The OCD Whisperer Podcast with Kristina Orlova

Available Episodes

5 of 147

The Postpartum Journey: Managing OCD with ICBT for New Parents
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 approach to managing your mental health through this transformative life stage. The 3 things you’ll learn in today’s episode: How OCD manifests uniquely during pregnancy and postpartum. Why sleep management is crucial for those managing OCD during the perinatal period. Practical ways to blend evidence-based therapies with neurodiversity-affirming practices for more holistic support. In This Episode [02:00] Gina’s background and approach to OCD treatment [04:50] OCD during pregnancy and postpartum: unique challenges [07:30] The impact of neurodivergence on OCD in new parents [10:15] How Inference-Based CBT can be used in pregnancy and postpartum [13:00] Gina’s personal experience with neurodivergence and OCD [16:00] The role of sleep and managing stress in OCD recovery [20:00] Practical tools for new parents managing OCD [24:30] Closing and final thoughts Our Guest Gina Abbondante, MSW, LCSW, C-NDAAP is the Founder and Clinical Director of Change of Mind Counseling, specializing in the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders, particularly during pregnancy and postpartum. Gina is trained in various therapeutic modalities, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Inference-Based CBT (ICBT), and is a passionate advocate for neurodivergent individuals, offering neurodiversity-affirming assessments for ADHD and autism. As a parent and partner to neurodivergent family members, Gina brings both personal and professional experience to her work, helping others navigate the challenges of mental health during life’s most transitional moments. Resources & Links Kristina Orlova, LMFT Instagram YouTube OCD CBT Journal Tracker and Planner Website Gina Abbondante, MSW, LCSW, C-NDAAP Website Instagram 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!
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How to Relax When OCD Won’t Let You: A Buddhist and Somatic Healing Perspective
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 system and nurture recovery. If you’ve ever felt trapped by your own thoughts, this conversation offers hope, practical tools, and a fresh perspective on what healing can truly look like. The 3 things you’ll learn in today’s episode: Why relaxation and not constant productivity is crucial for calming an OCD brain. How Pure OCD manifests and why labels can be both freeing and limiting. Practical ways to balance evidence-based OCD treatments with Buddhist-inspired mindfulness and self-compassion. In This Episode [00:01] Introduction and guest welcome [58] Sah’s background and work [03:09] OCD and self-obsession [04:03] Sah’s personal OCD story [04:54] Pure OCD and identity [07:16] Cultural and religious influences [09:04] OCD manifestations and coping [09:53] Kristina’s OCD experience [10:45] The internal experience of OCD [12:51] Relaxation and cultural challenges [15:21] The importance of true relaxation [16:18] Blending Buddhist wisdom with evidence-based OCD therapies [17:57] Mind wandering and savoring the moment [18:57] Closing and farewell Our Guest Sah D’Simone is a spiritual teacher, grief educator, humanitarian, and creator of the Somatic Activated Healing Method, which blends Buddhist teachings, dance, and social justice. With a mission to bring love where love is not, Sah has dedicated his life to both personal transformation and global humanitarian service, supporting communities from Los Angeles to Nepal and India. Resources & Links Kristina Orlova, LMFT Instagram YouTube OCD CBT Journal Tracker and Planner Website Sah D’Simone Website Instagram Somatic Activated Healing Online Membership, which comes with a 7-day free trial 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!
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145. Is I-CBT Just Arguing With OCD?
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 learn in today’s episode: Why mixing ICBT and ERP can be confusing if you don’t fully understand both How ICBT focuses on obsessional doubt rather than just intrusive thoughts What “reality sensing” really means and why it’s not the same as doing exposures What the research says about ICBT’s effectiveness and how it compares to ERP In This Episode [00:31] Meet the panelists [03:56] Can CBT and IBT/ICT be used together? [07:29] Is CBT arguing with OCD? [11:09] Doubt vs. intrusion in OCD [17:49] Reality sensing vs. exposure [20:40] Normal vs. obsessional doubt [24:30] Reassurance in therapy [26:22] Research and evidence for IBT/ICT [36:07] Core fears and feared possible self [37:34] Closing remarks and resources Guests Featured Mike Heady, Co-owner and co-director of the Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute (ASDI), co- chair for ICBT SIG at IOCDF Carl Robbins, Director of Training at ASDI and veteran OCD clinician Christina Ennabe, Licensed therapist specializing in OCD and trauma, Board Member OCD New Hampshire Mike Parker, Private practice owner focused on OCD using ICBT, ERP, and ACT. Host of the YouTube channel, OCD Space Bronwyn Shroyer, LCSW, ICBT trainer, and co-founder of OCD Training School, co- chair for ICBT SIG at IOCDF Resources & Links Kristina Orlova, LMFT Instagram YouTube OCD CBT Journal Tracker and Planner Website Christina Ennabe Website LinkedIn https://www.christinaennabe.com/icbt-course-ocd-escaping-rabbit-hole Mike Heady Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute LinkedIn Mike Parker Website LinkedIn https://www.icbttrainingonline.com Carl Robbins Website LinkedIn Bronwyn Shroyer Website LinkedIn OCD Training School 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!
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144. Are You Fueling Your Child’s Anxiety?
What if the most powerful way to help your anxious child isn’t to fix them—but to change you? In this episode of the OCD Whisperer podcast, host Kristina Orlova welcomes licensed therapist and anxiety expert Robyn Isman to discuss the SPACE protocol (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions). Robyn, certified in SPACE, explains how this evidence-based approach helps reduce childhood anxiety by focusing solely on parents' behaviors rather than direct child intervention. She breaks down the SPACE framework, emphasizing how parental accommodations—such as avoiding triggers or providing excessive reassurance—unintentionally reinforce anxiety cycles. Robyn highlights key steps in SPACE, including educating parents about anxiety as an interpersonal dynamic, identifying accommodations, and creating targeted plans to reduce them. She stresses the importance of "supportive language," which validates a child's fears while expressing confidence in their ability to cope. The conversation also tackles common challenges, such as managing meltdowns during the process and reframing accommodation reduction as an act of love. Robyn shares inspiring success stories and teases her upcoming membership program for parents seeking guidance. Listeners will gain practical insights into fostering resilience in anxious children by stepping back—with compassion—to let them grow.. The 3 things you’ll learn in today’s episode: Why reducing accommodations—not increasing them—is key to helping your anxious child. How to shift from "fixing your kid" to examining your own role in the anxiety cycle. Actionable tools from the SPACE method: mapping accommodations, supportive language, stress testing, and more. In This Episode [00:00] Introduction and free OCD resources [00:45] Meet Robyn Iseman, SPACE-certified therapist [01:10] What is the SPACE method and how does it work? [02:20] Understanding anxiety as interpersonal [04:30] Parental accommodations: what they are and why they matter [07:50] Mapping accommodations and setting target behaviors [10:20] How to handle meltdowns and anger using SPACE [14:00] Emotional regulation—for parents [17:50] How to respond when your child gets upset [20:30] Supportive language and delayed response techniques [23:30] Creating distance from anxiety through externalization [25:50] Addressing safety, stress-testing, and tapping out as parents [28:45] The power of the “announcement” and doing this with love [33:00] Real-life results: How SPACE transforms family dynamics [35:11] Robyn’s upcoming membership and where to find her Our Guest Robyn Isman is a licensed therapist and anxiety expert certified in the SPACE method, with over a decade of experience working with children, teens, and families. Through her private practice and upcoming membership platform, Robyn equips parents with tools to confidently support their anxious children—without reinforcing the anxiety itself. She offers education, strategy, and compassion in equal measure. Resources & Links Kristina Orlova, LMFT Instagram YouTube OCD CBT Journal Tracker and Planner Website Robyn Isman Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Parenting The Anxious Child Membership 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!
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143. Why You Can’t Stop Picking: The Truth About Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
Have you ever caught yourself picking at your skin, biting your nails, or pulling out a hair—then wondered why you can’t seem to stop? You’re not alone. In this eye-opening episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, host Kristina Orlova sits down with Juliet Gustafson , a Michigan-based OCD therapist and professor, to explore the often-misunderstood world of Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs)—like hair pulling (trichotillomania), skin picking, and nail biting. Far from mere "bad habits," these behaviors are complex disorders tied to emotions, sensory triggers, and even biology. Juliette breaks down the five key drivers behind BFRBs: sensory satisfaction, cognitive patterns, emotional states, motor habits, and environmental cues. You'll learn how to distinguish between occasional grooming and compulsive behaviors, discover practical strategies for intervention (like replacement movements and awareness tools), and explore compassionate approaches to self-management. The episode also highlights vital resources, including the TLC Foundation, HabitAware’s smart bracelets, and supportive communities like BFRB Changemakers. Whether you’re struggling with BFRBs or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers hope, clarity, and actionable steps to reclaim control—plus a reminder: healing is possible. The 3 things you’ll learn in today’s episode: Why BFRBs are more than habits—they’re coping mechanisms. How to identify your personal triggers and replace harmful behaviors. Where to find support, tools, and expert-backed solutions. In This Episode [00:00] Introduction [00:45] Juliette’s academic and professional background [01:12] Defining body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) [02:22] Recognizing BFRBs and their impact [03:28] Identifying and understanding BFRBs in yourself [04:19] Managing and exploring BFRBs [05:29] Functions and triggers of BFRBs [09:04] Replacing and modifying BFRB habits [10:58] Awareness and control in BFRBs [12:54] Intervening and self-compassion [13:44] Tools and resources for BFRBs [15:20] Additional BFRB resources and communities [17:27] Encouragement and self-kindness [18:28] The Fidget Podcast and more resources [18:28] OCD representation in media [19:23] Closing and podcast outro Our Guest Juliet Gustafson is a licensed OCD therapist based in Michigan, a part-time professor at Wayne State University’s School of Social Work, and co-host of the Intrusive Plots podcast, which explores OCD representation in film and TV. With a deep passion for helping people better understand and manage OCD and related conditions, Juliette brings both clinical expertise and lived experience into her work. Through therapy, advocacy, and education, she’s helping break the stigma around misunderstood struggles like BFRBs. Resources & Links Kristina Orlova, LMFT Instagram YouTube OCD CBT Journal Tracker and Planner Website Juliet Gustafson Website LinkedIn Instagram Patreon Community Podcast Mentioned Cognitive Therapy for OCD Sneaky Rituals with Jenna Overbaugh ICBT with Kristina Orlova and Christina Ennabe TLC Foundation for BFRBs Picking Me Foundation BFRB Changemakers HabitAware & Keen Bracelet The Fidget Podcast with Jason Yu Film (Exposure, Director: Peter Cannon)
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