183. If Your Child Gets Stuck in Routines, Please Listen to This...

The Hidden OCD Behind “Normal” Routines in Kids...

In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Dr. Julie Lustig, clinical psychologist and founder of CBT Tools for Life Center. Together, they explore how childhood OCD and anxiety often hide in plain sight—and why so many parents miss the early signs.

Dr. Lustig opens up about:

• Why OCD can take 14–17 years to be properly diagnosed

• How common childhood behaviors (like routines) can become rigid compulsions

• The most overlooked OCD symptoms—including reassurance-seeking and mental rituals

• How Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) helps kids regain control

This conversation also dives into:

• The subtle ways OCD shows up beyond handwashing or neatness

• How to separate a child from OCD using playful, externalizing tools

• Why small “wins” and gradual steps are key to recovery

OCD isn’t just anxiety—it’s a loop that keeps kids feeling stuck.

But as Dr. Lustig explains, when kids learn they don’t have to listen to OCD, everything can change.

Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting a child, this episode offers clarity, tools, and real hope for recovery.

📲 About Dr. Julie Lustig (guest):

• Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Founder and Director of the CBT Tools For Life Center

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-l-lustig-ph-d-a30287342/

• Web Page: https://www.cbttoolsforlife.com/

✂️ TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 What actually leads a psychologist to specialise in childhood OCD and anxiety? 04:34 The early OCD signs in kids most parents completely miss (and mistake for normal behaviour) 06:33 Your child’s “slow routines” might not be habits — hidden OCD symptoms explained 09:16 How do you explain OCD to a child without making it scarier? The surprising approach 12:21 What OCD recovery actually looks like in kids — real transformation stories from treatment 18:16 When a child says “I can’t do this” — what clinicians actually do in that moment

✅ 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/

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✅ 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.

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