The OCD Whisperer Podcast with Kristina Orlova

In a society that is gradually breaking down the barriers surrounding mental health, it's disheartening to witness the lingering shadows of stigma that continue to hinder progress. Marginalized communities often struggle to access support and treatment for OCD despite the fact that it affects people from all walks of life. In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we are excited to speak with Alexandra Reynolds, a mental health graduate student and IOCDF Advocate.  During our conversation, Alexandra discusses the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ community and people of color, in accessing OCD treatment and overcoming cultural stigma. She shares her personal journey of self-acceptance and the importance of finding supportive communities outside of family systems. The conversation also touches on the role of technology in building connections and the significance of prioritizing mental health. Alexandra offers hope to listeners, affirming that everyone is worthy of recovery and a fulfilling life beyond OCD.   In This Episode [00:42] Introduction to Alexandra  [02:07] Stigma and access to treatment [04:27] Cultural differences in mental health [06:40] Family dynamics and acceptance [09:54] Navigating identity and acceptance [11:48] Seeking support and advocacy [16:43] Building supportive communities [18:12] Acceptance and building relationships [18:39] Challenges of being open about OCD [19:18] Encouragement to seek support [20:35] Alexandra’s word of hope: Worthiness of recovery   Notable Quotes [05:37] "I had people tell me that the reason I have mental illness is because I am possessed by a demon and that I just need an exorcism.” -Alexandra [17:14] “Life is still kind of unfair and I can't be out everywhere and not everyone accepts me or understands me, but also, I have some really amazing humans in my life who do.'" -Alexandra  [18:39] "You may live in a place where you can't tell everyone you have OCD, or you may work at a place where you can't tell everyone you have OCD.” -Alexandra  [20:35] “You are totally worthy of it. OCD, stigma, shame, societal expectations—they make us feel that we're not worthy for all these different reasons. But that's not true.” -Alexandra   Our Guest Alexandra Reynolds is a dedicated IOCDF Advocate and mental health graduate student, committed to raising awareness of OCD and providing evidence-based support. Her personal journey with OCD fuels her mission, especially in advocating for marginalized communities. As a first-generation Latinx, she actively works to destigmatize mental health care.   Resources & Links Kristina Orlova, LMFT https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/ https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel https://www.korresults.com/ https://www.onlineocdacademy.com Alexandra Reynolds https://www.instagram.com/alexandraisobsessed/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@alexandraisobsessed   **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!

1 Apr 202422min

In our ever-evolving understanding of mental health, we often fixate on finding a cure or a quick fix for conditions like OCD. But what if we reframed our approach to embrace a journey of skill-building instead? This powerful concept lies at the core of Mark's advocacy for individuals living with OCD. Join us in today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, where we're thrilled to welcome Mark Freeman, a renowned mental fitness coach and author of "You Are Not a Rock." With over 4 million views on his YouTube channel, Mark's empowering approach to mental health is both refreshing and inspiring. During our conversation, we delve into the concept of OCD recovery, emphasizing skill development over the idea of being "recovered." Mark uses the analogy of learning to swim to illustrate managing life with OCD, highlighting adaptability and setting intentions to stay present amidst intrusive thoughts. We also explore the "uncertainty budget" and the impact of a rapidly changing world on mental health. Join us for insights into gradual tool adoption and the importance of avoiding instant solutions. Don't miss out!   In This Episode [00:57] Mark Freeman's YouTube channel [03:10] Approaching recovery [05:42] Flexibility in mental health [07:46] Understanding recovery [08:51] Tools for managing OCD [13:30] Sitting with fear [15:57] Quality time with friends and intrusive thoughts [16:41] Setting intentions in social situations [17:35] Cutting out compulsions and fears [19:37] Starting with the basics [20:24] Accepting imperfection and practice [22:14] Adapting to modern-day stress [23:09] Managing uncertainty budget [25:08] Gratitude and finding stability Notable Quotes [03:57] "What helped me is approaching recovery as more like learning how to swim." -Mark [17:35]"I want to get good at having conversations with people in choppy water while having angry monsters and intrusive thoughts, and that's what I'm going there to practice." - Mark [18:37] "I've been teaching my brain all day through all these kind of normal activities that we should control what other people think, so it's natural I'll just want to keep doing that in that situation."- Mark [25:52]” Everybody, take care of your uncertainty budget; you don't have uncertainty credit cards, you can't go over budget.- Mark   Our Guests Mark Freeman is a seasoned data strategist likening data management to racing - a vital yet often overlooked component. With a passion for integrating data seamlessly into tech ecosystems, he champions the concept of "shifting data left," advocating for collaboration between data and software engineering teams. Mark's expertise lies in optimizing data flow, ensuring businesses harness their data assets effectively for success.   Resources & Links Kristina Orlova, LMFT https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/ https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel https://www.korresults.com/ https://www.onlineocdacademy.com Mark Freeman https://www.linkedin.com/in/mafreeman2/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJzijIM4ED3ukn0GJRWZwhw https://www.instagram.com/markwfreeman/ https://linktr.ee/mwfree YT/everybodyhasabrain Mentioned Book You Are Not a Rock:https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Rock-Step-Step/dp/0143132601   **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 Mars 202427min

Have you ever wondered why some people don't seem to have success with ERP therapy, despite its proven effectiveness?  ERP has helped countless individuals regain control of their lives and find relief from the debilitating symptoms that often accompany anxiety disorders. However, it's essential to recognize that despite the effectiveness of ERP therapy, there are common mistakes that people make which can hinder their progress In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, sit down with Ben Eckstein, a renowned expert in the treatment of anxiety and OCD, and the owner and director of City Anxiety and OCD Treatment Center in Durham, North Carolina. During our conversation, we explore the nuances of treating OCD with exposure and response prevention (ERP). We discuss the importance of managing mental compulsions and rumination, emphasizing the need for a diverse set of coping skills and intentional practice. Our conversation also covers the influence of attachment styles on OCD and the significance of addressing underlying psychological factors. Ben shares insights on building trust in relationships and concludes by discussing his book, "Worrying is Optional."   In This Episode [00:43] Introduction to Ben [01:26] Ben’s involvement with OCD North Carolina [02:59] Identifying ERP pitfalls [04:46] White knuckling and acceptance [06:19] Approaching uncomfortable feelings [15:57] Managing downtime and mental compulsions [25:38] Developing diverse coping skills [28:17] Attachment theory in the context of OCD [31:13] Trusting in yourself and others [32:38] The role of experiential learning    Notable Quotes [05:32] "Acceptance is a process, it's not an outcome." - Ben [12:34] “I think that process of worrying, ruminating all the, the sort of over-analysis and examination that we do, these are complicated behaviors.” -Ben  [29:23]” I always think OCD is lazy. Like it's going to take the easiest path to like, hey, like where is this person vulnerable.” -Ben   Our Guests Ben Eckstein is the owner and director of Bull City Anxiety & OCD Treatment Center, he moved from Massachusetts to North Carolina in 2014. Trained at McLean Hospital’s OCD Institute, he boasts over a decade of experience in treating OCD and Anxiety Disorders. Serving as VP of OCD North Carolina, Ben offers training and workshops, alongside his clinical work. He is also the author of  "Worrying is Optional" a book that tackles anxiety and rumination head-on.   Resources & Links Kristina Orlova, LMFT https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/ https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel https://www.korresults.com/ https://www.onlineocdacademy.com Ben Eckstein https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-eckstein-ba395919/ https://www.bullcityanxiety.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bullcityanxiety/ Mentioned Worrying Is Optional   **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 Mars 202436min

Did you know that our genes can tell a story about our predisposition to OCD and addiction? Well, our genetic makeup isn't our destiny, but rather a blueprint that can be influenced by our environment. It's fascinating to think that we have the power to turn certain genes on or off! In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we are excited to welcome Dr. Evelyn Higgins, a trailblazer in understanding the intricate dance between our genes and our environment, especially when it comes to OCD and addiction. During our conversation, we talk about the genetic and environmental aspects of OCD and addiction. We explore how personalized lab work can reveal unique physiological traits and genetic predispositions that contribute to these conditions. Dr. Higgins emphasizes the importance of understanding one's genetic makeup to make informed choices and potentially alter the expression of genes through environmental changes. We also discuss the affordability and accessibility of personalized treatment, the potential for insurance coverage, and the services offered by Wired Bio Health. In This Episode [02:26] - Genetic standpoint of OCD and addiction [03:29] - Impact of environmental factors on gene expression [10:52] - Correlation between OCD and addiction [14:19] - Importance of personalized lab work [16:47] - Overview of traditional approaches to treating OCD [18:58] - Affordability and insurance coverage [20:43] - Accessibility and flexibility of treatment [22:44] - Advancements in mental health and addiction treatment [23:41] - The future of mental health screening Notable Quotes [02:38]  "We're not healthy one day and sick the next, or healthy one day and addicted the next. It's all the living that we do in between that brings us to either end of that spectrum." - Dr. Evelyn Higgins [02:50] “From a symptomatic standpoint, there are so many correlations that we see that bring somebody towards the addiction side of things, be it anxiety, be it depression, be it agitation.” - Dr. Evelyn Higgins [18:35] "There are so many more advances that have been made that people are not educated on and aren't using just because they don't know." - Dr. Evelyn Higgins Our Guest Dr. Evelyn Higgins is the founder and CEO of Wired Bio Health (formerly Wired for Addiction). Dr. Higgins is not only an expert in the epidemiology of addiction but also a certified addictionologist, a diplomat of the American College of Addiction Allergy and Compulsive Disorders, and a diplomat of the American Board of Disability Analysts specializing in pain management. With over 17 years dedicated to mental health and addiction research, she recently graced international stages as a TED speaker panelist, solidifying her status as a top innovator in healthcare. 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. Evelyn Higgins https://doctorhiggins.com/ https://www.wiredbiohealth.com/ Understanding Genetic Markers of Addiction **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!

20 Feb 202425min

Not many people fully disclose their journey with OCD. Perhaps it's the fear of acceptance or the weight of society's stigma that keeps them silent. But what if we told you that an OCD diagnosis doesn't mean a life sentence of struggle and despair? The healing starts with a simple, yet daring act - opening up.  In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we sit down with Erica Lugo, a remarkable guest whose journey with OCD is both inspiring and enlightening. Erica's story begins with an abrupt onset of OCD symptoms that turned her life upside down. She found herself grappling with intense anxiety, sleepless nights, and a sense of dysfunction that she couldn't shake off. During our conversation, we discuss Erica's journey with OCD. Erica shares her initial struggle with the sudden onset of symptoms, the challenges of accepting her diagnosis, and her quest for effective treatment. She talks about the importance of addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of OCD, the impact of her public persona on her decision to be open about her condition, and the need to break the stigma surrounding mental health. In This Episode [01:05] - Erica’s Journey with OCD [02:39] - Experiences with diagnosis and treatment [05:50] - Challenges of finding appropriate treatment [05:54] - The impact of hormonal imbalance on OCD symptoms [07:40] - The use of ERP therapy [11:14] - Erica's experience as a public figure with OCD [13:39] - Transformation and healing [14:30] - The impact of OCD on life [15:19] - The importance of daily practice in managing OCD. [16:44] - Embracing the diagnosis of OCD [18:59] - The realization that compulsions are not always physical [20:02] - The impact of medication on OCD Notable Quotes [01:44] “I'm someone who I felt like I've never had any mental health battles my whole life. I've never had anxiety or depression or OCD until all of a sudden, I feel like a light switch just kind of went off.” - Erica [14:49] “In OCD, it's not a life sentence, but OCD will tell you it is.” - Erica [15:40] “It is okay to not know what's going to happen next, and it's okay to be okay with the unknown and learn to accept that.” - Erica [20:02] "Medication may not work for you, may make you sick or worse, as it did for me, but just keep going because you can get through it without medication if that's the path for you." - Erica Our Guest Erica Lugo, known from "Biggest Loser" and as a women's wellness influencer, is a loving wife and mom. Passionate about fitness, she shares tips and embraces all things Halloween and dogs. Erica, diagnosed with OCD, courageously advocates mental health awareness, inspiring others to overcome challenges. Through social media, she spreads positivity, making her a relatable and uplifting figure for those seeking a healthier, happier life. Resources & Links Kristina Orlova, LMFT https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/ https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel https://www.korresults.com/ https://www.onlineocdacademy.com Kristina Orlova’s headshot courtesy of https://www.corporateheadshots.ai/ Erica Lugo https://stan.store/EricaFitLove https://www.instagram.com/ericafitlove/ **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!

6 Feb 202421min

Do thoughts of religious sin and moral purity consume your every waking moment, leaving you trapped in a never-ending cycle of guilt and doubt? In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast we are joined by Justin Hughes, a licensed professional counselor with dual expertise in psychology and theology, Justin brings to the table a wealth of vital knowledge on the intersection of faith and OCD. During our conversation, we shine a light on a lesser-known facet of OCD: scrupulosity. This variant explores an individual's deepest discomforts, tapping into their spiritual beliefs and creating perplexing doubts. We explore how intrusive thoughts affect individuals with faith-based OCD, providing examples like doubts about salvation or the correctness of prayers. The discussion also covers the challenges of treating scrupulosity, particularly within a religious context, and how exposure and acceptance commitment therapy can align with Christian values. In This Episode [02:36] - Understanding Scrupulosity [09:46] - Challenges and internal conflict [13:11] - Approach to treatment [16:57] - Importance of honesty and truthfulness in treatment [18:49] - Facing scrupulosity and superstitious obsessions [19:41] - Overcoming avoidance behaviors [23:07] - Paralyzing impact of scrupulosity [24:19] - Challenges in exposure therapy for scrupulosity [26:21] - Building trust and vulnerability in recovery [27:49] - Finding community and support Notable Quotes [07:32]” Most of the time, the person with OCD is, in my experience, usually pretty clear about the perspective. What they're trying to get clear on is the feeling and the fact that it feels like they're in a bad place.” - Justin [10:36] "There's hope. You're not alone; there's help. Many, many, many are walking this road currently, and many have done it before.'" - Justin  [13:41] "Thoughts, whether random or intrusive, reside within us. The key is acknowledging their presence and shining light on the truth." - Justin [23:39] “I don't think scrupulosity is worse than contamination. I don't think contamination is worse than scrupulosity.” - Justin Our Guest Justin Hughes is a licensed professional counselor and owner of Dallas Counseling. He is a dedicated clinician and writer committed to supporting individuals affected by OCD. As a member of the OCD and Faith Task Force and Dallas Ambassador for OCD Texas, he leverages dual training in psychology and theology to explore the intersection of faith and OCD, offering diverse clients valuable insights and assistance. Resources & Links Kristina Orlova, LMFT https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/ https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel https://www.korresults.com/ https://www.onlineocdacademy.com Justin Hughes https://www.justinkhughes.com/ https://www.instagram.com/justinkhugheslpc/ **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!

23 Jan 202430min

Our minds are fascinating realms capable of producing a myriad of thoughts, some fleeting and inconsequential, while others persistently tug at the edges of our consciousness. For individuals grappling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), this mental landscape can be particularly challenging to navigate. One crucial aspect of understanding OCD lies in differentiating between automatic and intentional thoughts, unraveling the intricate dance of the mind, and shedding light on the often misunderstood concept of thought-action fusion. In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we sit down with Michelle Massi, a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 15 years of experience treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Michelle has a private practice in Los Angeles and has worked at the UCLA OCD Intensive Treatment Program and the UCLA Childhood OCD Anxiety and Tic Disorders Program During our conversation, we discussed the difference between automatic and intentional thoughts, particularly with intrusive thoughts experienced by individuals with OCD. Michelle explains the concept of thought-action fusion and emphasizes that having a thought does not define a person's character. She also discusses the role of guilt and shame in OCD, encouraging individuals to have self-compassion and recognize that everyone has negative thoughts or biases. The conversation also touches on exposure and response prevention therapy. In This Episode [03:27] Automatic and intentional thoughts [03:36] Thought-action fusion [07:31] Overly paying attention to negative thoughts [08:06] Automatic and intentional thoughts (revisited) [09:42] Labeling thoughts [13:38] Certainty and uncertainty [15:44] Imaginal exposure scripts [16:28] Pushing clients beyond normal limits [19:49] Alternative approaches to imaginal exposures [23:14] Guilt and shame from judgment [24:40] Recognizing intrusive thoughts [27:30] Self-compassion and inner conversation Notable Quotes [09:15] "If I have the thought, like, what if this bad thing happens, I have 100% control over whether or not I'm going to do anything with that thought." - Michelle [13:39] "I don't need to solve a problem that doesn't exist yet. I haven't yet stabbed somebody, so I don't need to worry about whether or not I'm going to." - Michelle [22:02] "I don't need to sit there going, 'Oh my God, I didn't die. It's like, I don't know if I did or not. And right now I'm doing the dishes, so I'm going to focus on doing the dishes. I don't need to have this argument." - Michelle [29:42] “You’re not alone. You can get help, find support, and find a community to connect with.” Our Guest Michelle Massi is a seasoned mental health professional with over 15 years of expertise in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders. As the former Associate Clinical Director at the UCLA OCD Adult Intensive Treatment Program, she navigated the complexities of comprehensive care. Michelle's commitment to advancing the field is evident through her role as an International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) BTTI faculty member and a consistent presenter at the IOCDF Conference from 2009 to 2023. With a focus on education and collaboration, she extends her impact by offering training and consultation to clinicians, clergy members, and family members, contributing to the broader mental health community. Resources & Links Kristina Orlova, LMFT https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/ https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel https://www.korresults.com/ https://www.onlineocdacademy.com Michelle Massi https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmassi/ www.anxietytherapyla.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!

9 Jan 202430min

When it comes to finding effective ways to help people dealing with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), the search for better treatments is an ongoing journey. Traditionally, we've relied on therapies and medications, but there's a new and somewhat controversial idea gaining attention – psychedelic therapy. In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast,  we have the pleasure of hosting Natalia Aíza and Matthew Williams, the founders of Kairos Wellness Collective. Natalia Aíza, an LPC is a passionate mental health advocate who has personally journeyed with OCD. Matthew Williams, a clinical herbalist, brings a wealth of knowledge from his advanced degree in traditional Chinese medicine and his upbringing in South Korea. Both Natalia and Matthew have extensive knowledge about psychedelic treatment for OCD and herbal natural remedies. During our conversation, we discussed their holistic approach to treating OCD, incorporating traditional Chinese medicine, herbs, and psychedelic treatments like ketamine. We emphasize the importance of a controlled setting for ketamine therapy and the potential for lasting change through regular sessions and integration activities. We also discuss the need for flexibility in treating OCD, as it presents differently in each individual. In This Episode [03:30] The current research for psychedelic treatment for OCD [04:57] The shift from ego-centric OCD to ego-tonic OCD [06:35] Effects of psilocybin and ketamine on neuroplasticity and anxiety reduction [08:46] The IV setup and referral list [09:37] The science behind ketamine [17:18] Psychedelic medicine and therapy [18:13] Incorporating EMDR and safe container [19:17] Dosing and perspective with ketamine [25:14] Flexibility in OCD treatment [25:49] Kairos Wellness Collective Notable Quotes [09:43] "Am I spending my time doing the things that I care about? That's what ketamine did for me." - Natalia [19:19] “Since by nature, you know, ketamine and other psychedelics are just associative. And so we must make sure that we get you back into your body and you feel comfortable so that you're connected." - Matthew [23:14] "Ketamine is an incredibly safe drug that we know exactly how to dose it, it's been studied extensively with OCD and it's very effective." - Natalia Our Guests Natalia Aíza, a multicultural counselor, prioritizes active client participation in her modern, goal-oriented therapy. With diverse international experience, including creating a play therapy program in a Shanghai orphanage, she practices transformative therapy at Kairos Wellness Collective in Boulder, integrating outdoor activities with her therapy dog, Miszu. Matthew Williams, a clinical herbalist rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, enhances well-being through personalized consultations and holistic treatments. Raised in South Korea, he combines acupressure, Tui Na massage, and dietary therapy, drawing from his own experiences with OCD and the Autistic spectrum to support individuals with Neurodiversity in customized sessions for holistic healing.   Resources & Links Kristina Orlova, LMFT https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/ https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel https://www.korresults.com/ https://www.onlineocdacademy.com Matthew Williams and Natalia Aíza https://www.kairoswellnesscollective.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kairoswellnesscollective   **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!

26 Dec 202326min