About this episode

Kristina Orlova and Dr. Marisa Mazza discuss Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques to manage OCD and intrusive thoughts.

How can you stay present when your brain is screaming with OCD? 🧠 In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Dr. Marisa Mazza, PsyD. Together, they explore the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) concepts of Self-as-Context and Present Moment Awareness—and how to apply them even when anxiety feels overwhelming. Dr. Mazza opens up about: • Why "being present" feels threatening or impossible when you have OCD • The 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise and how to use tactile sensations to anchor yourself • The concept of the "Observer Self" (Self-as-Context) and why you are the sky, not the weather • How to build a tolerance for uncomfortable internal experiences without fighting them Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone, this episode offers practical tools, grounding strategies, and a path toward living a full, present life. 📲 About Marisa Mazza (guest): • PsyD, a faculty member of the Behavioral Therapy Training Institute, author of The ACT Workbook for OCD • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmazza/ • Web Page: https://www.choicetherapy.net/team ✂️ TIMESTAMPS: [00:00] – The "Being Present" Trap: Why Mindfulness Feels Scary…

More episodes of The OCD Whisperer Podcast with Kristina Orlova

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• 179. Can DBT Help OCD? What Actually Works (ERP, ICBT & Emotional Regulation Explained) · April 10, 2026 · 33 min
• 178. Why You Feel Like a "Fraud" Even When You’re Successful (High-Functioning OCD) · April 3, 2026 · 26 min
• 177. Why You’re Never "Ready": Dr. Lauren Cook on Social Atrophy & The Emetophobia Trap · March 27, 2026 · 18 min
• 176. The Hardest "No": Why I Stopped Fixing My Child’s OCD · March 20, 2026 · 33 min

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