The OCD Whisperer Podcast with Kristina Orlova
Unlock the secrets of OCD. Expert insights, personal stories, and practical tips. Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast. #allthingsocd
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Episodes
Tuesday Oct 03, 2023
Tuesday Oct 03, 2023
Bringing a child into the world is often described as one of life's most beautiful and transformative experiences. However, for some new mothers, this journey can be clouded by a silent intruder that lurks in the shadows of their minds – Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). As the world celebrates the arrival of a precious bundle of joy, these mothers find themselves battling intrusive, distressing thoughts and compulsive behaviors that threaten to shatter the blissful facade of motherhood.
In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we are delighted to have Conal Harpur. Conal is a psychotherapist specializing in anxiety disorders and OCD during the perinatal period.
During our conversation with Conal, we discussed perinatal OCD symptoms, including intrusive thoughts related to the baby's well-being. Conal explains the thought process and distress experienced by individuals with OCD and emphasizes the importance of finding a therapist who understands OCD and the transition into parenthood. We also discuss different therapeutic approaches for OCD and the correlation between stressors and OCD symptoms. We conclude our conversation by touching on public vs. private practice and the importance of individual readiness for transformative growth.
In This Episode
[01:22] What is Perinatal OCD how is it different from OCD?
[01:55] Symptoms of Perinatal OCD
[05:25] Emotional avoidance in OCD
[07:28] Understanding and managing OCD with a focus on specific obsessional topics.
[08:03] The unpredictability of OCD and the importance of finding a therapist
[09:03] CBT and medication as treatment options.
[09:56] Analytic psychotherapy and understanding the sense of self.
[14:04] The psychological and therapeutic perspective on perfectionism and its connection to OCD.
[18:17] The correlation between stress and OCD symptoms
[18:39] The overlap between OCD and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
[22:27] The importance of understanding childhood experiences in OCD treatment
[25:50] The core emphasis of public practice: Symptom reduction and stress management.
[26:49] The transformative journey vs. disorder treatment
[27:37] The importance of being in the right emotional space and readiness for therapy,
Notable Quotes
[04:36] “ If I have an intrusive image about me approaching my baby or walking down the stairs and dropping my baby on the stairs is a very common one, I might be more inclined to not engage with my baby for fear that I may act on it.”- Conal
[14:09] “An individual may develop kind of perfectionistic traits as a defense mechanism in psychoanalytic terms against the kind of reoccurring unacceptable impulses or thoughts they may have growing up.” - Conal
[22:28] “Whenever there's a massive rise in responsibility, there's going to be a massive rise in intrusive images, and that's going to fuel the OCD.”- Conal
Our Guest
Conal Harpur, a seasoned mental health professional currently completing his doctorate in psychotherapy, specializes in anxiety disorders and OCD, particularly during the perinatal period. He manages the CBT department at a Dublin maternity hospital and runs a private practice for moderate to severe mental health issues, passionately improving lives through psychotherapy.
Resources & Links
Kristina Orlova, LMFT
https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel
https://www.korresults.com/
https://www.onlineocdacademy.com
Conal Harpur
https://ie.linkedin.com/in/conal-jacob-harpur-4902a3200
https://www.cbtsolutions.ie/
https://www.instagram.com/cognitive_conal/
**Disclaimer**
Please note, while our host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.
Stay tuned for bi-weekly episodes filled with valuable insights and tips for managing OCD and anxiety. And remember, keep going in the meantime. See you in the next episode!
Tuesday Sep 19, 2023
Tuesday Sep 19, 2023
Did you ever stop to consider the intricate challenges individuals with OCD face when they embark on their journey towards treatment? Or perhaps, have you thought about the profound ways in which perfectionism can affect their experiences of intimacy and sex? Alternatively, have you explored the complicated links between hoarding behaviours and OCD?
In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, I’m thrilled to have Dr. Patrick McGrath, a renowned expert in treating OCD and author of "The OCD Answer Book" and "Don't Try Harder, Try Different"
During our conversation, we explore the main obstacles that hinder progress in OCD treatment. Dr. McGrath mentions "wussy exposures" and the importance of practicing exposure response prevention (ERP) techniques outside of therapy sessions. He also highlights the challenge of recognizing OCD's tricks even after making progress in treatment. We also touch on the impact of perfectionism on intimacy and sex, with Dr. McGrath providing strategies for handling intrusive thoughts. We conclude our conversation with a discussion on hoarding and associations with OCD.
In This Episode
[01:07] The number one thing that gets in the way of recovery
[05:39] Perfectionism and its impact on intimacy and sex
[08:14] How to deal with the intensity of OCD attacks
[08:47] The importance of stepping out of a situation and taking a break to collect oneself without giving in to compulsions.
[10:00] Setting attainable goals for dealing with intrusive thoughts
[11:15] Exposing yourself to intrusive thoughts and practising response prevention
[16:48] Recognizing the importance of memory
[17:22] Associations and moving forward.
[18:03] The concept of emotional contaminants in OCD
Notable Quotes
[02:08] “Doing ERP without safety behaviours, even the subtlest of safety behaviours are going to be some of the things that aren't going or that are going to really interfere with your ability to get better.” - Dr. McGrath
[03:54] “OCD is always going to try to bring you back into the realm of OCD and doing compulsions. Because remember, OCD eats compulsions for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's the koala of disorders.” - Dr. McGrath
[06:13] “OCD likes to tell you it's your best friend and it's ultimately out there for your best interests. So hey, don't go into this situation until you go 100% that everything's going to be okay.” - Dr. McGrath
[18:05] “OCD loves to put emotional contaminants on things. You know, there's something bad about this thing or this area and how much then that emotional contamination can spread as well, too.”- Dr. McGrath
Our Guest
Dr. Patrick McGrath, a renowned expert in treating OCD and author of "The OCD Answer Book" and "Don't Try Harder, Try Different," presently serves as the Head of Clinical Services at NOCD. He leads therapist recruitment and drives the development of treatment and training protocols, drawing from his extensive experience as the former Assistant Vice President at AMITA Health's Foglia Family Foundation Residential Treatment Center.
Resources & Links
Kristina Orlova, LMFT
https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel
https://www.korresults.com/
https://www.onlineocdacademy.com
Dr. Patrick McGrath
https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-mcgrath-37b981/
https://www.treatmyocd.com/
**Disclaimer**
Please note, while our host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.
Stay tuned for bi-weekly episodes filled with valuable insights and tips for managing OCD and anxiety. And remember, keep going in the meantime. See you in the next episode!
Tuesday Sep 05, 2023
Tuesday Sep 05, 2023
In the realm of mental health treatment, the evolution of therapeutic approaches is an ongoing journey marked by innovation and discovery. One such breakthrough that has been gaining prominence in recent years is Inference-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT). This cutting-edge approach offers a fresh perspective on how we understand and address our obsessional reasoning process.
In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we are joined by Amanda Petrik-Gardner, a true expert in the treatment of OCD and related disorders.
One of the key points we discuss is the difference between obsessional doubt and reasonable doubt. Amanda really emphasizes the importance of recognizing whether our doubts are based on direct evidence or our imagination running wild. It's all about distinguishing between what's real and what's not.
We also touch on the concept of inferential confusion. This is when we arrive at conclusions based on a reasoning process that is based on imagined scenarios, making it difficult to trust our own senses and perceptions. But fear not, because Amanda introduces us to the concept of reality sensing. It's all about regaining that trust in ourselves and our own experiences.
In This Episode
[01:19] Obsessional doubt versus reasonable doubt
[07:57] Inferential confusion and its resolution
[09:12] The role of senses in OCD
[11:23] Using reality sensing in therapy
[13:19] Comparison of inference-based CBT with exposure therapy
[18:57] The role of imagination in OCD
[18:45] Resources for learning about CBT
[20:03] Accessing the online class "Be OCD Free”.
Notable Quotes
[05:27] “We don't tend to act on possibilities until something in the present moment tells us to do so. Once we get that information now, it's reasonable to act on it.” Amanda
[07:41] “Inferential confusion is a fancy word just to say we are confusing reality for imagination. We're distrusting our senses. We're over-relying on possibilities. We're taking things like facts and using them in and out of context.” - Amanda
[13:43] “If we can change the doubt, then everything that follows after the doubt is resolved. But what I mean by that is after the doubt comes the fear, the anxiety, and then the compulsion. If we can address the doubt from the beginning, then none of the rest even happens.” - Amanda
Our Guest
Amanda Petrik-Gardner
Amanda Petrik-Gardner, LCPC, LPC, LIMHP, is a seasoned Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor spanning Kansas and Maine, and Licensed Professional Counselor across Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, and Missouri. She's also the creator of the OCD Exposure Coloring Book. With expertise in OCD, anxiety, and Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors, Amanda offers teletherapy in several states including Florida, facilitating transformative counseling.
Resources & Links
Kristina Orlova, LMFT
https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel
https://www.korresults.com/
https://www.onlineocdacademy.com
Amanda Petrik-Gardner
https://www.amandalcpc.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AnxietyOCDTreatment
https://www.instagram.com/anxietyocdtreatment
https://twitter.com/AnxietyOCDTx
**Disclaimer**
Please note, while our host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.
Stay tuned for bi-weekly episodes filled with valuable insights and tips for managing OCD and anxiety. And remember, keep going in the meantime. See you in the next episode!
Wednesday Aug 23, 2023
Wednesday Aug 23, 2023
Have you ever found yourself caught in a never-ending cycle of anxious thoughts and compulsive behaviors? Do you constantly feel overwhelmed by the intrusive thoughts that seem to control your every move? If so, you're not alone. Millions of people around the world struggle with anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but there is hope.
In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we're chatting with Dr. Reid Wilson, a clinical psychologist who specializes in anxiety disorders and OCD. With his groundbreaking approach, he has helped countless individuals regain control of their lives and find relief from the grip of anxiety.
During our conversation, Dr. Wilson shares his incredible self-help program called the 6-Moment Game. This program is all about empowering individuals to effectively manage their obsessions. And let me tell you, it's a game-changer!
Dr. Wilson emphasizes that the content of our obsessions is actually irrelevant. It's all about how we handle them. He introduces us to the concept of the 6-Moment Game, which involves being mindful of the present moment and dealing with obsessions and urges as they come up.
In This Episode
[00:47] Introduction to Dr. Reid Wilson and his expertise in self-help for anxiety disorders and OCD
[01:12] The importance of understanding OCD
[03:47] Introducing the concept of the 6-Moment Game
[04:22] The “six moments” process
[11:58] The importance of moving forward and not getting caught up in the prepositional phrases of obsessions
[15:55] Self-help treatment and collaborative therapy
[19:10] The importance of provoking distressing uncertainty.
[20:22] Creating rules and following a game plan
[24:32] Understanding the simplicity and difficulty of the process of managing OCD
Notable Quotes
[03:40] “The six moments are a manifestation of what we've learned. So we learn about principles. We understand that we're playing a mental game against this really very powerful disorder. And when we kind of learn those principles, we're going to bring them down into the moment.” - Dr. Reid
[23:14] “The brain works best when the unconscious mind is out of the way.” - Dr. Reid
Our Guest
Dr. Reid Wilson
Dr. Reid Wilson is a recognized expert in anxiety disorders and OCD self-help for over 30 years and leads Anxieties.com, an Anxiety Disorders Treatment Center. He has authored several acclaimed books, including "Stopping the Noise in Your Head: The New Way to Overcome Anxiety and Worry" and "Don’t Panic," and has appeared on shows like Oprah and Good Morning America. His contributions were honored by ADAA and the OCD Foundation with their highest awards in 2014 and 2019.
Resources & Links
Kristina Orlova, LMFT
https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel
https://www.korresults.com/
https://www.onlineocdacademy.com
Dr. Reid Wilson
https://anxieties.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rreidwilson/
**
Please note, while our host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.
Stay tuned for bi-weekly episodes filled with valuable insights and tips for managing OCD and anxiety. And remember, keep going in the meantime. See you in the next episode!
Wednesday Aug 09, 2023
Wednesday Aug 09, 2023
Learn #allthingsocd with the OCD Whisperer Channel.
OCD Survival Kit: get your free resource with podcasts, books, and bonus worksheets and sign up for our newsletter:
OCD Survival Kit + Newsletter Sign Up
Or if you are ready to dive into workshops to break the grips of your OCD, go to www.korresults.com/e-learning
***
Brace yourself for an episode that will revolutionize your perspective on ERP therapy. In this dynamic discussion, we're diving deep into the world of Justice-Based ERP Therapy, a groundbreaking approach that's changing the game for OCD treatment.
Join me as I sit down with two leading experts in the field, who shed light on the potent impact of Justice-Based ERP in conquering OCD challenges. From exposure exercises to cultivating resilience, we'll explore how this innovative methodology harnesses justice principles to foster empowerment and healing.
Dr. Caitlin Pinciotti:
https://www.cmpinciotti.com/
https://twitter.com/cmpinciotti
Dr. Lauren Wadsworth:
https://laurenwadsworth.com/
https://gviproc.org/
***
Please note, while our host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.
Stay tuned for bi-weekly episodes filled with valuable insights and tips for managing OCD and anxiety. And remember, keep going in the meantime. See you in the next episode!
Tuesday Jul 25, 2023
Tuesday Jul 25, 2023
Learn #allthingsocd with the OCD Whisperer Channel.
OCD Survival Kit: get your free resource with podcasts, books, and bonus worksheets and sign up for our newsletter:
OCD Survival Kit + Newsletter Sign Up
Or if you are ready to dive into ERP, ICBT, or Sneaky Rituals masterclasses, go to www.korresults.com/e-learning
***
Welcome to the OCD Whisperer Podcast, where we dive deep into the fascinating world of OCD and explore powerful treatments that can change lives!
In this eye-opening episode, we'll be shining a spotlight on Disgust-Based OCD, a lesser-known but equally impactful subtype of OCD.
Join me as I sit down with our incredible guest, an expert in the field, to unravel the symptoms and complexities of Disgust-Based OCD.
Ever wondered how this unique form of OCD manifests? We've got you covered with insights on its distinctive symptoms and how it can affect daily life.
But that's not all! We'll also be exploring the world of treatment options. From gaining mastery over avoided places to the effectiveness of Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), we'll uncover how these techniques can empower individuals to reclaim control over their lives and find freedom from Disgust-Based OCD.
If you're curious about this compelling subtype of OCD or seeking guidance on treatment strategies, this episode is an absolute must-watch!
So, grab your popcorn, hit that follow button, and let's embark on a journey of understanding and empowerment together! 🎬🔍
Here are Rich Gallaghers social links:
www.anxietycamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/rich.gallagher/
***
Please note, while our host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.
Stay tuned for bi-weekly episodes filled with valuable insights and tips for managing OCD and anxiety. And remember, keep going in the meantime. See you in the next episode!
Thursday Jul 13, 2023
Thursday Jul 13, 2023
Learn #allthingsocd with the OCD Whisperer Channel.
OCD Survival Kit: get your free resource with podcasts, books, and bonus worksheets.
Or if you are ready to dive into ERP, ICBT, or Sneaky Rituals masterclasses, go to www.korresults.com/onlineresources
***
Join host Kristina Orlova as she sits down with the incredible Dr. Stern to tackle some burning questions about OCD, PTSD, and two powerful treatments - ERP and PE.
Drumroll, please! 🥁 We kick things off with the most common thing that holds people with OCD back from seeking treatment. You won't believe the insight Dr. Stern drops on this one! 💡
But wait, there's more! We dive into the fascinating world of OCD and PTSD. Brace yourself as Dr. Stern spills the beans on PE treatment for PTSD, and how it's different from good ol' ERP for OCD.
Whether you're curious about the hurdles people face in seeking OCD treatment or you're itching to learn more about PE and ERP, this episode has got you covered. It's time to bust through barriers, gain knowledge, and supercharge your understanding.
Make sure you hit that follow button for more mind-blowing episodes of the OCD Whisperer Podcast. Join our badass community as we conquer OCD, spread awareness, and support each other on this wild journey of recovery.
Dr. Sterns social links:
Baggage Drop Podcast
Doctor Radio Sirius XM
IG: @drjessicabstern
www.drjessicabstern.com
***
Please note, while our host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.
Stay tuned for bi-weekly episodes filled with valuable insights and tips for managing OCD and anxiety. And remember, keep going in the meantime. See you in the next episode!
Wednesday Jun 28, 2023
Wednesday Jun 28, 2023
Learn #allthingsocd with the OCD Whisperer Channel.
OCD Survival Kit: get your free resource with podcasts, books, and bonus worksheets. Go to www.korresults.com/onlineresources
***
Hey there, OCD fam! I sit down with the amazing Dr. Eva Fisher to dive into the world of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). Get ready for a candid chat about Dr. Fisher's personal journey, treatment experiences, recovery, and her incredible book, "The BDD Family Book."
Join us as we uncover how Dr. Fisher first discovered she had BDD. Hear the real-life moments that led to her understanding and recognizing this complex disorder. It's a story you won't want to miss!
We'll also explore Dr. Fisher's treatment journey and the strategies that helped her on the path to recovery. From therapy approaches to self-care techniques, we'll uncover the tools that made a difference in her healing process.
Don't forget to hit that follow button to join our OCD community and stay tuned for more videos on all things OCD.
Social Links:
https://feartocourage.com/thebddfamily-book/
Email: eva@recoveryfrombdd.com
***
Please note, while our host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.
Stay tuned for bi-weekly episodes filled with valuable insights and tips for managing OCD and anxiety. And remember, keep going in the meantime. See you in the next episode!
Tuesday Jun 13, 2023
Tuesday Jun 13, 2023
Learn #allthingsocd with the OCD Whisperer Channel.
OCD Survival Kit: get your free resource with podcasts, books, and bonus worksheets. Go to www.korresults.com/onlineresources
***
Join me and our guest Paul McCarroll as we delve into the world of OCD, providing valuable insights and shedding light on how we can navigate our internal struggles with choice and empowerment.
In this episode, we tackle three essential questions:
Why do people with OCD engage in compulsions?
What are healthy alternatives to compulsions?
The role of stress and exhaustion in OCD.
We aim to illustrate that we have the power to choose how we respond to our challenging internal experiences. Discover strategies for breaking free from the grip of OCD using Exposure Response Prevention, embracing healthier alternatives, and managing stress effectively.
Subscribe now to embark on a journey of understanding, empowerment, and choice.
Together, let's challenge the stigma surrounding OCD and inspire others to take control of their lives.
Paul McCarroll can be found at: https://www.befreefromocd.com/
***
Please note, while our host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.
Stay tuned for bi-weekly episodes filled with valuable insights and tips for managing OCD and anxiety. And remember, keep going in the meantime. See you in the next episode!
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Learn #allthingsocd with the OCD Whisperer Channel.
OCD Survival Kit: get your free resource with podcasts, books, and bonus worksheets. Go to www.korresults.com
Take control of your OCD with the "Be OCD Free" course. Start your ERP journey and say goodbye to intrusive thoughts. Learn practical strategies and take the first step towards a brighter, OCD-free future. You get video lessons, journal prompts, worksheets, step by step process of how to apply these tools and some bonuses (like a couple of guided meditations recorded just for you!)
https://www.korresults.com/e-learning
***
Today I talk with Drew Linsalata of The Anxious Truth about agoraphobia. We get into what is it, how can a person recognize symptoms and what can you do about it.
To learn more about Drews works:
Drew's website
Drew's 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 bi-weekly episodes filled with valuable insights and tips for managing OCD and anxiety. And remember, keep going in the meantime. See you in the next episode!