Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share 150. OCD Expert: This Is Why ERP Feels Like Torture (But Works)
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
150. OCD Expert: This Is Why ERP Feels Like Torture (But Works)
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 repetition
This conversation also dives into:
• Why OCD thrives on avoidance and secrecy
• How imaginal exposures flip the power dynamic over intrusive thoughts
• The role of compassion and creativity in ERP therapy
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 step toward recovery.
📲 Natalia Aiza (guest):
✂️TIMESTAMPS:
[00:30] – Introduction to ERP Series & Guest Natalia
[01:05] – What is ERP? Understanding the basics
[02:35] – Why would anyone face their fears?
[05:40] – Misconceptions: Is ERP “torture”?
[07:57] – How ERP is structured step by step
[09:23] – Willingness vs distress levels: where to begin
[11:30] – Helping clients move past fear and resistance
[14:08] – Different approaches & therapist styles in ERP
[17:08] – Starting with the least threatening exposures
[18:21] – Distress tolerance vs compulsions: key nuance
[20:09] – Examples of distress tolerance exercises
[21:32] – Flexibility in ERP: adapting to clients’ needs
[23:45] – Getting into the right mindset for ERP
[25:04] – How long does ERP take to start showing relief?
[28:20] – Closing reflections & key ERP takeaways
✅ Free Resources & Links
📲 Stay Connected
📩 Business Inquiries: [email protected]
✅ About OCD Whisperer
Welcome to OCD Whisperer! Each episode shares tools and insights for OCD recovery, managing intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT techniques, anxiety relief, and mindfulness practices. Join me for expert interviews and personal insights into overcoming OCD. Subscribe to find support, strategies, and hope for your OCD journey.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note while the 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.
🔑 SEO Keywords
OCD imaginal exposures
ERP therapy for OCD
intrusive thoughts recovery
OCD treatment strategies
facing taboo fears in OCD
Kristina Orlova OCD Whisperer
© OCD Whisperer
View all episodes
By Kristina Orlova
4.7
7474 ratings
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 repetition
This conversation also dives into:
• Why OCD thrives on avoidance and secrecy
• How imaginal exposures flip the power dynamic over intrusive thoughts
• The role of compassion and creativity in ERP therapy
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 step toward recovery.
📲 Natalia Aiza (guest):
✂️TIMESTAMPS:
[00:30] – Introduction to ERP Series & Guest Natalia
[01:05] – What is ERP? Understanding the basics
[02:35] – Why would anyone face their fears?
[05:40] – Misconceptions: Is ERP “torture”?
[07:57] – How ERP is structured step by step
[09:23] – Willingness vs distress levels: where to begin
[11:30] – Helping clients move past fear and resistance
[14:08] – Different approaches & therapist styles in ERP
[17:08] – Starting with the least threatening exposures
[18:21] – Distress tolerance vs compulsions: key nuance
[20:09] – Examples of distress tolerance exercises
[21:32] – Flexibility in ERP: adapting to clients’ needs
[23:45] – Getting into the right mindset for ERP
[25:04] – How long does ERP take to start showing relief?
[28:20] – Closing reflections & key ERP takeaways
✅ Free Resources & Links
📲 Stay Connected
📩 Business Inquiries: [email protected]
✅ About OCD Whisperer
Welcome to OCD Whisperer! Each episode shares tools and insights for OCD recovery, managing intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT techniques, anxiety relief, and mindfulness practices. Join me for expert interviews and personal insights into overcoming OCD. Subscribe to find support, strategies, and hope for your OCD journey.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note while the 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.
🔑 SEO Keywords
OCD imaginal exposures
ERP therapy for OCD
intrusive thoughts recovery
OCD treatment strategies
facing taboo fears in OCD
Kristina Orlova OCD Whisperer
© OCD Whisperer
More shows like The OCD Whisperer Podcast with Kristina Orlova
View all
ADHD Experts Podcast
1,330 Listeners
The Anxious Truth - A Panic, Anxiety, and Mental Health Podcast
1,218 Listeners
Your Anxiety Toolkit - Practical Skills for Anxiety, Panic Depression
826 Listeners
The OCD Stories
757 Listeners
Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson
2,504 Listeners
AT Parenting Survival | Raising Kids with OCD & Anxiety
1,213 Listeners
The OCD & Anxiety Podcast
135 Listeners
Therapy in a Nutshell
573 Listeners
The Anxiety Dr. Podcast
356 Listeners
Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens
104 Listeners
Good Inside with Dr. Becky
4,535 Listeners
We Can Do Hard Things
41,506 Listeners
The Mel Robbins Podcast
20,335 Listeners
Disordered: Anxiety Help
403 Listeners
The Oprah Podcast
1,551 Listeners