new discoveries in recovery
 
Whether you’re struggling with OCD yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers insight, clarity, and hope to guide your recovery journey.
 
📲 Natalia Aiza (guest):
LPC, Founder of Kairos, specializes in OCD, anxiety, ADHD, and parent coaching for all ages.
OCD Colorado: https://www.kairoswellnesscollective.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalk.ocd
 
✂️TIMESTAMPS:[00:00] – Welcome back + today’s focus on Response Prevention[01:07] – What is response prevention in ERP?[01:45] – Mental vs. physical compulsions[03:19] – Building a response prevention “ladder”[04:17] – Identifying mental rituals as compulsions[05:50] – Why belief in compulsions makes ERP harder[07:01] – Rumination-focused ERP & breaking mental loops[08:57] – Mental distortions + using CBT to challenge analysis[10:47] – Sitting with not knowing vs. “maybe, maybe not”[13:10] – Distress tolerance + uncertainty in recovery[15:52] – Opposite action vs. “good enough” ERP[17:37] – When OCD flares up again: going back to basics[19:21] – Why response prevention matters long-term[21:29] – Designing RP: adaptive vs. compulsive behaviors[22:29] – Reality anchoring: using trusted people as baselines[23:50] – Creative RP examples & individualizing ERP
 
✅ 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@korresults.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
• response prevention OCD
• ERP therapy explained
• mental compulsions OCD
• breaking OCD cycles
• rumination and OCD
• uncertainty in OCD recovery
 
 
© OCD Whisperer

151. OCD Specialist: The Shocking Truth About In Vivo ERP Therapy for OCD

What if the story that makes you feel most ashamed… is the exact story you need to face?
 
This episode includes some words that platform may flag as problematic. We have muted them to prevent issues with the platform. These edits are purely for compliance and do not change the meaning or therapeutic purpose of the script.
 
In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova continues her conversation with clinical director Natalia Aiza in part three of the ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) series. Together, they explore live exposures — the practice of confronting OCD fears in real time instead of avoiding them.
 
Natalia shares her journey of:
• Facing intrusive fears head-on with live ERP
• Learning to trust herself again after doubting her safety around loved ones
• Why “breaking OCD’s rules” is key to recovery
• What it really feels like to sit in the discomfort and not perform compulsions
 
This episode also dives into:
• Why ERP feels counterintuitive — but works
• How OCD uses secrecy and avoidance to stay powerful
• The role of courage and compassion in confronting fears
• Why recovery means learning to live with uncertainty
 
Whether you’re struggling with OCD yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers insight, clarity, and hope to guide your recovery journey.
 
📲 Natalia Aiza (guest):
LPC, Founder of Kairos, specializes in OCD, anxiety, ADHD, and parent coaching for all ages.
OCD Colorado: https://www.kairoswellnesscollective.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalk.ocd
 
✂️TIMESTAMPS:
[00:00] – Welcome & Introduction[01:30] – Why ERP gets “fun & creative” outside the therapy room[02:35] – Pe*ophilia OCD & Harm OCD: You’re NOT who OCD says you are[03:05] – Babysitting kids as exposure?! Saying yes instead of no[04:00] – Why “belief” matters before facing taboo fears[05:30] – Parents avoiding their own children: breaking the cycle fast[06:15] – Intentional vs. organic exposures: what’s the difference?[07:00] – Life throws exposures at you daily — here’s how to use them[07:30] – Breaking OCD rules & sitting in raw discomfort[08:30] – Her scariest thought: “What if I throw my kids out the window?”[09:30] – Why your body reacts & what habituation really means[10:45] – Urge surfing: riding the wave without compulsions[12:30] – Facing identity & sexual orientation OCD with exposures[14:20] – Justice-based ERP: tailoring therapy without harm[16:30] – Faith & ERP: therapy that respects your religion[19:00] – The #1 job of ERP: teach the brain what’s truly safe[19:50] – Where to find Natalia & episode wrap-up
 
✅ 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@korresults.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 live exposures
• ERP therapy for OCD
• intrusive thoughts recovery
• OCD treatment strategies
• facing fears in OCD
• Kristina Orlova OCD Whisperer
 
 
© OCD Whisperer

150. OCD Expert: This Is Why ERP Feels Like Torture (But Works)

What if the scariest story your mind tells… could actually set you free?
 
*This episode includes a live imaginal script. Some words that algorithm may flag as problematic have been muted to prevent issues with the platform. These edits are purely for compliance and do not change the meaning or therapeutic purpose of the script.*
 
In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova sits down with Natalia for part two of a four-part series on ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention). Together, they dive into the misunderstood practice of imaginal exposures — a therapeutic tool that helps people face OCD’s darkest fears on paper, reclaim power from intrusive thoughts, and build true resilience.
 
Natalia opens up about:
• Writing an imaginal script around her most feared intrusive thoughts
• How OCD convinced her she could be a danger to her own children
• Why telling the “fear story” in detail reduced its power
• What it feels like to desensitize through repetition
 
This conversation also dives into:
• Why OCD thrives on avoidance and secrecy
• How imaginal exposures flip the power dynamic over intrusive thoughts
• The role of compassion and creativity in ERP therapy
 
Whether you are navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone, this episode offers clarity, tools, and hope to help you understand ERP and take the first step toward recovery.
 
📲 Natalia Aiza (guest):
LPC, Founbder of Kairos, specializes in OCD, anxiety, ADHD, and parent coaching for all ages.
OCD Colorado: https://www.kairoswellnesscollective.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalk.ocd
 
✂️TIMESTAMPS:
[00:30] – Introduction to ERP Series & Guest Natalia[01:05] – What is ERP? Understanding the basics[02:35] – Why would anyone face their fears?[05:40] – Misconceptions: Is ERP “torture”?[07:57] – How ERP is structured step by step[09:23] – Willingness vs distress levels: where to begin[11:30] – Helping clients move past fear and resistance[14:08] – Different approaches & therapist styles in ERP[17:08] – Starting with the least threatening exposures[18:21] – Distress tolerance vs compulsions: key nuance[20:09] – Examples of distress tolerance exercises[21:32] – Flexibility in ERP: adapting to clients’ needs[23:45] – Getting into the right mindset for ERP[25:04] – How long does ERP take to start showing relief?[28:20] – Closing reflections & key ERP takeaways
 
✅ 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@korresults.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 imaginal exposures
ERP therapy for OCD
intrusive thoughts recovery
OCD treatment strategies
facing taboo fears in OCD
Kristina Orlova OCD Whisperer
 
 
© OCD Whisperer
 
 

149. ERP Therapy Explained: The Truth About Facing OCD Fears

Can ERP really help you face your biggest fears?
In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Natalia, a therapist specializing in OCD treatment. Together, they explore the foundations of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy and why it is considered first line treatment for OCD.
 
Natalia opens up about:
The basics of ERP and how it actually works in practice
Why people fear ERP and worry it will feel “torturous”
How therapists can guide clients step by step without overwhelming them
Strategies for building confidence and willingness in the recovery journey
 
This conversation also dives into:
Common misconceptions about ERP and OCD treatment
The importance of flexibility, creativity, and pacing in therapy
How ERP is not about “beating you down” but about empowering lasting change Whether you are navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone, this episode offers clarity, tools, and hope to help you understand ERP and take the first step toward recovery.
 
📲 Natalia Aiza (guest):
LPC, Founbder of Kairos, specializes in OCD, anxiety, ADHD, and parent coaching for all ages.
OCD Colorado: https://www.kairoswellnesscollective.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalk.ocd
 
✂️TIMESTAMPS:
[00:30] – Introduction to ERP Series & Guest Natalia[01:05] – What is ERP? Understanding the basics[02:35] – Why would anyone face their fears?[05:40] – Misconceptions: Is ERP “torture”?[07:57] – How ERP is structured step by step[09:23] – Willingness vs distress levels: where to begin[11:30] – Helping clients move past fear and resistance[14:08] – Different approaches & therapist styles in ERP[17:08] – Starting with the least threatening exposures[18:21] – Distress tolerance vs compulsions: key nuance[20:09] – Examples of distress tolerance exercises[21:32] – Flexibility in ERP: adapting to clients’ needs[23:45] – Getting into the right mindset for ERP[25:04] – How long does ERP take to start showing relief?[28:20] – Closing reflections & key ERP takeaways
 
✅ 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@korresults.com
 
✅ About OCD Whisperer
Welcome to OCD Whisperer! My channel covers OCD recovery, intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT, anxiety management, and mindfulness tools. 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
ERP therapy for OCD
OCD recovery tools
OCD treatment explained
exposure and response prevention
managing intrusive thoughts
facing OCD fears
OCD therapist tips
 
 
© OCD Whisperer
 
 

148. What OCD Teaches About Uncertainty: A Journey to Resilience

What does it mean to succeed while living with OCD? In this episode, Kristina Orlova sits down with Scott Stirret, founder and CEO of Venture for Canada and author of The Uncertainty Advantage, to explore how OCD and uncertainty intersect with ambition, business, and personal growth.
Scott opens up about his diagnosis during the pandemic, how OCD shaped his thoughts and rituals long before he had a name for it, and why getting evidence-based treatment through ERP was life-changing. He also shares candidly about setbacks, recovery, and what it means to manage OCD as a lifelong condition.
Together, Kristina and Scott unpack the sneaky ways OCD shows up, the power of mindfulness and self-compassion, and how embracing uncertainty can actually become a strength rather than a fear. Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers hope, practical strategies, and a powerful reminder that success and OCD are not mutually exclusive.
 
The 3 things you’ll learn in  today’s episode:
Why healing from OCD is a gradual process and not about “making thoughts go away.”
How mindfulness and self-compassion can help untangle mental compulsions.
Practical tools Scott uses like exercise, rest, and relationships—to manage OCD while leading a successful career.
 
In This Episode
[00:01] Kristina’s welcome and introduction
[00:36] Meet today’s guest, Scott
[01:32] Scott’s OCD diagnosis and journey
[04:08] Learning that OCD management is long-term
[06:39] Writing The Uncertainty Advantage and the fear of uncertainty
[08:26] Navigating OCD while building a business
[09:58] How OCD manifests for Scott
[11:21] Untangling mental rituals and compulsive thinking
[13:22] Labeling compulsions with gentleness
[14:20] Daily practices for ongoing management
[16:01] Finding meaning in OCD and writing the book
[18:47] Sitting with difficult feelings instead of running from them
[20:44] Developing empathy through lived experience
[21:13] Where to find Scott and his new book
Our Guest
Scott Stirret is the founder and CEO of Venture for Canada, a national charity that helps young people build entrepreneurial skills and careers. Over the past decade, the organization has raised over $80M and supported more than 10,000 youth across Canada. Scott is also the author of The Uncertainty Advantage, a book that guides early career professionals to build resilience by embracing uncertainty.
Resources & Links
 
Kristina Orlova, LMFT
Instagram
YouTube
OCD CBT Journal Tracker and Planner
Website
 
Scott Stirrett
LinkedIn
The Uncertainty Advantage on Amazon
Substack
Personal Website – with his Uncertainty Quiz
 
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!

147. The Postpartum Journey: Managing OCD with ICBT for New Parents

Pregnancy and postpartum bring a unique set of challenges, especially for those struggling with OCD. How can you navigate the overwhelming changes while managing intrusive thoughts? In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, host Kristina Orlova, LMFT, is joined by Gina Abbondante, MSW, LCSW, C-NDAAP, a therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the perinatal and postpartum periods.
Gina shares her expertise on how OCD manifests during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and how neurodivergent individuals can be supported through a neurodiversity-affirming approach. Together, Kristina and Gina dive into how therapies like Inference-Based CBT (ICBT) can be tailored to address the unique challenges faced by expectant and new mothers, and why holistic strategies, such as managing sleep and embracing self-compassion, are essential for long-term healing.
If you’re a new or expecting parent struggling with OCD, this episode provides invaluable insights, practical tools, and an empathetic approach to managing your mental health through this transformative life stage.
 
The 3 things you’ll learn in today’s episode:
How OCD manifests uniquely during pregnancy and postpartum.
Why sleep management is crucial for those managing OCD during the perinatal period.
Practical ways to blend evidence-based therapies with neurodiversity-affirming practices for more holistic support.
 
In This Episode
[02:00] Gina’s background and approach to OCD treatment
[04:50] OCD during pregnancy and postpartum: unique challenges
[07:30] The impact of neurodivergence on OCD in new parents
[10:15] How Inference-Based CBT can be used in pregnancy and postpartum
[13:00] Gina’s personal experience with neurodivergence and OCD
[16:00] The role of sleep and managing stress in OCD recovery
[20:00] Practical tools for new parents managing OCD
[24:30] Closing and final thoughts
 
Our Guest
Gina Abbondante, MSW, LCSW, C-NDAAP is the Founder and Clinical Director of Change of Mind Counseling, specializing in the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders, particularly during pregnancy and postpartum. Gina is trained in various therapeutic modalities, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Inference-Based CBT (ICBT), and is a passionate advocate for neurodivergent individuals, offering neurodiversity-affirming assessments for ADHD and autism. As a parent and partner to neurodivergent family members, Gina brings both personal and professional experience to her work, helping others navigate the challenges of mental health during life’s most transitional moments.
 
Resources & Links
Kristina Orlova, LMFT
Instagram
YouTube
OCD CBT Journal Tracker and Planner
Website
 
Gina Abbondante, MSW, LCSW, C-NDAAP
Website
Instagram
 
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!

146. How to Relax When OCD Won’t Let You: A Buddhist and Somatic Healing Perspective

What does it feel like when your mind gets stuck on a loop, telling you again and again that you’re a bad person? That’s the reality of Pure OCD. In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova sits down with Sah D’Simone, spiritual teacher, humanitarian, and creator of the Somatic Activated Healing method, for an open and heartfelt conversation.
 
Sah shares his journey with intrusive thoughts that made him question his worth, how growing up in a Buddhist culture shaped his experience, and how the loss of his mother made everything even more intense. Instead of letting OCD take over, he’s leaned into Buddhist wisdom, somatic healing, and service to others as powerful ways to heal.
 
Together, Kristina and Sah unpack how OCD fuels cycles of self-obsession and why real healing often begins with learning to slow down, relax, and be present. They talk about the role of evidence-based treatments like ERP and ACT, while also highlighting holistic practices that calm the nervous system and nurture recovery.
 
If you’ve ever felt trapped by your own thoughts, this conversation offers hope, practical tools, and a fresh perspective on what healing can truly look like.
 
The 3 things you’ll learn in  today’s episode:
Why relaxation and not constant productivity is crucial for calming an OCD brain.
How Pure OCD manifests and why labels can be both freeing and limiting.
Practical ways to balance evidence-based OCD treatments with Buddhist-inspired mindfulness and self-compassion.
In This Episode
[00:01] Introduction and guest welcome
[58] Sah’s background and work
[03:09] OCD and self-obsession
[04:03] Sah’s personal OCD story
[04:54] Pure OCD and identity
[07:16] Cultural and religious influences
[09:04] OCD manifestations and coping
[09:53] Kristina’s OCD experience
[10:45] The internal experience of OCD
[12:51] Relaxation and cultural challenges
[15:21] The importance of true relaxation
[16:18] Blending Buddhist wisdom with evidence-based OCD therapies
[17:57] Mind wandering and savoring the moment
[18:57] Closing and farewell
Our Guest
Sah D’Simone is a spiritual teacher, grief educator, humanitarian, and creator of the Somatic Activated Healing Method, which blends Buddhist teachings, dance, and social justice. With a mission to bring love where love is not, Sah has dedicated his life to both personal transformation and global humanitarian service, supporting communities from Los Angeles to Nepal and India.
Resources & Links
 
Kristina Orlova, LMFT
Instagram
YouTube
OCD CBT Journal Tracker and Planner
Website
 
Sah D’Simone
Website
Instagram   
Somatic Activated Healing Online Membership, which comes with a 7-day free trial
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!