October 21, 2025

155. OCD Exposed: 10 Myths and Misconceptions about OCD (and what people get wrong)

25 minutes

Is everything you’ve been told about OCD wrong?

In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova sits down with Elysse Lescarbeau, writer, advocate, and author of OCD Exposed: 10 Myths and Misconceptions About Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Together, they uncover the hidden sides of OCD—from misunderstood symptoms to the powerful truth about recovery.

Elysse opens up about:

• Being misdiagnosed and discovering OCD later in life

• Living with mental compulsions and invisible obsessions

• The breaking point that led to her diagnosis and healing

• How ERP, ACT, and ICBT changed her life and mindset

This honest conversation dives into:

• The biggest myths and misconceptions about OCD

• The hidden forms of OCD most people never see

• How OCD recovery rewires your brain and restores hope

• Real stories of survival, recovery, and empowerment

Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone you love, this episode offers hope, clarity, and practical tools for real recovery.

📲 About Elysse Lescarbaugh (guest):

Certified life coach + future therapist

OCD & Anxiety Survivor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ocd.or.just.me

Webpage: https://www.ocdorjustme.com/

✂️ TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] “I Thought My Brain Was Broken” — Meet Elysse, Who Discovered OCD at 29

[00:57] The Childhood Moment That Changed Everything: Protecting Her Little Brother Became an Obsession

[01:45] Silent Struggles: Living Decades with OCD No One Could See

[02:30] The Breaking Point: When Compulsions Suddenly Stopped Working in Europe

[03:15] “I Don’t Want to Live Anymore” — The Night She Finally Asked for Help

[03:45] The Doctor Who Changed Her Life With One Sentence: “Have You Ever Considered OCD?”

[04:30] The Power of Honesty: How One Conversation Opened the Door to Recovery

[05:15] From Despair to Diagnosis — The Moment Everything Made Sense

[05:50] Why OCD Isn’t About Cleaning or Order — The Biggest Myth Everyone Believes

[06:45] How the Media Got OCD All Wrong (and Why It Still Hurts Real People)

[07:30] The Hidden Type of OCD No One Talks About: Mental Compulsions & Rumination

[08:40] The Book That’s Changing the Conversation — OCD Exposed: 10 Myths & Misconceptions

[09:35] Why OCD Doesn’t Define Who You Are — And How to See It Clearly

[10:14] The Human Side of OCD: Real Survivor Stories from Around the World

[11:00] The Truth About OCD Recovery: It’s Not Easy, But It’s Possible

[11:50] What OCD Really Feels Like — Beyond the Stereotypes and Statistics

[12:40] The Science of Recovery: How ERP, ACT & ICBT Rewire the Brain

[13:30] “I Still Get Intrusive Thoughts… But They Don’t Control Me Anymore.”

[14:40] OCD and the Brain: Why It’s Not a Personality Flaw, But a Biological Cycle

[15:55] Breaking the Cycle: What Actually Helps the Brain Heal from OCD

[17:00] Freedom Over Fear: How to Live Fully Even When OCD Shows Up

[18:15] Why Recovery Isn’t About Getting Rid of OCD — It’s About Taking Your Life Back

[19:20] Applying OCD Tools to Everyday Life — From Therapy to Surfing in Hawaii

[20:25] How OCD Recovery Teaches You to Live Stronger, Freer, and More Present

[21:15] How ERP Helped Kristina Heal Her Own Grief After Losing Her Mom

[22:45] The Real Secret: Empowerment Through Discomfort and Acceptance

[23:30] “I’ve Never Felt More Empowered Than in My OCD Recovery.” — Elysse’s Message of Hope

[24:20] Where to Find Elysse, Her Book OCD Exposed, and Why This Story Matters

✅ Free Resources & Links

🎁 Free OCD Survival Kit & Classes → www.shorturl.at/KcTxM

📖 OCD CBT Journal → www.shorturl.at/7pUxB

🌐 Website → www.korresults.com/

✍️ OCD Academy→ www.ocdacademy.thinkific.com/

📲 Stay Connected

Facebook: www.facebook.com/korresults

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ocdwhisperer

Twitter (X): www.x.com/korresults

Website: www.korresults.com/

📩 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.

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By Kristina Orlova

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