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There’s a quiet tension in love when you live with OCD—an unshakable feeling that something’s off, followed by crushing doubt: Is this real, or is it just my disorder? You learn to second-guess yourself, to dismiss your instincts, to stay in places that feel unsafe because your brain tells you fear is always a lie. But what if it isn’t?
In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, host Kristina Orlova talks with marine biologist, Antarctic researcher, and Braving the Waves author Ally Kristan about the dangerous intersection of OCD and relationships. Diagnosed at 12, Ally knows how OCD can distort reality—how you can mistake manipulation for reassurance, red flags for intrusive thoughts, and chaos for normalcy.
Together, they explore the heart of the dilemma: How do you trust yourself when your mind has betrayed you before? OCD doesn’t just invent fears—it can bury real ones, conditioning you to ignore the quiet voice that says, This isn’t right.
They unpack how manipulative partners exploit OCD’s vulnerabilities—love bombing, gaslighting, instability disguised as passion. And they offer a counterpoint: what safe, steady love can actually feel like.
This episode isn’t just insight—it’s an invitation. To stop gaslighting yourself. To reclaim your instincts. To step into relationships that feel like peace instead of war.
The question isn’t can you trust yourself again. It’s: are you ready to try? Let’s get into it!
In This Episode
Notable Quotes
Our Guest
Ally Kristan is a marine biologist, wildlife advocate, and author of Braving the Waves, a memoir exploring her journey with OCD and toxic relationships. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, NPR, and Audubon Magazine. Through speaking engagements and her Instagram (@UpYourAlly), Ally empowers others to reclaim self-trust and navigate mental health challenges with resilience.
Resources & Links
Kristina Orlova, LMFT
Ally Kristan
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!
4.7
6868 ratings
There’s a quiet tension in love when you live with OCD—an unshakable feeling that something’s off, followed by crushing doubt: Is this real, or is it just my disorder? You learn to second-guess yourself, to dismiss your instincts, to stay in places that feel unsafe because your brain tells you fear is always a lie. But what if it isn’t?
In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, host Kristina Orlova talks with marine biologist, Antarctic researcher, and Braving the Waves author Ally Kristan about the dangerous intersection of OCD and relationships. Diagnosed at 12, Ally knows how OCD can distort reality—how you can mistake manipulation for reassurance, red flags for intrusive thoughts, and chaos for normalcy.
Together, they explore the heart of the dilemma: How do you trust yourself when your mind has betrayed you before? OCD doesn’t just invent fears—it can bury real ones, conditioning you to ignore the quiet voice that says, This isn’t right.
They unpack how manipulative partners exploit OCD’s vulnerabilities—love bombing, gaslighting, instability disguised as passion. And they offer a counterpoint: what safe, steady love can actually feel like.
This episode isn’t just insight—it’s an invitation. To stop gaslighting yourself. To reclaim your instincts. To step into relationships that feel like peace instead of war.
The question isn’t can you trust yourself again. It’s: are you ready to try? Let’s get into it!
In This Episode
Notable Quotes
Our Guest
Ally Kristan is a marine biologist, wildlife advocate, and author of Braving the Waves, a memoir exploring her journey with OCD and toxic relationships. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, NPR, and Audubon Magazine. Through speaking engagements and her Instagram (@UpYourAlly), Ally empowers others to reclaim self-trust and navigate mental health challenges with resilience.
Resources & Links
Kristina Orlova, LMFT
Ally Kristan
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!
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