11. Committed Action

Imagine finding a new way to help with OCD that's different from the usual methods – it's called Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Think of it like this: your mind sometimes gets stuck, like a skipping record. With Accelerated TMS, it's like giving your brain a gentle push to get out of that loop. This could be a big deal – a way to change things and give hope to people dealing with the ups and downs of OCD. In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we are delighted to be joined by two distinguished guests, Dr. Noah DeGaetano and Dr. Ryan Vidrine. Both are renowned experts in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). During our conversation, we talked about innovative treatments for OCD. We discuss the accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) approach, which has shown promise in treating OCD. The treatment's financial aspects and insurance coverage challenges are also addressed. The potential therapeutic benefits of substances like MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine in treating mental health conditions are explored, with ongoing trials for using psilocybin in treating OCD mentioned. We conclude with a discussion on the importance of a calm and comfortable setting for therapy. In This Episode [02:23] Introduction to Accelerated TMS treatment [05:05] Insurance coverage for Accelerated TMS treatment [07:10] The cost of treatment and insurance coverage [08:12] Financial considerations and options for treatment [09:25] Results and efficacy of accelerated TMS treatment [14:31] The use of MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine in treating mental health disorders [15:33] The need for more research on psilocybin for OCD [16:33] Comparing the effects of Lexapro and psilocybin on thought suppression and rumination [21:35] The setting and preparation for psilocybin therapy [23:02] The concept of set and setting in psychedelic therapy [24:59] Patient experiences with psilocybin therapy and the importance of proper design and location Notable Quotes [11:33] “TMS is a bridge. It is not the whole answer. It's like you have a different brain after you've had TMS.” - Dr. Vidrin [14:26] “In the realm of healing with MDMA, the therapy environment is the canvas where transformation takes shape—a sanctuary for profound change.” - Dr. Vidrine [18:36] “Lexapro helped with rumination, but psilocybin seemed to help a little more. And Lexapro did not help with thought suppression, and it seemed like the psilocybin did.” - Dr. DeGaetano [15:50] “A lot of times what they're doing now is low dose psilocybin and high dose psilocybin, essentially, and using psilocybin as the control for this placebo-controlled trial, which is kind of considered the gold standard in medicine.” - Dr. DeGaetano Our Guests Dr. Noah de Gaetano, a board-certified psychiatrist, serves as Chief Medical Officer at Acacia Mental Health, Sunnyvale, CA, with 15+ years of expertise. Renowned for his work in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, he founded and directed the TMS program at Palo Alto Medical Foundation, contributing significantly to psychiatric advancements and patient care. Dr. Ryan Vidrine, an interventional psychiatrist, completed his residency at UC San Francisco and directed OCD services at a leading practice. With expertise in OCD and anxiety disorders, he employs medication, psychotherapy, stimulation treatments, and innovative approaches like ketamine and psychedelic therapies to guide clients toward authentic, liberated living. Resources & Links Kristina Orlova, LMFT https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/ https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel https://www.korresults.com/ https://www.onlineocdacademy.com Dr. Noah DeGaetano https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-degaetano-a963251/ https://acaciaclinics.com Dr. Ryan Vidrine https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanvmd/ www.ryanvmd.com     https://www.instagram.com/ryanvmd/   **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 bi-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!

14 Nov 202329min

Think about this: have you ever tried to find peace and meaning through your spiritual practices, like meditation or prayer, only to have nagging, bothersome thoughts and habits that just won't leave you alone? This is the intersection of OCD and spirituality, and it's a complex place where your quest for spiritual connection and the constant demands of OCD come together. In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, I’m joined by Lucy Grantz. Lucy is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in therapy for teens and adults struggling with OCD. During our conversation, we discussed the intersection of OCD and spirituality. We share personal experiences of how spiritual practices can become compulsions for individuals with OCD, such as over-reliance on tarot card readings or healers. We emphasize the importance of distinguishing between engaging in spiritual practices for connection and joy versus using them as compulsions to alleviate anxiety. Our conversation also touches on the rigidity of OCD and the need for grounding.   In This Episode [01:17] The relationship between OCD and spiritual practices [04:09] Compulsive behaviors related to tarot cards and astrology [07:09] The impact of OCD on manifestation and law of attraction [08:03] How spiritual practices can become compulsions for individuals with OCD [08:57] How OCD can affect the practice of meditation [09:46] Thoughts as manifestations [17:29] Recognizing the pattern of OCD [21:11] Finding flexibility in spiritual practices [22:43] Compulsions and over-reliance on spiritual practices [23:38] Compulsive over-processing and fixation on the problem [24:11] Finding a balance between helpful practices and compulsions   Notable Quotes [03:11] “I don't want to make it sound like anything I think is bad about any of these spiritual practices, but when OCD latches on, it can start to be compulsive, and that's what we want to avoid, but that's what happened to me for a long time trying to solve my own OCD before I knew I had OCD.” - Lucy [18:54] “With the law of attraction, that whole thing was like, well, I'm not manifesting what I want. So what's wrong with how I'm thinking about it? Or like I have this one bad thought and what will that mean for what I manifest?” - Lucy [24:53] “I think it's not black and white, you know. I think with this whole thing we're trying to get back to that life is gray. OCD wants it to be one or the other but there are no rights and wrongs. Everything can be helpful and it's about us finding our own path and who we really are and our own grounding versus being in a compulsion.” - Lucy   Our Guest Lucy Grantz is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Minnesota, specializing in helping teens and adults overcome Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety. Drawing from her own experience with OCD, she is dedicated to supporting others through their struggles. Lucy specializes in mental compulsions, using Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and collaborates with renowned expert Frederick Aardema. Her background in Buddhism and mindfulness adds a unique dimension to her therapy, and she is well-versed in Exposure and Response Prevention as well as rumination-focused CBT.   Resources & Links Kristina Orlova, LMFT https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/ https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel https://www.korresults.com/ https://www.onlineocdacademy.com Lucy Grantz https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-grantz-80110626/ https://www.pivotpsychmn.com/about   **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 bi-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!

31 Okt 202327min

Do you ever find yourself double-checking if you locked the front door? Or perhaps you've felt the need to wash your hands repeatedly, even though you know they're already clean? These common experiences might seem like minor quirks, but for individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), they can become all-consuming battles against inferential confusion. In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we are thrilled to be joined by Carl Robbins. During our conversation, we discuss the concept of inferential confusion in OCD, where individuals confuse their imagined possibilities with reality. Carl explains the difference between normal uncertainty and obsessional doubt in OCD, and emphasizes that OCD is always in the imagination and disconnected from relevant information in the present moment. The conversation also touches on the controversy between choosing Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) or Inference Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) for treating OCD.   In This Episode [01:15] The concept of inferential confusion in OCD [03:47] Differentiating normal uncertainty and obsessional doubt [08:23] How obsessional doubt manifests in checking compulsions [09:20] The difference between doubting processes in OCD and normal uncertainty in everyday situations. [10:27] How obsessional doubt arises in OCD and the role of inferential confusion in creating selective reasoning errors. [12:55] Choosing between ERP and ICBT [19:21] The concept of inferential confusion in OCD and how it relates to finding effective treatment approaches. [20:12] Different models and choices in OCD treatment.   Notable Quotes [07:06] "Obsessional doubt is based 100% on my imagination, and once you cross over into the imagination, there are endless possibilities.” - Carl [15:33] “I think often people will say ERP has been around longer than ICBT... and that if it doesn't work or, you know, very often people will get a response, but they won't go into remission..” - Carl [19:58] “What's so important is to understand that nobody's wrong. These are models. These are theories that are applied to our understanding of OCD and how to treat it.”   Our Guest Carl Robbins is the Director of Training and Senior Clinician at the Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute of Maryland. With over 35 years of experience treating OCD and related disorders, Carl has been a mentee of Dr. Sally Winston and has attended multiple trainings through the IOCDF, ADAA and ABCT. He has also presented at the IOCDF and ADAA conferences on OCD and recently underwent individual training with Dr. Fred Aardema, the co-developer of Inference-based CBT for OCD. Carl is passionate about promoting the dissemination of ICBT in the US through various platforms, including consultation, teaching, lectures, social media, and podcasts.   Resources & Links Kristina Orlova, LMFT https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/ https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel https://www.korresults.com/ https://www.onlineocdacademy.com Carl Robbins https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-robbins-3839039/ https://www.anxietyandstress.com/ Mentioned https://icbt.online/   **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 bi-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!

17 Okt 202322min

Bringing a child into the world is often described as one of life's most beautiful and transformative experiences. However, for some new mothers, this journey can be clouded by a silent intruder that lurks in the shadows of their minds – Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). As the world celebrates the arrival of a precious bundle of joy, these mothers find themselves battling intrusive, distressing thoughts and compulsive behaviors that threaten to shatter the blissful facade of motherhood. In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we are delighted to have Conal Harpur. Conal is a psychotherapist specializing in anxiety disorders and OCD during the perinatal period. During our conversation with Conal, we discussed perinatal OCD symptoms, including intrusive thoughts related to the baby's well-being. Conal explains the thought process and distress experienced by individuals with OCD and emphasizes the importance of finding a therapist who understands OCD and the transition into parenthood. We also discuss different therapeutic approaches for OCD and the correlation between stressors and OCD symptoms. We conclude our conversation by touching on public vs. private practice and the importance of individual readiness for transformative growth.   In This Episode [01:22] What is Perinatal OCD how is it different from OCD? [01:55] Symptoms of Perinatal OCD [05:25] Emotional avoidance in OCD [07:28] Understanding and managing OCD with a focus on specific obsessional topics. [08:03] The unpredictability of OCD and the importance of finding a therapist [09:03] CBT and medication as treatment options. [09:56] Analytic psychotherapy and understanding the sense of self. [14:04] The psychological and therapeutic perspective on perfectionism and its connection to OCD. [18:17] The correlation between stress and OCD symptoms [18:39] The overlap between OCD and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder [22:27] The importance of understanding childhood experiences in OCD treatment [25:50] The core emphasis of public practice: Symptom reduction and stress management. [26:49] The transformative journey vs. disorder treatment [27:37] The importance of being in the right emotional space and readiness for therapy,   Notable Quotes [04:36] “ If I have an intrusive image about me approaching my baby or walking down the stairs and dropping my baby on the stairs is a very common one, I might be more inclined to not engage with my baby for fear that I may act on it.”- Conal [14:09] “An individual may develop kind of perfectionistic traits as a defense mechanism in psychoanalytic terms against the kind of reoccurring unacceptable impulses or thoughts they may have growing up.” - Conal [22:28] “Whenever there's a massive rise in responsibility, there's going to be a massive rise in intrusive images, and that's going to fuel the OCD.”- Conal   Our Guest Conal Harpur, a seasoned mental health professional currently completing his doctorate in psychotherapy, specializes in anxiety disorders and OCD, particularly during the perinatal period. He manages the CBT department at a Dublin maternity hospital and runs a private practice for moderate to severe mental health issues, passionately improving lives through psychotherapy.   Resources & Links Kristina Orlova, LMFT https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/ https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel https://www.korresults.com/ https://www.onlineocdacademy.com Conal Harpur https://ie.linkedin.com/in/conal-jacob-harpur-4902a3200 https://www.cbtsolutions.ie/ https://www.instagram.com/cognitive_conal/   **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 bi-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!

3 Okt 202328min

Did you ever stop to consider the intricate challenges individuals with OCD face when they embark on their journey towards treatment? Or perhaps, have you thought about the profound ways in which perfectionism can affect their experiences of intimacy and sex? Alternatively, have you explored the complicated links between hoarding behaviours and OCD? In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, I’m thrilled to have Dr. Patrick McGrath, a renowned expert in treating OCD and author of "The OCD Answer Book" and "Don't Try Harder, Try Different" During our conversation, we explore the main obstacles that hinder progress in OCD treatment. Dr. McGrath mentions "wussy exposures" and the importance of practicing exposure response prevention (ERP) techniques outside of therapy sessions. He also highlights the challenge of recognizing OCD's tricks even after making progress in treatment. We also touch on the impact of perfectionism on intimacy and sex, with Dr. McGrath providing strategies for handling intrusive thoughts. We conclude our conversation with a discussion on hoarding and associations with OCD.   In This Episode [01:07] The number one thing that gets in the way of recovery [05:39] Perfectionism and its impact on intimacy and sex [08:14] How to deal with the intensity of OCD attacks [08:47] The importance of stepping out of a situation and taking a break to collect oneself without giving in to compulsions. [10:00] Setting attainable goals for dealing with intrusive thoughts [11:15] Exposing yourself to intrusive thoughts and practising response prevention [16:48] Recognizing the importance of memory [17:22] Associations and moving forward. [18:03] The concept of emotional contaminants in OCD   Notable Quotes [02:08] “Doing ERP without safety behaviours, even the subtlest of safety behaviours are going to be some of the things that aren't going or that are going to really interfere with your ability to get better.” - Dr. McGrath [03:54] “OCD is always going to try to bring you back into the realm of OCD and doing compulsions. Because remember, OCD eats compulsions for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's the koala of disorders.” - Dr. McGrath [06:13] “OCD likes to tell you it's your best friend and it's ultimately out there for your best interests. So hey, don't go into this situation until you go 100% that everything's going to be okay.” - Dr. McGrath [18:05] “OCD loves to put emotional contaminants on things. You know, there's something bad about this thing or this area and how much then that emotional contamination can spread as well, too.”- Dr. McGrath   Our Guest Dr. Patrick McGrath, a renowned expert in treating OCD and author of "The OCD Answer Book" and "Don't Try Harder, Try Different," presently serves as the Head of Clinical Services at NOCD. He leads therapist recruitment and drives the development of treatment and training protocols, drawing from his extensive experience as the former Assistant Vice President at AMITA Health's Foglia Family Foundation Residential Treatment Center.   Resources & Links Kristina Orlova, LMFT https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/ https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel https://www.korresults.com/ https://www.onlineocdacademy.com Dr. Patrick McGrath https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-mcgrath-37b981/ https://www.treatmyocd.com/   **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 bi-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!

19 Sep 202323min

In the realm of mental health treatment, the evolution of therapeutic approaches is an ongoing journey marked by innovation and discovery. One such breakthrough that has been gaining prominence in recent years is Inference-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT). This cutting-edge approach offers a fresh perspective on how we understand and address our obsessional reasoning process. In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we are joined by Amanda Petrik-Gardner, a true expert in the treatment of OCD and related disorders. One of the key points we discuss is the difference between obsessional doubt and reasonable doubt. Amanda really emphasizes the importance of recognizing whether our doubts are based on direct evidence or our imagination running wild. It's all about distinguishing between what's real and what's not. We also touch on the concept of inferential confusion. This is when we arrive at conclusions based on a reasoning process that is based on imagined scenarios, making it difficult to trust our own senses and perceptions. But fear not, because Amanda introduces us to the concept of reality sensing. It's all about regaining that trust in ourselves and our own experiences.   In This Episode [01:19] Obsessional doubt versus reasonable doubt [07:57] Inferential confusion and its resolution [09:12] The role of senses in OCD [11:23] Using reality sensing in therapy [13:19] Comparison of inference-based CBT with exposure therapy [18:57] The role of imagination in OCD [18:45] Resources for learning about CBT [20:03] Accessing the online class "Be OCD Free”.   Notable Quotes [05:27] “We don't tend to act on possibilities until something in the present moment tells us to do so. Once we get that information now, it's reasonable to act on it.”  Amanda  [07:41] “Inferential confusion is a fancy word just to say we are confusing reality for imagination. We're distrusting our senses. We're over-relying on possibilities. We're taking things like facts and using them in and out of context.” - Amanda  [13:43] “If we can change the doubt, then everything that follows after the doubt is resolved. But what I mean by that is after the doubt comes the fear, the anxiety, and then the compulsion. If we can address the doubt from the beginning, then none of the rest even happens.” - Amanda   Our Guest Amanda Petrik-Gardner Amanda Petrik-Gardner, LCPC, LPC, LIMHP, is a seasoned Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor spanning Kansas and Maine, and Licensed Professional Counselor across Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, and Missouri. She's also the creator of the OCD Exposure Coloring Book. With expertise in OCD, anxiety, and Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors, Amanda offers teletherapy in several states including Florida, facilitating transformative counseling.   Resources & Links Kristina Orlova, LMFT https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/ https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel https://www.korresults.com/ https://www.onlineocdacademy.com Amanda Petrik-Gardner https://www.amandalcpc.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AnxietyOCDTreatment https://www.instagram.com/anxietyocdtreatment https://twitter.com/AnxietyOCDTx **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 bi-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!

5 Sep 202320min

Have you ever found yourself caught in a never-ending cycle of anxious thoughts and compulsive behaviors? Do you constantly feel overwhelmed by the intrusive thoughts that seem to control your every move? If so, you're not alone. Millions of people around the world struggle with anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but there is hope. In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we're chatting with Dr. Reid Wilson, a clinical psychologist who specializes in anxiety disorders and OCD. With his groundbreaking approach, he has helped countless individuals regain control of their lives and find relief from the grip of anxiety. During our conversation, Dr. Wilson shares his incredible self-help program called the 6-Moment Game. This program is all about empowering individuals to effectively manage their obsessions. And let me tell you, it's a game-changer! Dr. Wilson emphasizes that the content of our obsessions is actually irrelevant. It's all about how we handle them. He introduces us to the concept of the 6-Moment Game, which involves being mindful of the present moment and dealing with obsessions and urges as they come up.   In This Episode [00:47] Introduction to Dr. Reid Wilson and his expertise in self-help for anxiety disorders and OCD  [01:12] The importance of understanding OCD [03:47] Introducing the concept of the 6-Moment Game [04:22] The “six moments” process [11:58] The importance of moving forward and not getting caught up in the prepositional phrases of obsessions [15:55] Self-help treatment and collaborative therapy [19:10] The importance of provoking distressing uncertainty. [20:22] Creating rules and following a game plan [24:32] Understanding the simplicity and difficulty of the process of managing OCD   Notable Quotes [03:40] “The six moments are a manifestation of what we've learned. So we learn about principles. We understand that we're playing a mental game against this really very powerful disorder. And when we kind of learn those principles, we're going to bring them down into the moment.” - Dr. Reid [23:14] “The brain works best when the unconscious mind is out of the way.” - Dr. Reid   Our Guest Dr. Reid Wilson Dr. Reid Wilson is  a recognized expert in anxiety disorders and OCD self-help for over 30 years and leads Anxieties.com, an Anxiety Disorders Treatment Center. He has authored several acclaimed books, including "Stopping the Noise in Your Head: The New Way to Overcome Anxiety and Worry" and "Don’t Panic," and has appeared on shows like Oprah and Good Morning America. His contributions were honored by ADAA and the OCD Foundation with their highest awards in 2014 and 2019.   Resources & Links Kristina Orlova, LMFT https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/ https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel https://www.korresults.com/ https://www.onlineocdacademy.com Dr. Reid Wilson https://anxieties.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/rreidwilson/   ** 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 bi-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!

23 Aug 202328min

Learn #allthingsocd with the OCD Whisperer Channel.   OCD Survival Kit: get your free resource with podcasts, books, and bonus worksheets and sign up for our newsletter: OCD Survival Kit + Newsletter Sign Up   Or if you are ready to dive into workshops to break the grips of your OCD, go to www.korresults.com/e-learning *** Brace yourself for an episode that will revolutionize your perspective on ERP therapy. In this dynamic discussion, we're diving deep into the world of Justice-Based ERP Therapy, a groundbreaking approach that's changing the game for OCD treatment. Join me as I sit down with two leading experts in the field, who shed light on the potent impact of Justice-Based ERP in conquering OCD challenges. From exposure exercises to cultivating resilience, we'll explore how this innovative methodology harnesses justice principles to foster empowerment and healing. Dr. Caitlin Pinciotti: https://www.cmpinciotti.com/ https://twitter.com/cmpinciotti Dr. Lauren Wadsworth: https://laurenwadsworth.com/ https://gviproc.org/   *** 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 bi-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!

9 Aug 202325min