//podcastplus.net/feed/the-ocd-whisperer-podcast-with-kristina-orlova~7ca174bd Unlock the secrets of OCD.Expert insights, personal stories, and practical tips.Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.#allthingsocd Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:06:50 +0000 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/emx3jpifgt3rmcq5/Natalia_Aiza_episode_151_A_ONLY7ypd2.mp3 What if the story that makes you feel most ashamed… is the exact story you need to face?   This episode includes some words that platform may flag as problematic. We have muted them to prevent issues with the platform. These edits are purely for compliance and do not change the meaning or therapeutic purpose of the script.   In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova continues her conversation with clinical director Natalia Aiza in part three of the ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) series. Together, they explore live exposures — the practice of confronting OCD fears in real time instead of avoiding them.   Natalia shares her journey of: • Facing intrusive fears head-on with live ERP • Learning to trust herself again after doubting her safety around loved ones • Why “breaking OCD’s rules” is key to recovery • What it really feels like to sit in the discomfort and not perform compulsions   This episode also dives into: • Why ERP feels ... Tue, 23 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/emx3jpifgt3rmcq5/Natalia_Aiza_episode_151_A_ONLY7ypd2.mp3 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/2cgqadt53igqnmdh/VIDEO_EPISODE_150_AUDIO_ONLY7g9vy.mp3 What if the scariest story your mind tells… could actually set you free?   *This episode includes a live imaginal script. Some words that algorithm may flag as problematic have been muted to prevent issues with the platform. These edits are purely for compliance and do not change the meaning or therapeutic purpose of the script.*   In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova sits down with Natalia for part two of a four-part series on ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention). Together, they dive into the misunderstood practice of imaginal exposures — a therapeutic tool that helps people face OCD’s darkest fears on paper, reclaim power from intrusive thoughts, and build true resilience.   Natalia opens up about: • Writing an imaginal script around her most feared intrusive thoughts • How OCD convinced her she could be a danger to her own children • Why telling the “fear story” in detail reduced its power • What it feels like to desensitize through repe... Tue, 16 Sep 2025 16:36:29 +0000 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/2cgqadt53igqnmdh/VIDEO_EPISODE_150_AUDIO_ONLY7g9vy.mp3 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/b3jychzi7ugpp95z/VIDEO_EPISODE_149_AUDIO_ONLY7h5kg.mp3 Can ERP really help you face your biggest fears? In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Natalia, a therapist specializing in OCD treatment. Together, they explore the foundations of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy and why it is considered first line treatment for OCD.   Natalia opens up about: The basics of ERP and how it actually works in practice Why people fear ERP and worry it will feel “torturous” How therapists can guide clients step by step without overwhelming them Strategies for building confidence and willingness in the recovery journey   This conversation also dives into: Common misconceptions about ERP and OCD treatment The importance of flexibility, creativity, and pacing in therapy How ERP is not about “beating you down” but about empowering lasting change Whether you are navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone, this episode offers clarity, tools, and hope to help you understand ERP and take the first ... Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:56:51 +0000 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/b3jychzi7ugpp95z/VIDEO_EPISODE_149_AUDIO_ONLY7h5kg.mp3 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/3w9bpa8i69eifaq9/Audio_V1_-_Ep_148_-_The_OCD_Whisperer_1_aemeg.mp3 What does it mean to succeed while living with OCD? In this episode, Kristina Orlova sits down with Scott Stirret, founder and CEO of Venture for Canada and author of The Uncertainty Advantage, to explore how OCD and uncertainty intersect with ambition, business, and personal growth. Scott opens up about his diagnosis during the pandemic, how OCD shaped his thoughts and rituals long before he had a name for it, and why getting evidence-based treatment through ERP was life-changing. He also shares candidly about setbacks, recovery, and what it means to manage OCD as a lifelong condition. Together, Kristina and Scott unpack the sneaky ways OCD shows up, the power of mindfulness and self-compassion, and how embracing uncertainty can actually become a strength rather than a fear. Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers hope, practical strategies, and a powerful reminder that success and OCD are not mutually exclusive.   The 3 things you’ll learn... Tue, 26 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/3w9bpa8i69eifaq9/Audio_V1_-_Ep_148_-_The_OCD_Whisperer_1_aemeg.mp3 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/n3uaymibr2b8xaar/Audio_V2_-_Ep_147_-_The_OCD_Whispererbtyjk.mp3 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 app... Tue, 19 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/n3uaymibr2b8xaar/Audio_V2_-_Ep_147_-_The_OCD_Whispererbtyjk.mp3 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/n3uaymibr2b8xaar/Audio_V2_-_Ep_147_-_The_OCD_Whispererbtyjk.mp3 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 app... Tue, 19 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/n3uaymibr2b8xaar/Audio_V2_-_Ep_147_-_The_OCD_Whispererbtyjk.mp3 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/dk752f9ivytki9qt/Audio_V3_-_Ep146_-_The_OCD_Whispererbv0tl.mp3 What does it feel like when your mind gets stuck on a loop, telling you again and again that you’re a bad person? That’s the reality of Pure OCD. In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova sits down with Sah D’Simone, spiritual teacher, humanitarian, and creator of the Somatic Activated Healing method, for an open and heartfelt conversation.   Sah shares his journey with intrusive thoughts that made him question his worth, how growing up in a Buddhist culture shaped his experience, and how the loss of his mother made everything even more intense. Instead of letting OCD take over, he’s leaned into Buddhist wisdom, somatic healing, and service to others as powerful ways to heal.   Together, Kristina and Sah unpack how OCD fuels cycles of self-obsession and why real healing often begins with learning to slow down, relax, and be present. They talk about the role of evidence-based treatments like ERP and ACT, while also highlighting holistic practices that calm the nervous sy... Tue, 12 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/dk752f9ivytki9qt/Audio_V3_-_Ep146_-_The_OCD_Whispererbv0tl.mp3 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/dk752f9ivytki9qt/Audio_V3_-_Ep146_-_The_OCD_Whispererbv0tl.mp3 What does it feel like when your mind gets stuck on a loop, telling you again and again that you’re a bad person? That’s the reality of Pure OCD. In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova sits down with Sah D’Simone, spiritual teacher, humanitarian, and creator of the Somatic Activated Healing method, for an open and heartfelt conversation.   Sah shares his journey with intrusive thoughts that made him question his worth, how growing up in a Buddhist culture shaped his experience, and how the loss of his mother made everything even more intense. Instead of letting OCD take over, he’s leaned into Buddhist wisdom, somatic healing, and service to others as powerful ways to heal.   Together, Kristina and Sah unpack how OCD fuels cycles of self-obsession and why real healing often begins with learning to slow down, relax, and be present. They talk about the role of evidence-based treatments like ERP and ACT, while also highlighting holistic practices that calm the nervous sy... Tue, 12 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/dk752f9ivytki9qt/Audio_V3_-_Ep146_-_The_OCD_Whispererbv0tl.mp3 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/tfi3ahafvexqwhgp/Audio_V2_-_Ep_145_ICBT_Panel_discussion_-_The_OCD_Whispererbrmku.mp3 Is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) the only way to treat OCD? What if there’s another evidence-based approach that works differently and might even feel more intuitive to some?   In this episode of the OCD Whisperer Podcast, host Kristina Orlova brings together a panel of seasoned OCD clinicians: Mike Heady, Christina Ennabe, Mike Parker, Carl Robbins, and Bronwyn Shroyer. Together, they unpack the essentials of Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) and how it compares to ERP.   They bust common myths like whether ICBT is just arguing with your thoughts and explain how it helps people move out of imagined fears and back into reality. They also dive into when ERP might still be helpful, how ICBT handles doubt differently, and what the research says about its effectiveness.   Whether you're new to ICBT or trying to figure out which approach fits you best, this conversation brings depth, clarity, and a refreshing perspective on OCD treatment.   The 4 things you’ll l... Tue, 05 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/tfi3ahafvexqwhgp/Audio_V2_-_Ep_145_ICBT_Panel_discussion_-_The_OCD_Whispererbrmku.mp3 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/tfi3ahafvexqwhgp/Audio_V2_-_Ep_145_ICBT_Panel_discussion_-_The_OCD_Whispererbrmku.mp3 Is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) the only way to treat OCD? What if there’s another evidence-based approach that works differently and might even feel more intuitive to some?   In this episode of the OCD Whisperer Podcast, host Kristina Orlova brings together a panel of seasoned OCD clinicians: Mike Heady, Christina Ennabe, Mike Parker, Carl Robbins, and Bronwyn Shroyer. Together, they unpack the essentials of Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) and how it compares to ERP.   They bust common myths like whether ICBT is just arguing with your thoughts and explain how it helps people move out of imagined fears and back into reality. They also dive into when ERP might still be helpful, how ICBT handles doubt differently, and what the research says about its effectiveness.   Whether you're new to ICBT or trying to figure out which approach fits you best, this conversation brings depth, clarity, and a refreshing perspective on OCD treatment.   The 4 things you’ll l... Tue, 05 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/tfi3ahafvexqwhgp/Audio_V2_-_Ep_145_ICBT_Panel_discussion_-_The_OCD_Whispererbrmku.mp3