147. The Postpartum Journey: Managing OCD with ICBT for New Parents

Pregnancy and postpartum bring a unique set of challenges, especially for those struggling with OCD. How can you navigate the overwhelming changes while managing intrusive thoughts? In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, host Kristina Orlova, LMFT, is joined by Gina Abbondante, MSW, LCSW, C-NDAAP, a therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the perinatal and postpartum periods.

Gina shares her expertise on how OCD manifests during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and how neurodivergent individuals can be supported through a neurodiversity-affirming approach. Together, Kristina and Gina dive into how therapies like Inference-Based CBT (ICBT) can be tailored to address the unique challenges faced by expectant and new mothers, and why holistic strategies, such as managing sleep and embracing self-compassion, are essential for long-term healing.

If you’re a new or expecting parent struggling with OCD, this episode provides invaluable insights, practical tools, and an empathetic approach to managing your mental health through this transformative life stage.

The 3 things you’ll learn in today’s episode:

1. How OCD manifests uniquely during pregnancy and postpartum.
2. Why sleep management is crucial for those managing OCD during the perinatal period.
3. Practical ways to blend evidence-based therapies with neurodiversity-affirming practices for more holistic support.

In This Episode

• [02:00] Gina’s background and approach to OCD treatment
• [04:50] OCD during pregnancy and postpartum: unique challenges
• [07:30] The impact of neurodivergence on OCD in new parents
• [10:15] How Inference-Based CBT can be used in pregnancy and postpartum
• [13:00] Gina’s personal experience with neurodivergence and OCD
• [16:00] The role of sleep and managing stress in OCD recovery
• [20:00] Practical tools for new parents managing OCD
• [24:30] Closing and final thoughts

Our Guest

Gina Abbondante, MSW, LCSW, C-NDAAP is the Founder and Clinical Director of Change of Mind Counseling, specializing in the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders, particularly during pregnancy and postpartum. Gina is trained in various therapeutic modalities, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Inference-Based CBT (ICBT), and is a passionate advocate for neurodivergent individuals, offering neurodiversity-affirming assessments for ADHD and autism. As a parent and partner to neurodivergent family members, Gina brings both personal and professional experience to her work, helping others navigate the challenges of mental health during life’s most transitional moments.

Resources & Links

Kristina Orlova, LMFT

• Instagram
• YouTube
• OCD CBT Journal Tracker and Planner
• Website

Gina Abbondante, MSW, LCSW, C-NDAAP

• Website
• 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 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!