The OCD Whisperer Podcast with Kristina Orlova

Can you build a global movement and lead a team while navigating the "fangs" of OCD   In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Pavel Reppo, founder of A Fine Mind and a leader in international mental health. Together, they explore the intersection of high-stakes leadership, cultural expectations, and the persistent drive required to turn a diagnosis into a catalyst for social impact.   Pavel opens up about: • His "gateway" symptoms at age 13, including severe hand-washing rituals triggered by household turbulence. • How cultural stigmas in Belarus and the Eastern Bloc shaped his initial understanding of mental health. • The "Alien" feeling of Relationship OCD and the cycle of debilitating confessions. • His transition from "camouflaging" through perfectionism to seeking professional therapy in his early 20s.   Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone, this episode offers a raw, unpolished look at the reality of high-functioning OCD and the hope that comes with finding a community that sees you for who you are.   📲 About Pavel Reppo (guest): • Executive Director - Finemind • CEO - Matchbox Fund • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavelreppo/ • A Fine Mind org. : https://afinemind.org/   ✂️ TIMESTAMPS: [00:00] – The Global Leader’s Secret: Building a mental health empire while fighting a private war. [01:46] – The Divorce Catalyst: How a "turbulent home" forced a child to find control in rituals. [03:32] – The "Grit" Trap: Why the Eastern European mindset of "choosing happiness" fuels OCD. [06:20] – The Perfectionist Masquerade: Using straight A’s to hide the "Alien" feelings inside. [07:34] – The Relationship Punching Bag: When "Relationship OCD" turns confession into a toxic loop. [09:32] – The Therapy Shift: Why talk therapy failed and how the precision of ERP changed everything. [12:02] – The ACT North Star: How to stop listening to "sneaky" emotions and start living by values. [13:52] – Micromanagement Fangs: When OCD poisons remote leadership and global delegation. [15:47] – The 18-Hour Collapse: Reaching the breaking point—burnout, depletion, and starting over. [20:09] – The Double-Edged Sword: Does OCD-driven tenacity actually help you succeed? [21:39] – The New Fatherhood Filter: Re-learning balance and "holding back" for the next generation. [23:57] – Beyond the Highlight Reel: Why we need to stop presenting a "polished" version of recovery.   ✅ Free Resources & Links 🎁 Free OCD Survival Kit & Classes → www.shorturl.at/KcTxM 📖 OCD CBT Journal → www.shorturl.at/7pUxB 🌐 Website → www.korresults.com/ ✍️ OCD Academy→ www.ocdacademy.thinkific.com/   📲 Stay Connected Facebook: www.facebook.com/korresults Instagram: www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ocdwhisperer Twitter (X): www.x.com/korresults Website: www.korresults.com/   📩 Business Inquiries: info@theocdwhisperer.com   ✅ About OCD Whisperer Welcome to OCD Whisperer! Each episode shares tools and insights for OCD recovery, managing intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT techniques, anxiety relief, and mindfulness practices. Join me for expert interviews and personal insights into overcoming OCD. Subscribe to find support, strategies, and hope for your OCD journey.   ⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note while the host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.   🔑 SEO Keywords living with OCD Relationship OCD stories ERP therapy for perfectionism Pavel Reppo mental health high functioning OCD leadership Relationship OCD confessions ACT therapy for OCD   © OCD Whisperer

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

Can you stop being a "fixer" and start building your feeling muscle?   In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Dr. Jenn Rapkin, a Naturopathic Physician, bodyworker, and author of The Feeling Muscle. Together, they explore the powerful intersection of mindfulness, parenting a child with OCD, and learning how to sit with the "just right" discomfort that keeps so many of us stuck in rituals.   Dr. Jenn opens up about: • Her hidden battle with OCD as an adolescent in the 70s and 80s • The heartbreaking moment her 8-year-old son was swallowed by "Just Right" OCD • Why she had to go against every motherly instinct to stop accommodating his rituals • The reality of residential treatment and finding the "recipe" for her son's recovery   Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself, supporting a child through treatment, or struggling to sit with uncertainty, this episode offers a profound roadmap for building the emotional strength to outlast the storm.   📲 About Jenn Rapkin (guest): • Naturopathic physician & bodyworker • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennrapkin/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575991456912 • Web Page: https://drjennrapkin.com/   ✂️ TIMESTAMPS: [00:00] – The Secret to Outlasting Pain: Can you build a "muscle" for your emotions? [01:57] – The 1970s Silent Struggle: Growing up in a "crowded" mind before OCD had a name. [04:38] – The Barcelona Nightmare: How COVID triggered an 8-year-old’s "Just Right" trap. [06:33] – The Resistance: Why adults (and kids) would rather ritual than feel. [08:49] – The Nuclear Option: When outpatient care fails and residential is the only way out. [10:32] – The Nurturer’s Dilemma: Why "helping" your child is keeping the OCD alive. [12:53] – The Grief of Parenting: Admitting your marriage and life have become "small." [14:58] – The Trigger Loop: What happens when a parent’s OCD meets their child’s. [18:58] – The Whiteboard Revelation: The "Bell Curve" secret to sitting with discomfort. [21:44] – The "Handshake" Method: A step-by-step guide to practicing with frustration. [26:07] – The Fleeting Truth: Why we trust our joy but believe our pain is permanent. [29:20] – The Witness vs. The Fixer: How to hold space for someone else’s storm.   ✅ Free Resources & Links 🎁 Free OCD Survival Kit & Classes → www.shorturl.at/KcTxM 📖 OCD CBT Journal → www.shorturl.at/7pUxB 🌐 Website → www.korresults.com/ ✍️ OCD Academy→ www.ocdacademy.thinkific.com/   📲 Stay Connected Facebook: www.facebook.com/korresults Instagram: www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ocdwhisperer Twitter (X): www.x.com/korresults Website: www.korresults.com/   📩 Business Inquiries: info@theocdwhisperer.com   ✅ About OCD Whisperer Welcome to OCD Whisperer! Each episode shares tools and insights for OCD recovery, managing intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT techniques, anxiety relief, and mindfulness practices. Join me for expert interviews and personal insights into overcoming OCD. Subscribe to find support, strategies, and hope for your OCD journey.   ⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note while the host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.   🔑 SEO Keywords parenting a child with OCD Just Right OCD treatment Dr. Jenn Rapkin Feeling Muscle how to sit with uncomfortable feelings SPACE treatment for parents childhood OCD recovery mindfulness for intrusive thoughts ERP for kids   © OCD Whisperer

Is it OCD, or is your brain just wired differently?🧠   In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Dr. Jeremy Shuman, a psychologist and specialist in the intersection of Autism and OCD. Together, they explore the complex overlap between neurodevelopmental traits and obsessive-compulsive patterns.   Dr. Shuman opens up about: • The definition of Autism and the shift toward the Neurodiversity Movement. • Why observable behaviors like "stimming" are often mistaken for OCD compulsions. • The internal experience of sensory seeking versus sensory rejecting. • The trait of Monotropism and how deep focus differs from clinical obsessions.   Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone who is neurodivergent, this episode offers essential tools and insights to help you understand the "why" behind the rituals.   📲 About Robyn Stern (guest): • Specialized treatment for OCD, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), and anxiety disorders • Web Page & all contacts: https://www.rlsterntherapy.com/   ✂️ TIMESTAMPS: [00:00] – Welcome to the show: Meet Robyn Stern. [02:20] – "Before you knew it was BDD, what did you think was wrong with you?" [03:32] – "What was it like? Did you think it was just insecurity or that you were just anxious?" [07:22] – "What was the turning point that made you decide to seek help?" [11:07] – "Did you just stop talking to your friends altogether?" [12:57] – "Did you think you were just being vain or that you were broken?" [20:43] – "What is the actual therapy to get better?" (The difference between OCD and BDD treatment). [24:02] – The "Perfect Storm" of beauty standards and BDD [25:12] – "Is it a painful pill to swallow thinking this is just your lot in life?" [28:12] – "How can you have a relationship with a person when you're in a relationship with a body part?" [30:22] – How to connect with Robyn Stern and find resources.   ✅ Free Resources & Links 🎁 Free OCD Survival Kit & Classes → www.shorturl.at/KcTxM 📖 OCD CBT Journal → www.shorturl.at/7pUxB 🌐 Website → www.korresults.com/ ✍️ OCD Academy→ www.ocdacademy.thinkific.com/   📲 Stay Connected Facebook: www.facebook.com/korresults Instagram: www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ocdwhisperer Twitter (X): www.x.com/korresults Website: www.korresults.com/   📩 Business Inquiries: info@theocdwhisperer.com   ✅ About OCD Whisperer Welcome to OCD Whisperer! Each episode shares tools and insights for OCD recovery, managing intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT techniques, anxiety relief, and mindfulness practices. Join me for expert interviews and personal insights into overcoming OCD. Subscribe to find support, strategies, and hope for your OCD journey.   ⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note while the host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.   🔑 SEO Keywords Body Dysmorphic Disorder BDD recovery Robyn Stern LCSW lived experience BDD appearance OCD vs BDD mirror checking compulsions overcoming body shame BDD treatment and therapy   © OCD Whisperer

Is it OCD, or is your brain just wired differently?🧠   In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Dr. Jeremy Shuman, a psychologist and specialist in the intersection of Autism and OCD. Together, they explore the complex overlap between neurodevelopmental traits and obsessive-compulsive patterns.   Dr. Shuman opens up about: • The definition of Autism and the shift toward the Neurodiversity Movement. • Why observable behaviors like "stimming" are often mistaken for OCD compulsions. • The internal experience of sensory seeking versus sensory rejecting. • The trait of Monotropism and how deep focus differs from clinical obsessions.   Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone who is neurodivergent, this episode offers essential tools and insights to help you understand the "why" behind the rituals.   📲 About Dr. Jeremy Shuman (guest): • licensed psychologist, expert in OCD and anxiety disorders, autism and OCD • Web Page: https://mindfulstl.com/providers/jeremy-shuman-psy-d/ • OCD/Autism SIG Interest Form: https://www.tfaforms.com/5069768   ✂️ TIMESTAMPS: [00:00] – Why what you know about Autism is wrong [03:05] – The DSM Trap: Why Autism diagnosis was designed for "School-age White Boys" (and who gets left out). [05:16] – Hidden Clues: Common behaviors in school and social life that scream "A deeper look is needed." [06:52] – Is it OCD or Autism? The "Locked Door" vs. the "Body Motion" (Distinguishing the two). [09:32] – The Golden Rule of Diagnosis: Is your behavior "Neutralizing a Threat" or "Regulating your Body"? [11:32] – Beyond ERP: Why a "Standard" OCD treatment plan might fail an Autistic client. [14:42] – The Case of the Circular Mind: When "Rumination" is actually a neurological focus trait. [18:37] – The "Car Breakdown" Analogy: A must-watch for families struggling to understand their loved one’s disability. [22:17] – The Big Question: Is OCD actually a form of Neurodivergence? (Dr. Shuman’s definitive answer). [25:26] – The "Scalpel vs. Weapon" Controversy: Can Exposure Therapy actually be harmful to the Autism community?   ✅ Free Resources & Links 🎁 Free OCD Survival Kit & Classes → www.shorturl.at/KcTxM 📖 OCD CBT Journal → www.shorturl.at/7pUxB 🌐 Website → www.korresults.com/ ✍️ OCD Academy→ www.ocdacademy.thinkific.com/   📲 Stay Connected Facebook: www.facebook.com/korresults Instagram: www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ocdwhisperer Twitter (X): www.x.com/korresults Website: www.korresults.com/   📩 Business Inquiries: info@theocdwhisperer.com   ✅ About OCD Whisperer Welcome to OCD Whisperer! Each episode shares tools and insights for OCD recovery, managing intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT techniques, anxiety relief, and mindfulness practices. Join me for expert interviews and personal insights into overcoming OCD. Subscribe to find support, strategies, and hope for your OCD journey.   ⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note while the host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.   🔑 SEO Keywords autism and ocd neurodivergent ocd monotropism ocd erp for autistic people distinguishing ocd and autism stimming vs compulsions neurodiversity movement mental health Dr. Jeremy Shuman ocd   © OCD Whisperer

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

How can you stay present when your brain is screaming with OCD? 🧠   In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Dr. Marisa Mazza, PsyD. Together, they explore the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) concepts of Self-as-Context and Present Moment Awareness—and how to apply them even when anxiety feels overwhelming.   Dr. Mazza opens up about: • Why "being present" feels threatening or impossible when you have OCD • The 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise and how to use tactile sensations to anchor yourself • The concept of the "Observer Self" (Self-as-Context) and why you are the sky, not the weather • How to build a tolerance for uncomfortable internal experiences without fighting them   Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone, this episode offers practical tools, grounding strategies, and a path toward living a full, present life.   📲 About Marisa Mazza (guest): • PsyD, a faculty member of the Behavioral Therapy Training Institute, author of The ACT Workbook for OCD • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmazza/ • Web Page: https://www.choicetherapy.net/team   ✂️ TIMESTAMPS: [00:00] – The "Being Present" Trap: Why Mindfulness Feels Scary [02:16] – The Goal of ACT: You Don’t Have to be Perfect [03:12] – The 5-4-3-2-1 Reset: Grounding Your Physical Body [03:35] – Tactile vs. Internal: What to do when "Feeling" is Overwhelming [06:32] – Micro-Mindfulness: Success in Just 30 Seconds [10:23] – Sky vs. Weather: Why Your Thoughts Aren't "The Truth" [11:29] – Zooming Out: You Are More Than Your Intrusive Thoughts [14:52] – The Tennis Match Metaphor: Stop Swinging at Every Thought [16:32] – Real-Life Application: Staying Present Mid-Trigger [18:32] – From Fusion to Freedom: Reclaiming Your Power to Choose   ✅ Free Resources & Links 🎁 Free OCD Survival Kit & Classes → www.shorturl.at/KcTxM 📖 OCD CBT Journal → www.shorturl.at/7pUxB 🌐 Website → www.korresults.com/ ✍️ OCD Academy→ www.ocdacademy.thinkific.com/   📲 Stay Connected Facebook: www.facebook.com/korresults Instagram: www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ocdwhisperer Twitter (X): www.x.com/korresults Website: www.korresults.com/   📩 Business Inquiries: info@theocdwhisperer.com   ✅ About OCD Whisperer Welcome to OCD Whisperer! Each episode shares tools and insights for OCD recovery, managing intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT techniques, anxiety relief, and mindfulness practices. Join me for expert interviews and personal insights into overcoming OCD. Subscribe to find support, strategies, and hope for your OCD journey.   ⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note while the host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.   🔑 SEO Keywords OCD mindfulness Present moment awareness OCD ACT therapy for OCD Self-as-context explained Dr. Marisa Mazza Grounding techniques for anxiety Intrusive thoughts recovery Observer self mindfulness   © OCD Whisperer

Can You Really Accept a Thought You Hate? 🧠   In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Dr. Marisa Mazza, a psychologist and expert in ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). Together, they explore the "how-to" of diffusion and acceptance—the tools that transform your relationship with intrusive thoughts from a battle into a peaceful coexistence.   [Dr. Mazza opens up about]:  • The Thought Machine: Why your brain is hardwired to produce automatic, often negative thoughts, and why you can't just "turn it off" • The Velcro Effect: Understanding the evolutionary biology behind why negative thoughts stick while positive ones slide away • Defusion Strategies: Practical ways to "unhook" from obsessions using labels, billboards, and even silly voices like Mickey Mouse • True Acceptance: Why accepting a thought doesn't mean you like it, want it, or agree with it—it simply means you're willing to have it   By the end of this episode, you’ll realize that while you can’t control the "Thought Machine," you can absolutely control how you respond to it.   Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone, this episode offers tangible strategies and a mindset shift toward psychological flexibility.   📲 About Marisa Mazza (guest): • PsyD, a faculty member of the Behavioral Therapy Training Institute, author of The ACT Workbook for OCD • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmazza/ • Web Page: https://www.choicetherapy.net/team   ✂️ TIMESTAMPS: [00:00] – The Cure Lie: Why thoughts are 100% automatic [04:57] – Velcro Brain: Why your mind clings to the negative [07:31] – The Unhooking Hack: Simple phrases to detach instantly [08:56] – Mental Billboards: Stripping the power from intrusive thoughts [12:31] – The OCD Compass: Your fears reveal your deepest values [16:44] – The Acceptance Trap: Willingness vs. wanting the thought [21:53] – Brain Labeling: Turning off the internal panic alarm [26:07] – The 4-Step Script: How to handle a massive spike [28:45] – Not Your Fault: Reclaiming your life from OCD   ✅ Free Resources & Links 🎁 Free OCD Survival Kit & Classes → www.shorturl.at/KcTxM 📖 OCD CBT Journal → www.shorturl.at/7pUxB 🌐 Website → www.korresults.com/ ✍️ OCD Academy→ www.ocdacademy.thinkific.com/   📲 Stay Connected Facebook: www.facebook.com/korresults Instagram: www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ocdwhisperer Twitter (X): www.x.com/korresults Website: www.korresults.com/   📩 Business Inquiries: info@theocdwhisperer.com   ✅ About OCD Whisperer Welcome to OCD Whisperer! Each episode shares tools and insights for OCD recovery, managing intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT techniques, anxiety relief, and mindfulness practices. Join me for expert interviews and personal insights into overcoming OCD. Subscribe to find support, strategies, and hope for your OCD journey.   ⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note while the host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.   🔑 SEO Keywords OCD Recovery Mental Health Podcast Anxiety Relief Overcoming OCD OCD Treatment Psychology Therapy Tips OCD Whisperer   © OCD Whisperer

🧠Is the opposite of anxiety actually trust?   In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Dr. Marisa Mazza, PsyD, a faculty member of the Behavioral Therapy Training Institute and author of The ACT Workbook for OCD. Together, they explore Psychological Flexibility—the core of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—and how it integrates with ERP to help you live a "big, beautiful life" even with OCD.   Key points covered: • Defining Psychological Flexibility: Understanding the 6 core processes of ACT (Presence, Values, Committed Action, Self-as-Context, Diffusion, and Acceptance). • The ERP + ACT Integration: Why symptom reduction isn't always enough and how ACT addresses the "day-to-day living" aspect of recovery. • The "Flashlight" Metaphor: Shifting your focus from internal control to values-based living. • Slowing Down to Heal: Why we use busy-ness as a distraction and how to safely sit with the "scary" silence.   Recovery isn't just about stopping compulsions; it’s about having the flexibility to roll with life’s punches. Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone, this episode offers a philosophical and practical roadmap for moving beyond just "getting by" to truly thriving.   📲 About Marisa Mazza (guest): • PsyD, a faculty member of the Behavioral Therapy Training Institute, author of The ACT Workbook for OCD • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmazza/ • Web Page: https://www.choicetherapy.net/team   ✂️ TIMESTAMPS: [00:00] - The OCD Whisperer x Dr. Marisa Mazza [03:12] - Psychological Flexibility: The "Game Changer" in Treatment [05:26] - A New Relationship with Your "What Ifs" [09:13] - Beyond Symptom Reduction (ACT vs. ERP) [13:12] - The "Grief" Example: Putting Acceptance into Action [16:32] - Why "Slowing Down" Feels So Dangerous [22:47] - The Silent Retreat Test: Facing What We Run From [27:26] - The Ultimate Reframe: Trust vs. Anxiety [29:40] - Your "Itty Bitty Baby Step" for Today   ✅ Free Resources & Links 🎁 Free OCD Survival Kit & Classes → www.shorturl.at/KcTxM 📖 OCD CBT Journal → www.shorturl.at/7pUxB 🌐 Website → www.korresults.com/ ✍️ OCD Academy→ www.ocdacademy.thinkific.com/   📲 Stay Connected Facebook: www.facebook.com/korresults Instagram: www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ocdwhisperer Twitter (X): www.x.com/korresults Website: www.korresults.com/   📩 Business Inquiries: info@theocdwhisperer.com   ✅ About OCD Whisperer Welcome to OCD Whisperer! Each episode shares tools and insights for OCD recovery, managing intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT techniques, anxiety relief, and mindfulness practices. Join me for expert interviews and personal insights into overcoming OCD. Subscribe to find support, strategies, and hope for your OCD journey.   ⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note while the host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.   🔑 SEO Keywords OCD Recovery Mental Health Podcast Anxiety Relief Overcoming OCD OCD Treatment Psychology Therapy Tips OCD Whisperer   © OCD Whisperer

🧠Can OCD trick even a trained medical professional? What happens when your worst fear actually comes true—and your OCD tells you it’s your fault?   In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Sarah Michelle Boes, nurse practitioner, entrepreneur, mother, and OCD advocate. Together, they explore what it’s like to live for decades with undiagnosed OCD, how pregnancy intensified obsessive thinking, and how recovery is possible even after hitting rock bottom.   Sarah opens up about: • Living with OCD symptoms since childhood without knowing it • Being misdiagnosed until adulthood • How pregnancy and motherhood intensified magical thinking OCD • The moment she realized OCD—not reality—was running the show • Entering intensive ERP treatment and rebuilding her life   This is an honest, vulnerable conversation about living through fear, uncertainty, and doubt—and learning how to move forward anyway. Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers hope, clarity, and practical insight into long-term recovery.   📲 About Sara Boes (guest): • NP, mental health advocate, author, Founder • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmichelleboes/?hl=en • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-michelle-boes/ • Web Page: https://sarahmichelleboes.com/   ✂️ TIMESTAMPS: [00:00] Meet Sarah Boes [01:10] The First Signs of OCD No One Recognized [03:31] Pregnancy Triggered My Worst OCD Ever [04:27] The Baby Shower That Broke My Brain [05:10] When OCD “Got It Right” About My Child [07:22] Life After a Severe OCD Diagnosis [10:08] Hitting Extreme OCD and Entering Intensive Treatment [11:52] What Actually Helped Me Recover From OCD [13:39] Losing the Constant Feeling of Urgency [15:39] Who Am I Without My OCD? [17:02] Doing the Things OCD Tried to Take Away [20:01] OCD Remission, Relapse, and Real Recovery [21:52] When OCD Targets What You Love Most [25:35] The Sneaky Ways OCD Comes Back [27:34] Reassurance, Relationships, and Setting Boundaries [30:09] Final Thoughts and Where to Find Sarah   ✅ Free Resources & Links 🎁 Free OCD Survival Kit & Classes → www.shorturl.at/KcTxM 📖 OCD CBT Journal → www.shorturl.at/7pUxB 🌐 Website → www.korresults.com/ ✍️ OCD Academy→ www.ocdacademy.thinkific.com/   📲 Stay Connected Facebook: www.facebook.com/korresults Instagram: www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ocdwhisperer Twitter (X): www.x.com/korresults Website: www.korresults.com/   📩 Business Inquiries: info@theocdwhisperer.com   ✅ About OCD Whisperer Welcome to OCD Whisperer! Each episode shares tools and insights for OCD recovery, managing intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT techniques, anxiety relief, and mindfulness practices. Join me for expert interviews and personal insights into overcoming OCD. Subscribe to find support, strategies, and hope for your OCD journey.   ⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note while the host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.   🔑 SEO Keywords OCD recovery living with OCD ERP therapy for OCD intrusive thoughts magical thinking OCD postpartum OCD OCD personal story anxiety and OCD reassurance seeking OCD acceptance and OCD   © OCD Whisperer