The OCD Whisperer Podcast with Kristina Orlova Kristina Orlova

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a loved one - your sister, brother, or daughter - battling with intrusive thoughts and engaging in relentless rituals due to OCD? How can families effectively provide the necessary support to help them navigate OCD's grip on their daily lives? 
In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast,  we have the pleasure of conversing with an extraordinary young author, Ella Kim, whose personal story and literary contributions are making waves in the world of mental health advocacy. Ella Kim is a high school student who has authored "How to Defeat Bully Brain," a book that serves as a beacon of hope for children and families grappling with OCD.Ella's motivation to pen this book was deeply personal; her brother's diagnosis with OCD at a tender age was the catalyst that propelled her into action.
In our conversation, Ella discusses her brother's struggle with OCD, the impact on her family, and the importance of proper support and understanding. She shares her family's journey, including her brother's improvement after a gap year program abroad. Ella also talks about her nonprofit, “OCD Detectives” and her upcoming book on various OCD manifestations. 
 
In This Episode
[01:35] - The idea behind writing the book.
[02:04] - Navigating OCD as a family
[03:11] - Challenges and frustration
[06:12] - Impact on the family
[08:02] - Creating a story about OCD
[09:59] - The staircase method
[11:15] - Spreading awareness through a book
[12:11] - Different types of obsessions and compulsions
[14:31] - Understanding the changing nature of OCD
[15:30] - Defining OCD
[16:43] - Recovery and struggle
[18:06] - Tools and understanding
[18:30] - Contact information
 
Notable Quotes
[02:07]” I went into this deep dive and I kind of looked at OCD resources out there, and I found that there weren't that many children's books that were like workbooks that kind of went into how to deal with your OCD.” -Ella
[05:16] “There's times when your OCD is worse and when it's better. And so sometimes when just OCD would be worse, it would kind of impact the entire family." -Ella
[06:12] "Initially, everyone got frustrated because of the mess, but then you have to look past that and realize that he just needs more help rather than getting mad at him." Ella
[07:14] "Remind them constantly to say no to OCD and give them reasons why, like not having to spend hours a day washing your hands or not feeling uncomfortable for over half the day." -Ella
[17:36] "During his gap year, even without active therapy, being preoccupied with volunteer work abroad helped him improve significantly."-Ella
 
Our Guest
Ella Kim, a high school student from New York City, has a keen interest in psychology and the treatment of mental and behavioral disorders. Motivated by her brother's diagnosis of OCD at a young age, she decided to write "How to Defeat Bully Brain" to assist young children and their families in combating OCD.
 
Resources & Links
Kristina Orlova, LMFT
https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel
https://www.korresults.com/
https://www.onlineocdacademy.com
 
Ella Kim
https://defeatbullybrain.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ocd_detectives/
 
Mentioned
Book: How to Defeat Bully Brain: A Story About OCD

**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!

Imagine this: your ten-year-old son is diagnosed with OCD, and you witness the daily struggles he faces. Through the transformative power of proper treatment, you see him begin to thrive. Yet, in a world where many are lost and unsure how to find resources, access care, or even recognize the signs, you're compelled to take action.
In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we sit down with Kim Vincenty. Kim is a remarkable woman whose personal experience with OCD has led her to become a staunch advocate for mental health education and support. She is also the founder of the JACK Mental Health Advocacy organization and a recent recipient of the IOCDF Hero award. 
In our conversation, Kim shares her personal journey with her son's OCD diagnosis and how it inspired her to help others. We discuss JACK's initiatives, including the Access to Care program, Pediatric OCD Camp, and training for clinicians. The conversation highlights the importance of community, early intervention, and parental support in managing OCD. Kim's commitment to improving mental health education and resources for families shines through as she details her advocacy work.
 
In This Episode
[00:42]Introduction to Kim Vincenty
[01:38] Kim's journey into OCD advocacy
[03:28] Kim's experiences supporting families and caregivers
[06:12] Overview of the JACK Mental Health Advocacy 
[08:13] The Access to Care program
[09:23] The Pediatric OCD Camp program
[09:37] Benefits of the Pediatric OCD Camp program
[15:47] Parent involvement in the Pediatric OCD Camp
[17:34] Motivating and supporting children with OCD
[20:01] The impact of Advocacy
 
Notable Quotes
[01:38] “I'm the mother of someone that lives with OCD. He was diagnosed when he was ten years old, and it quickly spiraled out of control.” -Kim
[03:28] "I stayed up all night obsessing about it... I just kind of dug in my heels and decided I was going to learn everything I could because my kid was not going down under my watch."- Kim
[08:04] “We're starting a network of clinicians that are willing to work with us to provide care for people that would otherwise receive no treatment at all.” -Kim
[12:31] “No matter where you go or if you have OCD or not, you have to have opportunities to get comfortable with uncertainty and discomfort.”-Kim
[15:02] “If the parents are engaged and everybody's on the same page, the treatment outcomes are better.”-Kim 
 
Our Guest
Kim Vincenty is a devoted mother, wife, and OCD advocate, with over 12 years of experience fostering community and aiding families in finding the best resources for mental health, education, intervention, and recovery. As the former president of OCD Jacksonville, an affiliate of the international OCD Foundation, Kim's advocacy work earned her the prestigious IOCDF Hero Award. She is an active speaker, support group facilitator, and the founder and president of JACK Mental Health, dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and providing support to those in need. Kim's passion, dedication, and tireless advocacy make her a respected figure in the mental health community.

Resources & Links
Kristina Orlova, LMFT
https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel
https://www.korresults.com/
https://www.onlineocdacademy.com
 
Kim Vincenty
https://jackmha.org/team/
https://www.facebook.com/jackmha.org
https://www.instagram.com/jack_mha/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064234050479
 
**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!

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!