175. Body Dysmorphic Disorder: How to spot the hidden signs with Robyn Stern, LCSW

175. Body Dysmorphic Disorder: How to spot the hidden signs with Robyn Stern, LCSW

31:29 Mar 13, 2026
About this episode
Is it OCD, or is your brain just wired differently?🧠 Β  In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Dr. Jeremy Shuman, a psychologist and specialist in the intersection of Autism and OCD. Together, they explore the complex overlap between neurodevelopmental traits and obsessive-compulsive patterns. Β  Dr. Shuman opens up about: β€’ The definition of Autism and the shift toward the Neurodiversity Movement. β€’ Why observable behaviors like "stimming" are often mistaken for OCD compulsions. β€’ The internal experience of sensory seeking versus sensory rejecting. β€’ The trait of Monotropism and how deep focus differs from clinical obsessions. Β  Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone who is neurodivergent, this episode offers essential tools and insights to help you understand the "why" behind the rituals. Β  πŸ“² About Robyn Stern (guest): β€’ Specialized treatment for OCD, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), and anxiety disorders β€’ Web Page & all contacts: https://www.rlsterntherapy.com/ Β  βœ‚οΈ TIMESTAMPS: [00:00] – Welcome to the show: Meet Robyn Stern. [02:20] – "Before you knew it was BDD, what did you think was wrong with you?" [03:32] – "What was it like? Did you think it was just insecurity or that you were just anxious?" [07:22] – "What was the turning point that made you decide to seek help?" [11:07] – "Did you just stop talking to your friends altogether?" [12:57] – "Did you think you were just being vain or that you were broken?" [20:43] – "What is the actual therapy to get better?" (The difference between OCD and BDD treatment). [24:02] – The "Perfect Storm" of beauty standards and BDD [25:12] – "Is it a painful pill to swallow thinking this is just your lot in life?" [28:12] – "How can you have a relationship with a person when you're in a relationship with a body part?" [30:22] – How to connect with Robyn Stern and find resources. Β  βœ… Free Resources & Links 🎁 Free OCD Survival Kit & Classes β†’ www.shorturl.at/KcTxM πŸ“– OCD CBT Journal β†’ www.shorturl.at/7pUxB 🌐 Website β†’ www.korresults.com/ ✍️ OCD Academyβ†’ www.ocdacademy.thinkific.com/ Β  πŸ“² Stay Connected Facebook: www.facebook.com/korresults Instagram: www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ocdwhisperer Twitter (X): www.x.com/korresul
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