Did you know OCD is like an overprotective friend—one that targets what you love most? It sounds strange, doesn’t it?

In this episode of the OCD Whisperer Podcast, host Kristina Orlova is joined by Dr. Thomas Ballas, a clinical psychologist specializing in OCD, anxiety, perfectionism, and trauma. Dr. Ballas provides therapy via telehealth across 42 states and brings a practical, evidence-based perspective to the discussion.

Together, they explore the concept of theme shifting in OCD—how intrusive thoughts often jump from one obsession to another—and why ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) remains effective even as themes evolve. The conversation also covers Relationship OCD, highlighting ways to differentiate between genuine relationship concerns and OCD-driven doubt.

The episode concludes with a discussion on rebuilding self-trust and confidence after years of navigating OCD.

If you've ever found yourself second-guessing your thoughts, your feelings, or even your relationships, this conversation offers clarity, practical tools, and a fresh way to understand what’s really going on. Let’s jump into it!

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

• Why OCD themes change and how to apply ERP no matter what your brain latches onto
• What differentiates real relationship concerns from Relationship OCD and how to tell the difference
• How to build mood-independent confidence and make values-based decisions despite doubt

In This Episode

• [00:32] Introduction to Dr Thomas Ballas
• [01:23] What OCD theme shifting is and why it happens
• [02:01] Why OCD attacks what we value most
• [03:29] The internal false alarm system and shifting fear
• [05:07] How to apply ERP even when themes change
• [06:11] Noticing the same patterns behind different thoughts
• [07:05] Navigating taboo and emotionally charged OCD themes
• [08:19] “But this time it feels different” – how to manage doubts that seem real
• [09:23] Diving into Relationship OCD and distinguishing it from real concerns
• [11:14] Real dysfunction vs. OCD-fueled rumination
• [13:07] Self-doubt, shame, and the role of mood-independent choices
• [14:25] Confidence, compassion, and choosing values-based actions
• [15:28] Where to find Dr. Thomas Ballas online

Our Guest

Dr. Thomas Ballas is a clinical psychologist based in New York and New Jersey, specializing in OCD, anxiety, perfectionism, and trauma. Through telehealth, he serves clients in over 42 states. His approach emphasizes evidence-based techniques like ERP and values-driven recovery. Dr. Ballas is passionate about helping people regain self-trust and build resilience on their journey with OCD.

Resources & Links

Kristina Orlova, LMFT

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

Dr. Thomas Ballas

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Mentioned

• Cognitive Therapy for OCD
• I-CBT Training Online
• Sneaky Rituals with Jenna Overbaugh
• ICBT with Kristina Orlova and Christina Ennabe

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!

In this deeply personal and enlightening episode of the OCD Whisperer Podcast, host Kristina Orlova sits down with Crystal Propes—a wife, mother of three, and passionate mental health advocate. Crystal shares her lifelong experience with emetophobia (fear of vomiting), OCD, ADHD, and PTSD, offering a raw and honest look at what it’s like to live with intersecting conditions—and how healing is possible.

Crystal opens up about the early onset of emetophobia and how it later intertwined with health and contamination OCD, particularly as a mother. She walks us through the long road to diagnosis, the gap between recognizing OCD and finally seeking help, and the breakthrough she experienced using Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT).

You’ll hear about how CBT modules, especially those on reality sensing and alternative narratives, helped her stop ruminating and reconnect with the present. Kristina and Crystal also dive into the nuanced differences between OCD and ADHD, offering clarity and validation for listeners who might be navigating both.

Whether you’re exploring treatment options, parenting with OCD, or trying to make peace with uncertainty, this episode is filled with hope, humor, and empowering insights.

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

• How emetophobia and OCD often intertwine—and why it can escalate during parenthood
• Why ERP isn’t one-size-fits-all, and how CBT reality-sensing exercises helped Crystal stop compulsive rumination
• The surprising differences between OCD-driven behaviors and ADHD tendencies—and how understanding both leads to self-compassion

In This Episode

• [00:03] Introduction and guest introduction
• [01:08] Crystal ’s early experiences with OCD and phobia
• [02:04] Teenage years and OCD development
• [03:38] Realization and diagnosis of OCD
• [04:17] College years and OCD struggles
• [06:16] Seeking treatment and therapy journey
• [08:46] CBT modules and life-changing insights
• [12:05] Managing doubt and realistic fears
• [14:44] Acceptance and setting boundaries
• [16:28] OCD and ADHD intersection
• [18:32] ADHD symptoms and coping strategies
• [20:28] Conclusion and contact information

Our Guest

Crystal Props is a wife, mom of three, and passionate advocate living with OCD, emetophobia, ADHD, and PTSD. Through her candid storytelling and social media presence, she helps others feel seen in their mental health journeys, breaking stigma and offering relatable, real-life tools for navigating anxiety, neurodivergence, and parenting.

Resources & Links

Kristina Orlova, LMFT

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

Crystal Propes

• Instagram

Mentioned

• Cognitive Therapy for OCD
• I-CBT Training Online
• Sneaky Rituals with Jenna Overbaugh
• ICBT with Kristina Orlova and Christina Ennabe

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!