The OCD Whisperer Podcast with Kristina Orlova Kristina Orlova

Can you imagine a nightly battle where the battleground isn't just your bed, but your own mind? Welcome to the sleepless world of individuals wrestling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), where intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and the haunting spectre of false memories turn the quest for rest into a Herculean task.
In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we sit down with mental health counsellor Alnardo Martinez to discuss the difficulties people with OCD encounter when trying to sleep, focusing on the impact of intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and particularly false memory OCD. Martinez offers strategies to manage rumination and improve sleep hygiene, such as using guided meditations and accepting uncertainty. He also emphasizes the importance of working with a therapist and tailoring treatment approaches like ERP, CBT, or ACT to individual needs. The episode concludes with resources for listeners and encouragement for those on their journey to overcoming OCD.
 
In This Episode
[01:20] Understanding the impact of OCD on sleep.
[02:23] Common issues with sleep and OCD.
[03:52] Strategies for improving sleep hygiene.
[06:01] Addressing intrusive thoughts and compulsions.
[08:04] Supporting a loved one with OCD and sleep issues.
[13:31] Understanding false memory OCD and its impact on sleep.
[16:35] False memory OCD and sleep.
[17:16] Neutralizing rumination.
[18:50] Accepting uncertainty.
 
Notable Quotes
[02:23] "I think a lot of the clients I work with will often say that sleep is a big factor. It's usually interrupted, they get poor sleep, or the quality of sleep isn't good."
[08:04] "I think first you want to try to validate those feelings. You want to try to not be dismissive. You don't really want to say, 'Oh, it's not a big deal, just go to sleep.'"
[14:24]"What tends to happen, more so like compulsion-wise, could be replaying situations over and over in their mind, trying to convince themselves, 'No, I remember checking out, I remember buying these things.'"
[16:35]"This person could be an adult and have a false memory that something happened to them when they were six years old, and that's really not a situation you're going to be able to go back and find any evidence of happening or not happening."
[17:16] "I recognize that this is an OCD thought. I may not ever have full understanding of whether this did or didn't happen, and I'm going to work on being accepting of that."
[19:21]  "If you're taking an ERP approach, it should be a gradual approach. Maybe you're not sitting with that feeling for something that's a really distressing false memory thought; maybe you've started with one that's a little less anxiety-producing."  
 
Our Guest
Alnardo Martinez, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor at the Child Mind Institute, brings over 10 years of expertise in diagnosing and treating OCD and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. Certified in administering the ADOS-2, he employs tailored interventions such as CBT, ERP, mindfulness, and ACT techniques. Fluent in Spanish, Alnardo conducts workshops on children's mental health and provides bilingual neuropsychological evaluations, dedicated to empowering youth to thrive.
 
Resources & Links
Kristina Orlova, LMFT
https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel
https://www.korresults.com/
https://www.onlineocdacademy.com
 
Alnardo Martinez
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alnardo/
https://childmind.org/bio/alnardo-martinez-ms/
 
**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!

Have you ever considered the profound impact of justice-oriented treatment in the context of OCD, particularly when it intersects with sensitive issues like race-based OCD? How do we create an environment where individuals, especially those from BIPOC communities, feel safe to openly discuss their fears and intrusive thoughts without the burden of judgment or dismissiveness?
In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we are delighted to welcome Bianca Simmons and Erin Nghe from ERP Kaleidoscope to discuss justice-oriented OCD treatment. They explore how to support BIPOC clinicians and individuals with OCD, emphasizing the need for a safe, empowering environment. The co-founders share insights on incorporating justice into ERP therapy and tackling race-based OCD. They advocate for diversity, clinician empowerment, and education on sensitive OCD themes, providing practical advice for therapists to effectively address these issues in their practice.

In This Episode
[00:03]Introduction to Bianca Simmons and Erin Nghe
[02:39] Explanation of the name ERP Kaleidoscope
[05:28] The concept of justice-oriented OCD treatment
[07:57]Strategies to support BIPOC clinicians
[10:17] Concrete example of justice-oriented ERP
[11:47] Client's race-based OCD
[13:56] Empowerment and advocacy for clinicians
[15:46] Tangible exposures for clients
[18:00] The importance of understanding core fears
[19:41] Intersectionality in OCD treatment
[23:04] Educating clinicians on cultural awareness
[24:08] Impact on access and quality of care
[25:58] Contact information for further support
 
Notable Quotes
[03:04] “ERP kaleidoscope is all about uplifting the voices of BIPOC clinicians who specialize in OCD as well as the individuals.”- Bianca 
[04:25] “Oftentimes when people think about OCD, they think about the suffering, and it's really hard to see the beauty. And so we really wanted to highlight how ERP brings out that beauty.”- Erin
 [06:58] “BIPOC clinicians have to be able to feel safe because that's the only way that they can not only do good work with BIPOC individuals living with OCD but all individuals that have OCD.” -Erin
[17:12] “Some clinicians of color have no idea that there is this theme that also latches on to race and so that can be very blindsiding.”- Erin 
[20:42] “What we're trying to do at ERP kaleidoscope as well, building those safe spaces in terms of healing circles, and just allowing that time for clinicians to be able to heal.”- Bianca  
 
Our Guests
Bianca Simmons, an OCD specialist, co-founded ERP Kaleidoscope and owns Bianca Simmons LLC, a mental health private practice in Texas. With extensive experience in severe OCD treatment, she transitioned from managing a residential facility to providing outpatient therapy. Committed to accessibility, she focuses on supporting individuals from underrepresented communities and minority populations, ensuring they have access to the quality mental health assistance they need and deserve.
Erin Nghe is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and co-founder of ERP Kaleidoscope, a network association supporting Bipoc individuals with OCD and therapists interested in OCD treatment. With 15+ years of experience, she's also the owner and Clinical Director of OCD Set Free, training therapists along the East Coast in Ethical OCD Treatment. Erin advocates for OCD awareness, serving on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Council of the International OCD Foundation and as a faculty member for their Behavioral Therapy Training Institute.
 
Resources & Links
Kristina Orlova, LMFT
https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel
https://www.korresults.com/
https://www.onlineocdacademy.com
Bianca Simmons
https://www.biancasimmonslpc.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-bianca-simmons/
https://www.instagram.com/therapywithbianca
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064234050479
Erin Nghe
https://www.l

In a society that is gradually breaking down the barriers surrounding mental health, it's disheartening to witness the lingering shadows of stigma that continue to hinder progress. Marginalized communities often struggle to access support and treatment for OCD despite the fact that it affects people from all walks of life.
In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we are excited to speak with Alexandra Reynolds, a mental health graduate student and IOCDF Advocate. 
During our conversation, Alexandra discusses the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ community and people of color, in accessing OCD treatment and overcoming cultural stigma. She shares her personal journey of self-acceptance and the importance of finding supportive communities outside of family systems. The conversation also touches on the role of technology in building connections and the significance of prioritizing mental health. Alexandra offers hope to listeners, affirming that everyone is worthy of recovery and a fulfilling life beyond OCD.
 
In This Episode
[00:42] Introduction to Alexandra 
[02:07] Stigma and access to treatment
[04:27] Cultural differences in mental health
[06:40] Family dynamics and acceptance
[09:54] Navigating identity and acceptance
[11:48] Seeking support and advocacy
[16:43] Building supportive communities
[18:12] Acceptance and building relationships
[18:39] Challenges of being open about OCD
[19:18] Encouragement to seek support
[20:35] Alexandra’s word of hope: Worthiness of recovery
 
Notable Quotes
[05:37] "I had people tell me that the reason I have mental illness is because I am possessed by a demon and that I just need an exorcism.” -Alexandra
[17:14] “Life is still kind of unfair and I can't be out everywhere and not everyone accepts me or understands me, but also, I have some really amazing humans in my life who do.'" -Alexandra
 [18:39] "You may live in a place where you can't tell everyone you have OCD, or you may work at a place where you can't tell everyone you have OCD.” -Alexandra
 [20:35] “You are totally worthy of it. OCD, stigma, shame, societal expectations—they make us feel that we're not worthy for all these different reasons. But that's not true.” -Alexandra
 
Our Guest
Alexandra Reynolds is a dedicated IOCDF Advocate and mental health graduate student, committed to raising awareness of OCD and providing evidence-based support. Her personal journey with OCD fuels her mission, especially in advocating for marginalized communities. As a first-generation Latinx, she actively works to destigmatize mental health care.
 
Resources & Links
Kristina Orlova, LMFT
https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel
https://www.korresults.com/
https://www.onlineocdacademy.com
Alexandra Reynolds
https://www.instagram.com/alexandraisobsessed/?hl=en
https://www.tiktok.com/@alexandraisobsessed
 
**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!

In our ever-evolving understanding of mental health, we often fixate on finding a cure or a quick fix for conditions like OCD. But what if we reframed our approach to embrace a journey of skill-building instead? This powerful concept lies at the core of Mark's advocacy for individuals living with OCD.
Join us in today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, where we're thrilled to welcome Mark Freeman, a renowned mental fitness coach and author of "You Are Not a Rock." With over 4 million views on his YouTube channel, Mark's empowering approach to mental health is both refreshing and inspiring.
During our conversation, we delve into the concept of OCD recovery, emphasizing skill development over the idea of being "recovered." Mark uses the analogy of learning to swim to illustrate managing life with OCD, highlighting adaptability and setting intentions to stay present amidst intrusive thoughts. We also explore the "uncertainty budget" and the impact of a rapidly changing world on mental health.
Join us for insights into gradual tool adoption and the importance of avoiding instant solutions. Don't miss out!
 
In This Episode
[00:57] Mark Freeman's YouTube channel
[03:10] Approaching recovery
[05:42] Flexibility in mental health
[07:46] Understanding recovery
[08:51] Tools for managing OCD
[13:30] Sitting with fear
[15:57] Quality time with friends and intrusive thoughts
[16:41] Setting intentions in social situations
[17:35] Cutting out compulsions and fears
[19:37] Starting with the basics
[20:24] Accepting imperfection and practice
[22:14] Adapting to modern-day stress
[23:09] Managing uncertainty budget
[25:08] Gratitude and finding stability
Notable Quotes
[03:57] "What helped me is approaching recovery as more like learning how to swim." -Mark
[17:35]"I want to get good at having conversations with people in choppy water while having angry monsters and intrusive thoughts, and that's what I'm going there to practice." - Mark
[18:37] "I've been teaching my brain all day through all these kind of normal activities that we should control what other people think, so it's natural I'll just want to keep doing that in that situation."- Mark
[25:52]” Everybody, take care of your uncertainty budget; you don't have uncertainty credit cards, you can't go over budget.- Mark
 
Our Guests
Mark Freeman is a seasoned data strategist likening data management to racing - a vital yet often overlooked component. With a passion for integrating data seamlessly into tech ecosystems, he champions the concept of "shifting data left," advocating for collaboration between data and software engineering teams. Mark's expertise lies in optimizing data flow, ensuring businesses harness their data assets effectively for success.
 
Resources & Links
Kristina Orlova, LMFT
https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel
https://www.korresults.com/
https://www.onlineocdacademy.com
Mark Freeman
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mafreeman2/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJzijIM4ED3ukn0GJRWZwhw
https://www.instagram.com/markwfreeman/
https://linktr.ee/mwfree
YT/everybodyhasabrain
Mentioned Book
You Are Not a Rock:https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Rock-Step-Step/dp/0143132601
 
**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!

Have you ever wondered why some people don't seem to have success with ERP therapy, despite its proven effectiveness?  ERP has helped countless individuals regain control of their lives and find relief from the debilitating symptoms that often accompany anxiety disorders.
However, it's essential to recognize that despite the effectiveness of ERP therapy, there are common mistakes that people make which can hinder their progress
In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, sit down with Ben Eckstein, a renowned expert in the treatment of anxiety and OCD, and the owner and director of City Anxiety and OCD Treatment Center in Durham, North Carolina.
During our conversation, we explore the nuances of treating OCD with exposure and response prevention (ERP). We discuss the importance of managing mental compulsions and rumination, emphasizing the need for a diverse set of coping skills and intentional practice. Our conversation also covers the influence of attachment styles on OCD and the significance of addressing underlying psychological factors. Ben shares insights on building trust in relationships and concludes by discussing his book, "Worrying is Optional."
 
In This Episode
[00:43] Introduction to Ben
[01:26] Ben’s involvement with OCD North Carolina
[02:59] Identifying ERP pitfalls
[04:46] White knuckling and acceptance
[06:19] Approaching uncomfortable feelings
[15:57] Managing downtime and mental compulsions
[25:38] Developing diverse coping skills
[28:17] Attachment theory in the context of OCD
[31:13] Trusting in yourself and others
[32:38] The role of experiential learning 
 
Notable Quotes
[05:32] "Acceptance is a process, it's not an outcome." - Ben
[12:34] “I think that process of worrying, ruminating all the, the sort of over-analysis and examination that we do, these are complicated behaviors.” -Ben 
[29:23]” I always think OCD is lazy. Like it's going to take the easiest path to like, hey, like where is this person vulnerable.” -Ben
 
Our Guests
Ben Eckstein is the owner and director of Bull City Anxiety & OCD Treatment Center, he moved from Massachusetts to North Carolina in 2014. Trained at McLean Hospital’s OCD Institute, he boasts over a decade of experience in treating OCD and Anxiety Disorders. Serving as VP of OCD North Carolina, Ben offers training and workshops, alongside his clinical work. He is also the author of  "Worrying is Optional" a book that tackles anxiety and rumination head-on.
 
Resources & Links
Kristina Orlova, LMFT
https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel
https://www.korresults.com/
https://www.onlineocdacademy.com
Ben Eckstein
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-eckstein-ba395919/
https://www.bullcityanxiety.com/
https://www.instagram.com/bullcityanxiety/
Mentioned
Worrying Is Optional
 
**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!

Did you know that our genes can tell a story about our predisposition to OCD and addiction? Well, our genetic makeup isn't our destiny, but rather a blueprint that can be influenced by our environment. It's fascinating to think that we have the power to turn certain genes on or off!
In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we are excited to welcome Dr. Evelyn Higgins, a trailblazer in understanding the intricate dance between our genes and our environment, especially when it comes to OCD and addiction.
During our conversation, we talk about the genetic and environmental aspects of OCD and addiction. We explore how personalized lab work can reveal unique physiological traits and genetic predispositions that contribute to these conditions. Dr. Higgins emphasizes the importance of understanding one's genetic makeup to make informed choices and potentially alter the expression of genes through environmental changes. We also discuss the affordability and accessibility of personalized treatment, the potential for insurance coverage, and the services offered by Wired Bio Health.
In This Episode
[02:26] - Genetic standpoint of OCD and addiction
[03:29] - Impact of environmental factors on gene expression
[10:52] - Correlation between OCD and addiction
[14:19] - Importance of personalized lab work
[16:47] - Overview of traditional approaches to treating OCD
[18:58] - Affordability and insurance coverage
[20:43] - Accessibility and flexibility of treatment
[22:44] - Advancements in mental health and addiction treatment
[23:41] - The future of mental health screening
Notable Quotes
[02:38]  "We're not healthy one day and sick the next, or healthy one day and addicted the next. It's all the living that we do in between that brings us to either end of that spectrum." - Dr. Evelyn Higgins
[02:50] “From a symptomatic standpoint, there are so many correlations that we see that bring somebody towards the addiction side of things, be it anxiety, be it depression, be it agitation.” - Dr. Evelyn Higgins
[18:35] "There are so many more advances that have been made that people are not educated on and aren't using just because they don't know." - Dr. Evelyn Higgins
Our Guest
Dr. Evelyn Higgins is the founder and CEO of Wired Bio Health (formerly Wired for Addiction). Dr. Higgins is not only an expert in the epidemiology of addiction but also a certified addictionologist, a diplomat of the American College of Addiction Allergy and Compulsive Disorders, and a diplomat of the American Board of Disability Analysts specializing in pain management. With over 17 years dedicated to mental health and addiction research, she recently graced international stages as a TED speaker panelist, solidifying her status as a top innovator in healthcare.
Resources & Links
Kristina Orlova, LMFT
https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel
https://www.korresults.com/
https://www.onlineocdacademy.com
Dr. Evelyn Higgins
https://doctorhiggins.com/
https://www.wiredbiohealth.com/
Understanding Genetic Markers of Addiction
**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!