About this episode
Is Perfectionism Hijacking Your Values? 🧠
In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Dr. Marisa Mazza, PsyD. Together, they explore the final pieces of the ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) puzzle: values and committed action, and how to integrate these tools into a long-term recovery journey.
Dr. Mazza opens up about:
• The critical difference between "Values" (directions) and "Goals" (destinations)
• How perfectionism can turn your guiding principles into rigid, impossible rules
• The "60–70% Rule"—why aiming for "good enough" is the secret to avoiding burnout
• A breakdown of the 6 core processes of ACT: Presence, Values, Committed Action, Self-as-Context, Defusion, and Willingness
Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone, this episode offers a clear, compassionate roadmap for moving away from a life ruled by fear and toward a life led by what truly matters to you.
📲 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 "Success" Trap: Why your goals might actually be feeding your OCD.
[02:01] – The North Star Method: Values vs. Goals (And why the difference is everything).
[04:29] – The 60% Rule: How "Good Enough" is the ultimate weapon against perfectionism.
[05:55] – The Life Basket Strategy: How to stop OCD from hijacking your entire energy supply.
[09:24] – The "Miracle Morning" Test: A 60-second self-reflection to find your true self.
[11:58] – The "Itty Bitty Step": How to move forward when you feel completely paralyzed.
[14:56] – Courage is Fear Walking: Why you don't need to "feel ready" to start recovery.
[16:54] – The Carrot Technique: Finding the "Big Purpose" that makes the pain of ERP worth it.
[21:07] – Failing with Purpose: Why you need to get "good" at failing to get better.
[24:20] – The Recovery Roadmap: What actually happens inside an ACT therapy session?
[26:40] – Compulsion Math: Why short-term relief is stealing your long-term life
[29:30] – The Real Timeline: How long does it actually take? (4 months vs. 1 year)
[32:27] – The "Slow Food" Movement: Why rushing recovery is the fastest way to stay stuck
✅ Free Resources & Links
🎁 Free OCD Survival Kit & Classes → www.shorturl.at/KcTxM
📖 OCD CBT Journal → www.shorturl.at/7pUxB
🌐 Website → www.korresults.com/
✍️ OCD Acad
