136. Rebuilding Trust in Yourself: OCD, Identity, and the ICBT Path to Healing

Episode Summary: Do you feel trapped in endless loops of “what if”? Like your brain is constantly playing out worst-case scenarios, you can’t prove, but can’t ignore either? In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Frederick Aardema, clinical psychologist, OCD researcher, and co-creator of Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT).

Together, we unpack how faulty reasoning and imagination, not just intrusive thoughts, drive OCD. Dr. Aardema shares how ICBT offers a powerful path back to reality, trust, and your authentic self—without relying on fear-based exposures.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

• Why OCD is more about reasoning than anxiety
• How imagination overrides perception in OCD
• The concept of “functional certainty” and how it heals obsessional doubt
• How ICBT differs from ERP and when to use which
• Why your OCD may be rooted in a “false self” and how to reconnect with who you really are

🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:

• OCD Journal → https://shorturl.at/7pUxB
• Guest: Dr. Frederick Aardema’s Books → Resolving OCD Vol. 1 & Resolving OCD Vol. 2
• ICBT Online Resource Center → https://icbt.online
• ICBT Masterclass → https://www.korresults.com/icbtmasterclass
• Sneaky Rituals Masterclass → https://www.korresults.com/sneakyrituals

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👤 About the Host: The OCD Whisperer Podcast is hosted by Kristina Orlova, LMFT, a licensed therapist who helps people 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 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!