Episode
189. Why OCD Believes Possibilities Instead of Reality | ICBT Explained
- Published
- Jun 13, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1656
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://ocdwhisperer.podbean.com/e/189-i-will-change-this-later/
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Summary
Could OCD be tricking you into trusting your imagination more than reality? In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Catherine Goldhouse, ICBT therapist and OCD specialist. Together, they explore one of the most powerful concepts in Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT): how OCD overrides your mind by convincing you that possibility is evidence. Catherine breaks down: • Why intrusive thoughts are not the real problem in OCD • How OCD shifts your default from trust to doubt • Why possibility alone feels convincing when OCD takes over • The hidden role of self-doubt, identity, and imagination in OCD This conversation also dives into: • How OCD disconnects people from their senses and common sense • The difference between normal reasoning and OCD reasoning • Why people with OCD often search for evidence after already reaching a conclusion • How past experiences become stories that shape OCD fears • The concept of "reverse reasoning" and how it keeps OCD alive • Why imagination can become more trusted than reality If you've ever found yourself asking, "But what if?" over and over again, this episode will help you understand why OCD feels so convincing—and how ICBT helps people break free from its grip. Whether you're struggling with OCD yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers practical insights, hope, and a completely different way of understanding OCD recovery. 📲 About Catherine Goldhouse (guest): • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icbttherapist/ • Website: https://www.catherinegoldhouse.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinegoldhouse/ ✂️ TIMESTAMPS: [00:00] – How Does OCD Override Our Mind? [04:50] – If Bad Things Really Happen, Why Shouldn't I Worry? [08:56] – What's the Difference Bet…