142. Theme Shifting OCD and Relationship Anxiety: How to Tell What’s Real
The OCD Whisperer Podcast with Kristina Orlova15 Juli

142. Theme Shifting OCD and Relationship Anxiety: How to Tell What’s Real

Did you know OCD is like an overprotective friend—one that targets what you love most? It sounds strange, doesn’t it?

In this episode of the OCD Whisperer Podcast, host Kristina Orlova is joined by Dr. Thomas Ballas, a clinical psychologist specializing in OCD, anxiety, perfectionism, and trauma. Dr. Ballas provides therapy via telehealth across 42 states and brings a practical, evidence-based perspective to the discussion.

Together, they explore the concept of theme shifting in OCD—how intrusive thoughts often jump from one obsession to another—and why ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) remains effective even as themes evolve. The conversation also covers Relationship OCD, highlighting ways to differentiate between genuine relationship concerns and OCD-driven doubt.

The episode concludes with a discussion on rebuilding self-trust and confidence after years of navigating OCD.

If you've ever found yourself second-guessing your thoughts, your feelings, or even your relationships, this conversation offers clarity, practical tools, and a fresh way to understand what’s really going on. Let’s jump into it!

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

  • Why OCD themes change and how to apply ERP no matter what your brain latches onto
  • What differentiates real relationship concerns from Relationship OCD and how to tell the difference
  • How to build mood-independent confidence and make values-based decisions despite doubt

In This Episode

  • [00:32] Introduction to Dr Thomas Ballas
  • [01:23] What OCD theme shifting is and why it happens
  • [02:01] Why OCD attacks what we value most
  • [03:29] The internal false alarm system and shifting fear
  • [05:07] How to apply ERP even when themes change
  • [06:11] Noticing the same patterns behind different thoughts
  • [07:05] Navigating taboo and emotionally charged OCD themes
  • [08:19] “But this time it feels different” – how to manage doubts that seem real
  • [09:23] Diving into Relationship OCD and distinguishing it from real concerns
  • [11:14] Real dysfunction vs. OCD-fueled rumination
  • [13:07] Self-doubt, shame, and the role of mood-independent choices
  • [14:25] Confidence, compassion, and choosing values-based actions
  • [15:28] Where to find Dr. Thomas Ballas online

Our Guest

Dr. Thomas Ballas is a clinical psychologist based in New York and New Jersey, specializing in OCD, anxiety, perfectionism, and trauma. Through telehealth, he serves clients in over 42 states. His approach emphasizes evidence-based techniques like ERP and values-driven recovery. Dr. Ballas is passionate about helping people regain self-trust and build resilience on their journey with OCD.

Resources & Links

Kristina Orlova, LMFT

Dr. Thomas Ballas

Mentioned

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!

Avsnitt(149)

45. Special Episode Series with Matt Codde on Overcoming Taboo Intrusive Thoughts

45. Special Episode Series with Matt Codde on Overcoming Taboo Intrusive Thoughts

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   Today I talk to my friend and colleague Matt Codde about Overcoming Taboo Intrusive Thoughts and the workshop we will be running LIVE on October 27th, 2021 at 12 PM PST! This is part 1 of a 3 part series. ***   IG @ocdwhisperer  Resources for OCD eBk: How to Stop Compulsive Rumination + 30 day journal Facebook Podcast Community   _____ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes.  Though I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California & specialize in OCD and Anxiety Disorders, this does not replace therapy.    See you in the next episode!   Keep going in the meantime.   *Episodes come out out bi-weekly.

18 Okt 202140min

44. OCD is not a thinking problem

44. OCD is not a thinking problem

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   Today I talk to you about OCD and how re-frame it and realize it is not a thinking problem.  If you can grasp this principle, you can literally start to make changes today. ***   IG @ocdwhisperer  Resources for OCD eBk: How to Stop Compulsive Rumination + 30 day journal Facebook Podcast Community   _____ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes.  Though I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California & specialize in OCD and Anxiety Disorders, this does not replace therapy.    See you in the next episode!   Keep going in the meantime.   *Episodes come out out bi-weekly.

4 Okt 202113min

43. Interview with Dr. Courtney Paré on OCD and Decision Making

43. Interview with Dr. Courtney Paré on OCD and Decision Making

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   Today I interview Dr. Courtney Paré, ND on OCD and Decision Making How OCD impacts a persons ability to make a decision? What are some common fears that can come up for those with OCD and decisions? (fear of making a mistake and compulsively needing to go back and forth on a decision or information gathered) Social media for Dr. Paré: Website Instagram ***   IG @ocdwhisperer  Resources for OCD eBk: How to Stop Compulsive Rumination + 30 day journal Facebook Podcast Community   _____ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes.  Though I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California & specialize in OCD and Anxiety Disorders, this does not replace therapy.    See you in the next episode!   Keep going in the meantime.   *Episodes come out out bi-weekly.

20 Sep 202124min

42. Interview with India Haylor on Postpartum OCD

42. Interview with India Haylor on Postpartum OCD

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   Today I interview India Haylor from OCD Excellence on Postpartum OCD   1. What are signs and symptoms   2. What do you say to the question of why me? How did I get this?   3. One message you want to leave for anyone with this OCD subtype.   Social media: IG: @ocdexcellence Website: OCD Excellence ___ Kickstart your OCD healing with my free 5 day challenge (click here) Mastering OCD Membership (your questions answered by me) YouTube Channel Facebook Podcast Community OCD Whisperer Instagram   To work with me regardless where you live, email me: info@masteringocd.com   Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes.  Though I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California & specialize in OCD and Anxiety Disorders, this does not replace therapy.    See you in the next episode!   Keep going.  Keep growing.  Keep glowing.   *Episodes come out out bi-weekly on Mondays.

7 Sep 202114min

41. Interview with Lauren McMeikan Rosen on Bestiality/ Pets and OCD

41. Interview with Lauren McMeikan Rosen on Bestiality/ Pets and OCD

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   Today I interview Lauren McMeikan Rosen LMFT from The Obsessive Mind What are some taboo OCD themes? Some common symptoms for this subtype Normalizing hard thoughts IG: @theobsessivemind https://www.instagram.com/theobsessivemind/?hl=en Web: www.theobsessivemind.com ***   IG @ocdwhisperer  Resources for OCD eBk: How to Stop Compulsive Rumination + 30 day journal Facebook Podcast Community   _____ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes.  Though I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California & specialize in OCD and Anxiety Disorders, this does not replace therapy.    See you in the next episode!   Keep going in the meantime.   *Episodes come out out bi-weekly.

23 Aug 202122min

40. Interview with Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona on ACT and OCD

40. Interview with Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona on ACT and OCD

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   Today I interview Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona from ACT Beyond OCD What is a general principle behind ACT? How can ACT be used for OCD treatment? Values based ERP examples Twitter: @DrZ_behaviorist IG: Follow Dr. Z on Instagram ***   IG @ocdwhisperer  Resources for OCD eBk: How to Stop Compulsive Rumination + 30 day journal Facebook Podcast Community   _____ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes.  Though I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California & specialize in OCD and Anxiety Disorders, this does not replace therapy.    See you in the next episode!   Keep going in the meantime.   *Episodes come out out bi-weekly.

10 Aug 202128min

39. Interview with Natasha Daniels from AT Parenting Survival

39. Interview with Natasha Daniels from AT Parenting Survival

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   Today I interview Natasha Daniels, LCSW from AT Parenting Survival What does AT Parenting stand for? How do you work with parents who are not on the same page? OCD behavior vs regular kid behavior ***   IG @ocdwhisperer  Resources for OCD eBk: How to Stop Compulsive Rumination + 30 day journal Facebook Podcast Community   _____ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes.  Though I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California & specialize in OCD and Anxiety Disorders, this does not replace therapy.    See you in the next episode!   Keep going in the meantime.   *Episodes come out out bi-weekly.

26 Juli 202119min

38. OCD and Trauma

38. OCD and Trauma

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   Today I talk about OCD and Trauma. ***   IG @ocdwhisperer  Resources for OCD eBk: How to Stop Compulsive Rumination + 30 day journal Facebook Podcast Community   _____ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes.  Though I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California & specialize in OCD and Anxiety Disorders, this does not replace therapy.    See you in the next episode!   Keep going in the meantime.   *Episodes come out out bi-weekly.

13 Juli 202112min

Populärt inom Hälsa

somna-med-henrik
rss-bara-en-till-om-missbruk-medberoende-2
inga-beiga-morsor
alska-oss
sexnoveller-deluxe
angestpodden
johannes-hansen-podcast
brottarbroder
sova-med-dan-horning
not-fanny-anymore
en-beroendepodd-av-the-house
sa-in-i-sjalen
en-beroendepodd-av-the-house-2
dodsdomar
tyngre-traningssnack
halsoveckan-by-tyngre
rss-viktmedicinpodden
handen-pa-hjartat
rss-sjalsligt-avkladd
smartare-fitness-podden