124. Transforming Challenges of Just Right OCD with Andrew Cohen

When we think about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), common themes like contamination fears or checking rituals often come to mind. However, there is another form of OCD—"Just Right OCD"—which centers on achieving an elusive sense of balance or correctness.

In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, host Kristina Orlova sits down with Andrew Cohen, a licensed marriage and family therapist and OCD specialist, to explore the nuanced experience of Just Right OCD. Andrew draws from both his personal and professional journeys to discuss the challenges and breakthroughs in managing this subtype of OCD. Together, they dive into the role of mindfulness, acceptance, and exposure therapy in fostering resilience and balance for individuals with Just Right OCD.

Tune in to gain actionable strategies for coping with Just Right OCD and learn how mindfulness and self-awareness can lead to meaningful change.

In This Episode

• [00:00:00] Introduction to Andrew Cohen and his experience with OCD
• [00:01:15] What is Just Right OCD?
• [00:02:48] Differentiating Just Right OCD from Perfectionism
• [00:05:11] Compulsions and the pursuit of balance
• [00:09:10] Recognizing OCD in uncommon themes
• [00:13:51] Key signs of OCD to look out for
• [00:19:31] Tools to handle Just Right OCD
• [00:22:13] The importance of mindfulness and acceptance
• [00:27:06] Learning to coexist with contradictory emotions
• [00:32:47] Resources for OCD support

Notable Quotes

• [00:18:13] “Awareness allows us to notice the discomfort, but attention is what empowers us to focus on what truly matters.” – Andrew Cohen
• [00:01:15] “It’s not about catastrophic fears—it’s about feeling right, and tolerating the discomfort of being off.” - Andrew Cohen
• [00:10:14] “If you feel urgency and there’s no real danger, chances are it’s OCD knocking.” - Andrew Cohen

Our Guest

Andrew Cohen is a dedicated OCD and Anxiety specialist with extensive training and a wealth of professional and personal experience dealing with OCD. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a board member (Treasurer) of OCD SoCal, Andrew is deeply committed to providing effective treatment and providing advocacy and community building to individuals suffering from OCD and related disorders.

Resources & Links

Kristina Orlova, LMFT

• https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
• https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel
• https://www.korresults.com/
• https://www.onlineocdacademy.com

Andrew Cohen

• www.cohenocdtherapy.com
• https://www.instagram.com/cohenocdtherapy/

Mentioned

• OCD SoCal: www.ocdsocal.org
• International OCD Foundation: www.iocdf.org

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 biweekly 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!