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):

• Co-founder of HabitAware
• Long-time lived experience: pulled hair since adolescence; integrated intrusive thoughts and self-soothing behaviors into her journey
• HabitAware: habitaware.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aneelaidnani

✂️ 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

• 🎁 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: info@korresults.com

✅ 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):

• LPC, Founder of Kairos, specializes in OCD, anxiety, ADHD, and parent coaching for all ages.
• OCD Colorado: https://www.kairoswellnesscollective.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalk.ocd

✂️TIMESTAMPS: [00:00] – Welcome back + today’s focus on Response Prevention [01:07] – What is response prevention in ERP? [01:45] – Mental vs. physical compulsions [03:19] – Building a response prevention “ladder” [04:17] – Identifying mental rituals as compulsions [05:50] – Why belief in compulsions makes ERP harder [07:01] – Rumination-focused ERP & breaking mental loops [08:57] – Mental distortions + using CBT to challenge analysis [10:47] – Sitting with not knowing vs. “maybe, maybe not” [13:10] – Distress tolerance + uncertainty in recovery [15:52] – Opposite action vs. “good enough” ERP [17:37] – When OCD flares up again: going back to basics [19:21] – Why response prevention matters long-term [21:29] – Designing RP: adaptive vs. compulsive behaviors [22:29] – Reality anchoring: using trusted people as baselines [23:50] – Creative RP examples & individualizing ERP

✅ 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: info@korresults.com

✅ 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 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):

• LPC, Founbder of Kairos, specializes in OCD, anxiety, ADHD, and parent coaching for all ages.
• OCD Colorado: https://www.kairoswellnesscollective.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalk.ocd

✂️TIMESTAMPS:

[00:30] – Introduction to ERP Series & Guest Natalia [01:05] – What is ERP? Understanding the basics [02:35] – Why would anyone face their fears? [05:40] – Misconceptions: Is ERP “torture”? [07:57] – How ERP is structured step by step [09:23] – Willingness vs distress levels: where to begin [11:30] – Helping clients move past fear and resistance [14:08] – Different approaches & therapist styles in ERP [17:08] – Starting with the least threatening exposures [18:21] – Distress tolerance vs compulsions: key nuance [20:09] – Examples of distress tolerance exercises [21:32] – Flexibility in ERP: adapting to clients’ needs [23:45] – Getting into the right mindset for ERP [25:04] – How long does ERP take to start showing relief? [28:20] – Closing reflections & key ERP takeaways

✅ 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: info@korresults.com

✅ 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:

• The basics of ERP and how it actually works in practice
• Why people fear ERP and worry it will feel “torturous”
• How therapists can guide clients step by step without overwhelming them
• Strategies for building confidence and willingness in the recovery journey

This conversation also dives into:

• Common misconceptions about ERP and OCD treatment
• The importance of flexibility, creativity, and pacing in therapy
• How ERP is not about “beating you down” but about empowering lasting change 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):

• LPC, Founbder of Kairos, specializes in OCD, anxiety, ADHD, and parent coaching for all ages.
• OCD Colorado: https://www.kairoswellnesscollective.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalk.ocd

✂️TIMESTAMPS:

[00:30] – Introduction to ERP Series & Guest Natalia [01:05] – What is ERP? Understanding the basics [02:35] – Why would anyone face their fears? [05:40] – Misconceptions: Is ERP “torture”? [07:57] – How ERP is structured step by step [09:23] – Willingness vs distress levels: where to begin [11:30] – Helping clients move past fear and resistance [14:08] – Different approaches & therapist styles in ERP [17:08] – Starting with the least threatening exposures [18:21] – Distress tolerance vs compulsions: key nuance [20:09] – Examples of distress tolerance exercises [21:32] – Flexibility in ERP: adapting to clients’ needs [23:45] – Getting into the right mindset for ERP [25:04] – How long does ERP take to start showing relief? [28:20] – Closing reflections & key ERP takeaways

✅ 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: info@korresults.com

✅ 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:

• Why healing from OCD is a gradual process and not about “making thoughts go away.”
• How mindfulness and self-compassion can help untangle mental compulsions.
• Practical tools Scott uses like exercise, rest, and relationships—to manage OCD while leading a successful career.

In This Episode

• [00:01] Kristina’s welcome and introduction
• [00:36] Meet today’s guest, Scott
• [01:32] Scott’s OCD diagnosis and journey
• [04:08] Learning that OCD management is long-term
• [06:39] Writing The Uncertainty Advantage and the fear of uncertainty
• [08:26] Navigating OCD while building a business
• [09:58] How OCD manifests for Scott
• [11:21] Untangling mental rituals and compulsive thinking
• [13:22] Labeling compulsions with gentleness
• [14:20] Daily practices for ongoing management
• [16:01] Finding meaning in OCD and writing the book
• [18:47] Sitting with difficult feelings instead of running from them
• [20:44] Developing empathy through lived experience
• [21:13] Where to find Scott and his new book

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

• Instagram
• YouTube
• OCD CBT Journal Tracker and Planner
• Website

Scott Stirrett

• LinkedIn
• The Uncertainty Advantage on Amazon
• Substack
• Personal Website – with his Uncertainty Quiz

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!

Pregnancy and postpartum bring a unique set of challenges, especially for those struggling with OCD. How can you navigate the overwhelming changes while managing intrusive thoughts? In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, host Kristina Orlova, LMFT, is joined by Gina Abbondante, MSW, LCSW, C-NDAAP, a therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the perinatal and postpartum periods.

Gina shares her expertise on how OCD manifests during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and how neurodivergent individuals can be supported through a neurodiversity-affirming approach. Together, Kristina and Gina dive into how therapies like Inference-Based CBT (ICBT) can be tailored to address the unique challenges faced by expectant and new mothers, and why holistic strategies, such as managing sleep and embracing self-compassion, are essential for long-term healing.

If you’re a new or expecting parent struggling with OCD, this episode provides invaluable insights, practical tools, and an empathetic approach to managing your mental health through this transformative life stage.

The 3 things you’ll learn in today’s episode:

1. How OCD manifests uniquely during pregnancy and postpartum.
2. Why sleep management is crucial for those managing OCD during the perinatal period.
3. Practical ways to blend evidence-based therapies with neurodiversity-affirming practices for more holistic support.

In This Episode

• [02:00] Gina’s background and approach to OCD treatment
• [04:50] OCD during pregnancy and postpartum: unique challenges
• [07:30] The impact of neurodivergence on OCD in new parents
• [10:15] How Inference-Based CBT can be used in pregnancy and postpartum
• [13:00] Gina’s personal experience with neurodivergence and OCD
• [16:00] The role of sleep and managing stress in OCD recovery
• [20:00] Practical tools for new parents managing OCD
• [24:30] Closing and final thoughts

Our Guest

Gina Abbondante, MSW, LCSW, C-NDAAP is the Founder and Clinical Director of Change of Mind Counseling, specializing in the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders, particularly during pregnancy and postpartum. Gina is trained in various therapeutic modalities, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Inference-Based CBT (ICBT), and is a passionate advocate for neurodivergent individuals, offering neurodiversity-affirming assessments for ADHD and autism. As a parent and partner to neurodivergent family members, Gina brings both personal and professional experience to her work, helping others navigate the challenges of mental health during life’s most transitional moments.

Resources & Links

Kristina Orlova, LMFT

• Instagram
• YouTube
• OCD CBT Journal Tracker and Planner
• Website

Gina Abbondante, MSW, LCSW, C-NDAAP

• Website
• Instagram

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!

What does it feel like when your mind gets stuck on a loop, telling you again and again that you’re a bad person? That’s the reality of Pure OCD. In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova sits down with Sah D’Simone, spiritual teacher, humanitarian, and creator of the Somatic Activated Healing method, for an open and heartfelt conversation.

Sah shares his journey with intrusive thoughts that made him question his worth, how growing up in a Buddhist culture shaped his experience, and how the loss of his mother made everything even more intense. Instead of letting OCD take over, he’s leaned into Buddhist wisdom, somatic healing, and service to others as powerful ways to heal.

Together, Kristina and Sah unpack how OCD fuels cycles of self-obsession and why real healing often begins with learning to slow down, relax, and be present. They talk about the role of evidence-based treatments like ERP and ACT, while also highlighting holistic practices that calm the nervous system and nurture recovery.

If you’ve ever felt trapped by your own thoughts, this conversation offers hope, practical tools, and a fresh perspective on what healing can truly look like.

The 3 things you’ll learn in today’s episode:

• Why relaxation and not constant productivity is crucial for calming an OCD brain.
• How Pure OCD manifests and why labels can be both freeing and limiting.
• Practical ways to balance evidence-based OCD treatments with Buddhist-inspired mindfulness and self-compassion.

In This Episode

• [00:01] Introduction and guest welcome
• [58] Sah’s background and work
• [03:09] OCD and self-obsession
• [04:03] Sah’s personal OCD story
• [04:54] Pure OCD and identity
• [07:16] Cultural and religious influences
• [09:04] OCD manifestations and coping
• [09:53] Kristina’s OCD experience
• [10:45] The internal experience of OCD
• [12:51] Relaxation and cultural challenges
• [15:21] The importance of true relaxation
• [16:18] Blending Buddhist wisdom with evidence-based OCD therapies
• [17:57] Mind wandering and savoring the moment
• [18:57] Closing and farewell

Our Guest

Sah D’Simone is a spiritual teacher, grief educator, humanitarian, and creator of the Somatic Activated Healing Method, which blends Buddhist teachings, dance, and social justice. With a mission to bring love where love is not, Sah has dedicated his life to both personal transformation and global humanitarian service, supporting communities from Los Angeles to Nepal and India.

Resources & Links

Kristina Orlova, LMFT

• Instagram
• YouTube
• OCD CBT Journal Tracker and Planner
• Website

Sah D’Simone

• Website
• Instagram
• Somatic Activated Healing Online Membership, which comes with a 7-day free trial

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!