🧠 Do you ever feel like something is wrong — even when nothing happened?

In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Heather Brown, LCSW, OCD and trauma specialist. Together, they explore Just Right OCD, magical thinking, somatic anxiety, and how OCD can sometimes feel like trauma.

Heather opens up about:

• Her personal experience living with Just Right OCD

• Sensations-based OCD: when the fear isn’t a thought, but a feeling

• Magical thinking OCD & “what if something bad happens?” spirals

• ERP, ACT, Brainspotting & CPT for trauma-related OCD symptoms

Whether you're navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone, this episode offers powerful insight, tools, and hope for healing and self-trust.

📲 About Heather Brown (guest):

• OCD, anxiety, trauma, & perfectionism therapy

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evoluercounseling/

• Evoluer Counseling: https://www.evoluercounseling.com/

✂️ TIMESTAMPS:

[00:00] Meet Heather — The Therapist Who Actually Has OCD

✅ 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

Just Right OCD Magical Thinking OCD Somatic OCD OCD and trauma OCD in children Feeling-based OCD OCD without intrusive thoughts OCD sensations ERP therapy Brainspotting OCD ACT for OCD How to treat Just Right OCD OCD parenting support OCD recovery stories

© OCD Whisperer

🧠 Could Your Child’s Sudden OCD Be Something Else? Understanding PANS & PANDAS

In this powerful episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Angela Henry, therapist and PANS/PANDAS specialist, and Lindsay Forsyth, a mother and advocate who has navigated this journey with her own child. Together, they shed light on how sudden-onset OCD, tics, and anxiety in children may sometimes point to something deeper — an autoimmune or inflammatory disorder known as PANS or PANDAS.

Angela and Lindsay open up about:

• How PANS/PANDAS can mimic OCD and anxiety — and why it’s often misdiagnosed

• The emotional toll families face when doctors can’t find answers

• How infection-triggered inflammation can alter behavior overnight

• What every parent should know about early warning signs of PANS/PANDAS

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or clinician, this episode offers clarity, validation, and practical tools to navigate the confusing intersection of OCD, PANS, and PANDAS.

📲 About Angela Henry (guest):

• Certified EMDR Therapist

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctr_for_collaborative_healing/

• Webpage: https://angelahenrylcsw.com/

📲 About Lindsey Forsyth (guest):

• Mom of 2 kids with PANS/PANDAS.

• Pandas network: https://pandasnetwork.org/

• PANS PANDAS Advocacy, Community & Support Aspire

• Neuro Immune: https://neuroimmune.org/

✂️ TIMESTAMPS:

[00:00] Welcome — Meet Lindsay, Angela, and Kristina

[01:05] PANS & PANDAS Revealed — How Your Child’s Brain Can Turn Against Them Overnight

[01:50] The Infection Trigger — Strep, Viruses, and Environmental Factors That Can Hijack a Child’s Mind

[02:57] Recognizing Abrupt Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Kids

[03:24] PANS vs PANDAS — The Shocking Differences You Need to Know

[03:42] “Something’s Not Right” — How Parents Can Spot the Early Warning Signs

[05:05] Lindsey’s Story — From Meltdowns to Mystery Illness

[07:48] The Specialists Who Saved Our Child

[09:12] Lifelines for Parents

[10:02] Why Your Child Can Suddenly Regress Without Warning

[10:45] Tracking the Chaos — Growth Charts, OCD Scores, and Why Labs Don’t Always Show the Truth

[11:06] The Hidden Diagnosis — Blood Work Says “Normal” but Your Child Isn’t

[12:27] Advocacy 101 — How to Get Answers When Doctors Don’t Have Them

[14:13] How to Make Sure Your Pediatrician Takes You Seriously

[15:53] Therapy That Helps — How to Support Children

[17:54] Not Just Bad Behavior — Why Your Child Isn’t Misbehaving

[20:09] Supporting the Whole Family

[22:00] Covert OCD Revealed — When Your Child’s Obsessions Don’t Look Like OCD

[23:47] Why ERP Can Backfire During a Flare

[25:12] Pediatric OCD Exposed — Obsessions, Separation Anxiety, and the Hidden Signs

[27:44] Heavy-Hitter Symptoms — Emotional Outbursts, Bedwetting, ADHD...

[29:03] Are Some Kids Genetically Predisposed?

[30:26] Could Family History Play a Role?

[31:17] Step-by-Step Guidance — Therapy

[32:24] Get Help Now —How to Contact Lindsay and Access Real-World Resources

[33:32] Therapist Support & Networks — Angela’s Consultation Groups for Families and Professionals

[35:09] Closing Words — Hope, Awareness, and Why You’re Not Alone

✅ 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

• PANS and PANDAS OCD

• sudden onset OCD in children

• pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders

• OCD vs PANS

• children’s mental health

• autoimmune inflammation and OCD

• OCD parenting support

• anxiety in kids

© OCD Whisperer

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:

This honest conversation dives into:

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):

✂️ TIMESTAMPS

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

✅ 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 myths and misconceptions

© OCD Whisperer

What happens when your mind turns against you — and fills you with thoughts you can’t control?

In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Maurice, creator of the Obsessless app — a powerful new tool designed to support people living with OCD. Maurice opens up about his terrifying first intrusive thoughts, years of misdiagnosis, and how ERP therapy and mindset work helped him turn pain into purpose.

Together, we explore:

• The hidden side of OCD most people never see

• How intrusive thoughts can completely take over your life

• What it really takes to heal when therapy isn’t immediately available

• The creation of Obsessless — and why tech could change OCD recovery forever

Whether you’re currently navigating OCD or supporting someone who is, this episode offers raw truth, hope, and tools for reclaiming your mind.

📲 About Mourice Schuurmans (guest):

✂️ TIMESTAMPS:

✅ 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 intrusive thoughts

• ERP therapy for OCD

• OCD recovery story

• Obsessless app

• overcoming harm OCD

• mindfulness for OCD

• Kristina Orlova OCD Whisperer

© OCD Whisperer

Have you ever felt ashamed of a habit you couldn’t control?

In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Aneela Idnani, co-founder of HabitAware and mental health advocate. Aneela opens up about living with trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder), how shame kept her silent for decades, and how awareness and acceptance transformed her recovery journey.

Aneela shares:

• Her early experiences with hair pulling and intrusive thoughts

• The hidden shame and secrecy that fueled her struggle for 20+ years

• How pregnancy and stress intensified her compulsions

• The turning point—finally opening up to her husband and seeking help

• How HabitAware’s Keen Smart Bracelet helps build awareness and break the cycle

This conversation also dives into:

• Why awareness is the first step to any lasting change

• The role of self-care, mindfulness, and acceptance in recovery

• How shifting perspective can turn struggle into strength

• The importance of removing shame and embracing your full self

Whether you’re navigating OCD, BFRBs (Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors), or supporting someone who is, this episode offers hope, tools, and strategies for healing.

📲About Aneela Idnani (guest):

✂️ TIMESTAMPS:

[00:30] Aneela’s Untold Story

[01:39] When Hair Pulling First Began—and Why No One Saw It

[03:46] Living in Silence: The Hidden Shame No One Talks About

[06:11] The Moment Everything Changed—Her Husband Finds Out

[07:33] From Struggle to Solution: How HabitAware Was Born

[11:01] The Game-Changer: Turning Awareness Into Freedom

[14:18] ADHD, Intrusive Thoughts & The Spiral of Self-Criticism

[15:55] Shutting Down the Inner Bully: Mindfulness That Works

[20:47] From Self-Hate to Self-Grace: Reframing the Struggle

[24:43] Losing It All, Finding Meaning: Processing Grief Differently

[26:47] Want to Heal? Here’s How to Reach Aneela & HabitAware

✅ 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

• trichotillomania recovery

• hair pulling disorder help

• body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs)

• OCD and shame

• awareness in OCD recovery

• HabitAware Keen Smart Bracelet

• living with OCD and BFRBs

© OCD Whisperer

What is Response Prevention and why is it the most important part of ERP?

In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with therapist Natalia Aiza. Together, they explore Response Prevention (the RP in ERP therapy)—why it’s the most crucial step in breaking free from OCD cycles, and how to actually apply it in daily life.

Natalia opens up about:

• Why exposures without response prevention don’t work

• The difference between physical vs. mental compulsions

• Tools for handling rumination, avoidance, and reassurance-seeking

• How “good enough” ERP (not perfection) helps real people recover

This conversation also dives into:

• How to identify sneaky mental rituals disguised as “thinking”

• Why delaying compulsions builds brain flexibility

• The power of uncertainty, creativity, and new discoveries in recovery

Whether you’re struggling with OCD yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers insight, clarity, and hope to guide your recovery journey.

📲 Natalia Aiza (guest):

✂️TIMESTAMPS:

✅ 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

• response prevention OCD

• ERP therapy explained

• mental compulsions OCD

• breaking OCD cycles

• rumination and OCD

• uncertainty in OCD recovery

© OCD Whisperer

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 counterintuitive — but works

• How OCD uses secrecy and avoidance to stay powerful

• The role of courage and compassion in confronting fears

• Why recovery means learning to live with uncertainty

Whether you’re struggling with OCD yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers insight, clarity, and hope to guide your recovery journey.

📲 Natalia Aiza (guest):

✂️TIMESTAMPS:

[00:00] – Welcome & Introduction

✅ 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 live exposures

• ERP therapy for OCD

• intrusive thoughts recovery

• OCD treatment strategies

• facing fears in OCD

• Kristina Orlova OCD Whisperer

© OCD Whisperer

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

✅ 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

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:

This conversation also dives into:

📲 Natalia Aiza (guest):

✂️TIMESTAMPS:

[00:30] – Introduction to ERP Series & Guest Natalia

✅ Free Resources & Links

📲 Stay Connected

📩 Business Inquiries: [email protected]

✅ About OCD Whisperer

Welcome to OCD Whisperer! My channel covers OCD recovery, intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT, anxiety management, and mindfulness tools. 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

ERP therapy for OCD

OCD recovery tools

OCD treatment explained

exposure and response prevention

managing intrusive thoughts

facing OCD fears

OCD therapist tips

© OCD Whisperer

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 in  today’s episode:

In This Episode

Our Guest

Scott Stirret is the founder and CEO of Venture for Canada, a national charity that helps young people build entrepreneurial skills and careers. Over the past decade, the organization has raised over $80M and supported more than 10,000 youth across Canada. Scott is also the author of The Uncertainty Advantage, a book that guides early career professionals to build resilience by embracing uncertainty.

Resources & Links

Kristina Orlova, LMFT

Scott Stirrett

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!