The OCD Whisperer Podcast with Kristina Orlova

The Hidden OCD Behind “Normal” Routines in Kids...   In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Dr. Julie Lustig, clinical psychologist and founder of CBT Tools for Life Center. Together, they explore how childhood OCD and anxiety often hide in plain sight—and why so many parents miss the early signs.   Dr. Lustig opens up about: • Why OCD can take 14–17 years to be properly diagnosed • How common childhood behaviors (like routines) can become rigid compulsions • The most overlooked OCD symptoms—including reassurance-seeking and mental rituals • How Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) helps kids regain control   This conversation also dives into: • The subtle ways OCD shows up beyond handwashing or neatness • How to separate a child from OCD using playful, externalizing tools • Why small “wins” and gradual steps are key to recovery   OCD isn’t just anxiety—it’s a loop that keeps kids feeling stuck. But as Dr. Lustig explains, when kids learn they don’t have to listen to OCD, everything can change.   Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting a child, this episode offers clarity, tools, and real hope for recovery.   📲 About Dr. Julie Lustig (guest): • Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Founder and Director of the CBT Tools For Life Center • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-l-lustig-ph-d-a30287342/ • Web Page: https://www.cbttoolsforlife.com/   ✂️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 What actually leads a psychologist to specialise in childhood OCD and anxiety? 04:34 The early OCD signs in kids most parents completely miss (and mistake for normal behaviour) 06:33 Your child’s “slow routines” might not be habits — hidden OCD symptoms explained 09:16 How do you explain OCD to a child without making it scarier? The surprising approach 12:21 What OCD recovery actually looks like in kids — real transformation stories from treatment 18:16 When a child says “I can’t do this” — what clinicians actually do in that moment   ✅ 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: [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 • childhood OCD • OCD in kids • signs of OCD in children • ERP therapy for OCD • anxiety in children • OCD symptoms parents miss • treating OCD early • reassurance seeking OCD   © OCD Whisperer

Why does it feel like everyone else can manage their OCD… but you just can’t seem to make it stick?   In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Dr. Rachel LaFleur. Together, they unpack the often-missed overlap between ADHD and OCD—and why you might feel stuck in your recovery even when you’re doing “everything right.”   Dr. LaFleur opens up about: • Why so many adults—especially women—are missing an ADHD diagnosis • How intrusive thoughts + attention struggles can feed each other • The hidden signs of ADHD that don’t look like hyperactivity • Why OCD therapy might not “stick” without addressing ADHD   This conversation also dives into: • The subtle ways ADHD shows up in your daily life (even if you seem “high-functioning”) • Why you might feel motivated but still unable to act • Tools like attention training, structure, and accountability that actually work • The bigger message: you’re not failing—your brain may just need a different approach   If you’ve ever thought: “Why can’t I just do what I know helps?” This episode will help you understand what’s really going on—and what to do next.   Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or trying to make sense of your own patterns, this episode offers clarity, validation, and practical strategies to help you move forward.   📲 About Dr. Rachel LaFleur (guest): • Rachel C. LaFleur, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, Stony Run Psychology & Wellness • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-lafleur-ph-d-73735056/ • Web Page: https://stonyrunpsych.com/   ✂️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:01 Intro & Guest Welcome 00:21 Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? 01:36 Can you explain the overlap between ADHD and OCD? 04:06 What are the “spidey senses” for ADHD? 07:10 How do you actually tell if it’s ADHD and not just normal behavior? 13:03 What gets in the way of OCD treatment if someone also has ADHD? 14:48 What do you do if ADHD is suspected but not diagnosed? 19:30 What if someone has ADHD but won’t take medication? 22:32 Can you give a concrete example of how you’d practice this? 29:48 What do loved ones typically notice? 30:50 What do friends or others actually see? 37:05 Outro & Where to Find Rachel   ✅ 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: [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 • ADHD and OCD overlap • OCD not improving • ADHD symptoms in adults • why OCD therapy isn’t working • ADHD in women • rumination and ADHD • attention training for OCD • executive dysfunction   © OCD Whisperer