132. Cognitive Therapy for OCD

In this riveting episode of the OCD Whisperer podcast, host Kristina Orlova sits down with Mike Parker, a licensed clinical social worker and the creator of the popular YouTube channel OCD Space. Together, they embark on a deep dive into the world of OCD and the transformative power of Inference based cognitive-behavioral therapy (ICBT). But what happens when doubt becomes the driving force behind every thought? And how can someone trapped in the cycle of obsessional doubt ever learn to trust their own mind again? Mike Parker pulls back the curtain on the insidious nature of "obsessional doubt," a phenomenon that leaves individuals questioning their every thought, memory, and perception. Why do those with OCD feel compelled to seek reassurance over and over, even when they know it offers only fleeting relief? And how does this relentless doubt keep them locked in a prison of their own mind? As the conversation deepens, Kristina and Mike explore the critical differences between ICBT and exposure and response prevention (ERP). But here’s the burning question: Can understanding the origin of obsessive thoughts be the key to breaking free from their grip? Mike sheds light on how inferential confusion and obsessional doubt drive OCD. This episode is a masterclass in navigating the labyrinth of OCD treatment. Will listeners walk away with a newfound understanding of how to confront their doubts? Or will the complexities of the human mind leave them questioning everything they thought they knew? Tune in to uncover the answers—and perhaps, a path to freedom. In This Episode [00:02] Introduction to the episode [00:56] Understanding ICBT [02:00] Obsessional doubt explained [02:21] Differentiating ICBT from ERP [03:36] The nature of obsessional doubt [05:58] Reassurance-seeking behavior [09:25] Understanding internal evidence [11:27] The role of self-knowledge [13:31] General facts vs. personal context [14:49] Handling real mistakes [16:40] Exploring early memories [17:46] Understanding obsessional doubt [19:22] Childhood influences on OCD [20:28] Clarifying ICBT vs. psychodynamic therapy [21:44] Focus of inference-based CBT [22:41] Cognitive distortions in OCD [25:34] Re-evaluating daily routines [27:06] Timeframe for progress in treatment [29:22] Complicating factors in OCD treatment Notable Quotes [00:02:42] "Obsessional doubt is a core process identified in OCD when you’re doing I-CBT. It’s a thought process where someone with OCD knows something but doesn’t trust themselves enough to stick with what they know, leading them to question, dismiss, and seek more information than they have." - Michael Parker [00:18:26] "We can start to see how long the client has been telling themselves an obsessional story about themselves... It was all logged in there and then all put together, but if we go back, we can see this actually never meant you should be locked into never-ending doubt." - Michael Parker [00:23:39]"I-CBT is primarily a cognitive therapy... The focus really is figuring out why you reject information, why you don't trust it... Let's figure out why you doubted." — Michael Parker Our Guest Mike Parker, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and private practice therapist based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He specializes in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and inference-based cognitive therapy (I-CBT). As the host of the OCD Space YouTube channel, Mike is dedicated to educating individuals and mental health professionals on effective OCD treatment approaches. He is passionate about helping clients understand and overcome obsessional doubt while also training fellow therapists in evidence-based interventions. With a focus on empowering individuals to trust themselves and break free from the cycle of compulsions, Mike continues to be a leading voice in the OCD treatment community. Resources & Links Kristina Orlova, LMFT Instagram YouTube OCD CBT Journal Tracker and Planner Website Mike Parker Website LinkedIn YouTubeCognitive Therapy for 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!