The OCD Whisperer Podcast with Kristina Orlova

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!

145. Is I-CBT Just Arguing With OCD?

Is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) the only way to treat OCD? What if there’s another evidence-based approach that works differently and might even feel more intuitive to some?
 
In this episode of the OCD Whisperer Podcast, host Kristina Orlova brings together a panel of seasoned OCD clinicians: Mike Heady, Christina Ennabe, Mike Parker, Carl Robbins, and Bronwyn Shroyer. Together, they unpack the essentials of Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) and how it compares to ERP.
 
They bust common myths like whether ICBT is just arguing with your thoughts and explain how it helps people move out of imagined fears and back into reality. They also dive into when ERP might still be helpful, how ICBT handles doubt differently, and what the research says about its effectiveness.
 
Whether you're new to ICBT or trying to figure out which approach fits you best, this conversation brings depth, clarity, and a refreshing perspective on OCD treatment.
 
The 4 things you’ll learn in  today’s episode:
Why mixing ICBT and ERP can be confusing if you don’t fully understand both
How ICBT focuses on obsessional doubt rather than just intrusive thoughts
What “reality sensing” really means and why it’s not the same as doing exposures
What the research says about ICBT’s effectiveness and how it compares to ERP
 
In This Episode
[00:31] Meet the panelists
[03:56] Can CBT and IBT/ICT be used together?
[07:29] Is CBT arguing with OCD?
[11:09] Doubt vs. intrusion in OCD
[17:49] Reality sensing vs. exposure
[20:40] Normal vs. obsessional doubt
[24:30] Reassurance in therapy
[26:22] Research and evidence for IBT/ICT
[36:07] Core fears and feared possible self
[37:34] Closing remarks and resources
Guests Featured
Mike Heady, Co-owner and co-director of the Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute (ASDI), co- chair for ICBT SIG at IOCDF
Carl Robbins, Director of Training at ASDI and veteran OCD clinician
Christina Ennabe, Licensed therapist specializing in OCD and trauma, Board Member OCD New Hampshire
Mike Parker, Private practice owner focused on OCD using ICBT, ERP, and ACT. Host of the YouTube channel, OCD Space
Bronwyn Shroyer, LCSW, ICBT trainer, and co-founder of OCD Training School, co- chair for ICBT SIG at IOCDF
 
Resources & Links
 
Kristina Orlova, LMFT
Instagram
 YouTube
 OCD CBT Journal Tracker and Planner
 Website
Christina Ennabe
Website
LinkedIn
https://www.christinaennabe.com/icbt-course-ocd-escaping-rabbit-hole 
Mike Heady
Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute
LinkedIn
Mike Parker
Website
LinkedIn
https://www.icbttrainingonline.com 
Carl Robbins
Website
LinkedIn
Bronwyn Shroyer
Website
LinkedIn
OCD Training School
 
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!

144. Are You Fueling Your Child’s Anxiety?

What if the most powerful way to help your anxious child isn’t to fix them—but to change you? In this episode of the OCD Whisperer podcast, host Kristina Orlova welcomes licensed therapist and anxiety expert Robyn Isman to discuss the SPACE protocol (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions). Robyn, certified in SPACE, explains how this evidence-based approach helps reduce childhood anxiety by focusing solely on parents' behaviors rather than direct child intervention. She breaks down the SPACE framework, emphasizing how parental accommodations—such as avoiding triggers or providing excessive reassurance—unintentionally reinforce anxiety cycles.
 
Robyn highlights key steps in SPACE, including educating parents about anxiety as an interpersonal dynamic, identifying accommodations, and creating targeted plans to reduce them. She stresses the importance of "supportive language," which validates a child's fears while expressing confidence in their ability to cope. The conversation also tackles common challenges, such as managing meltdowns during the process and reframing accommodation reduction as an act of love. Robyn shares inspiring success stories and teases her upcoming membership program for parents seeking guidance.
 
Listeners will gain practical insights into fostering resilience in anxious children by stepping back—with compassion—to let them grow..
 
The 3 things you’ll learn in  today’s episode:
Why reducing accommodations—not increasing them—is key to helping your anxious child.
How to shift from "fixing your kid" to examining your own role in the anxiety cycle.
Actionable tools from the SPACE method: mapping accommodations, supportive language, stress testing, and more.
 
In This Episode
[00:00] Introduction and free OCD resources
[00:45] Meet Robyn Iseman, SPACE-certified therapist
[01:10] What is the SPACE method and how does it work?
[02:20] Understanding anxiety as interpersonal
[04:30] Parental accommodations: what they are and why they matter
[07:50] Mapping accommodations and setting target behaviors
[10:20] How to handle meltdowns and anger using SPACE
[14:00] Emotional regulation—for parents
[17:50] How to respond when your child gets upset
[20:30] Supportive language and delayed response techniques
[23:30] Creating distance from anxiety through externalization
[25:50] Addressing safety, stress-testing, and tapping out as parents
[28:45] The power of the “announcement” and doing this with love
[33:00] Real-life results: How SPACE transforms family dynamics
[35:11] Robyn’s upcoming membership and where to find her
Our Guest
Robyn Isman is a licensed therapist and anxiety expert certified in the SPACE method, with over a decade of experience working with children, teens, and families. Through her private practice and upcoming membership platform, Robyn equips parents with tools to confidently support their anxious children—without reinforcing the anxiety itself. She offers education, strategy, and compassion in equal measure.
 
Resources & Links
 
Kristina Orlova, LMFT
Instagram
 YouTube
 OCD CBT Journal Tracker and Planner
 Website
 
Robyn Isman 
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Parenting The Anxious Child Membership
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!

143. Why You Can’t Stop Picking: The Truth About Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

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)

142. Theme Shifting OCD and Relationship Anxiety: How to Tell What’s Real

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!
 

141. ERP, Medication & Hope: Beating OCD with The Struggling Warrior

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!

140. Living with OCD, Emetophobia, ADHD & PTSD: One Mom’s Journey to Find Balance

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!

139. Values-Based Therapy for OCD: The Key to Psychological Flexibility

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!

138. CLINICAL DIRECTOR Reveals: This Is Why You Struggle With Your Self-Image

🧠 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:
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🔔 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

137. How a Film Director Used OCD as Fuel: The Story Behind the Film PURE O

🧠 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
 
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⚠️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