OCD Therapy
Does it feel like OCD has taken the driver's seat of your life?
Are you having intrusive thoughts that won’t go away unless you engage in compulsions?
Do you feel as if your thoughts are all consuming and go against your value system?
Are you terrified at the thought of having to face your greatest fears?
Maybe you frequently experience intrusive thoughts that feel overwhelming and uncontrollable. These thoughts can range from irrational fears or doubts to disturbing images or ideas that don't align with who you are or what you believe in.
You often feel a strong compulsion to engage in specific behaviors—whether it’s checking, counting, or avoiding certain things—just to make the thoughts go away or to alleviate the anxiety they cause. The problem is, no matter how many times you do these rituals, the thoughts keep coming back, and the anxiety doesn't fully go away.
Living with OCD can be exhausting
The hardest part is that these thoughts feel so alien to your core values. You know deep down that they don’t reflect who you are or what you stand for, yet the fear and doubt they create make you question yourself. It's exhausting.
You're also terrified at the thought of facing your greatest fears—whether it’s the fear of harming someone unintentionally or the fear of something terrible happening if you don’t follow through with your rituals. That sense of dread can be paralyzing, and it feels like you have no choice but to keep acting on these compulsions, just to feel some sense of relief, even though you know it's not the answer.
In OCD counseling, you can learn the tools to manage your obsessive thoughts and compulsions.
Have any questions? Send me a message!
Many people with OCD feel completely alone
About 2.5% of the population is impacted by OCD at some point in their life. That’s about the size of New York City
The most common symptoms of OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) include intrusive, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce the anxiety caused by these thoughts.
The most common themes of obsessive OCD thoughts include contamination, excessive doubt, unwanted sexual thoughts and unwanted violent thoughts. Others include scrupulosity, relationship OCD and perfectionism. Common compulsions include excessive washing, checking, counting, arranging, or mentally repeating certain phrases or actions.
The OCD Cycle
People with OCD often feel trapped in a cycle where performing the compulsive actions temporarily relieves anxiety, but the obsessions return, leading to further compulsions. This cycle can interfere significantly with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being, as the individual spends excessive time engaging in rituals to manage the intrusive thoughts.
Many people with OCD often feel deeply alone because their intrusive thoughts can be disturbing, irrational, or shameful, making them afraid to talk about what they're experiencing. You may fear being judged, misunderstood, or labeled "crazy," especially since the content of your obsessions often goes against your morals and values.
Additionally, OCD is frequently misunderstood by others—even loved ones—who may minimize the condition or see the compulsions as quirks or habits rather than symptoms of a serious mental health disorder. This lack of understanding can lead to isolation, secrecy, and a feeling that no one else could possibly relate to what you're going through, even though OCD is more common than many people realize.
The great news is that OCD is very treatable!
With the help of OCD counseling, you can face your fears and take your life back
If you are feeling terrified about the thought of starting OCD therapy, you are not alone. You have likely gone your whole life without receiving treatment for your OCD and thinking about having to face your fears is very scary.
You have probably spent years trying to avoid or neutralize the distress caused by your intrusive thoughts. The idea of willingly facing those triggers, while resisting the urge to perform compulsions, can create intense anxiety and fear of losing control.
I will be with you in every step of this process and we will work together to create a treatment plan that you feel confident in.
What You Can Expect In OCD Counseling Sessions
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy is considered the gold-standard treatment for OCD. During ERP, we will work together to create a hierarchy of feared situations, starting with less distressing triggers and gradually moving toward more challenging ones.
For example, if you have contamination OCD you might start by touching a doorknob without washing your hands, while if you have harm OCD you might write down a scary thought without trying to mentally undo it.
The key is not just exposure to the feared thought or situation, but the prevention of the usual compulsive response—hence the name “Exposure and Response Prevention.” Over time, through repeated exposures without rituals, you will learn that the anxiety fades on its own and that the feared outcomes rarely (if ever) happen.
Personalized treatment solutions for your OCD
As your OCD therapist I will offer a compassionate and empathetic approach as we work together to face your fears.
Here are some examples of what you can expect from me:
I will provide psychoeducation about OCD
I will do a thorough assessment of your OCD obsessions and compulsions so that we can confront each obsession individually
I will offer a non-judgmental approach and help you to understand that the obsessions you are having are not aligned with your value system
I will provide weekly homework so that you can optimize your therapy progress and healing journey
If you are willing to show up to therapy and do the work, I am confident that you will see a reduction in your distress and an increase in your ability to manage your obsessive thoughts.
Still Have Questions About OCD Therapy?
What if ERP doesn’t work for me?
ERP may not work for everybody. If that’s the case, we will move to second-line treatments for OCD which may include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or Inference-Based Cognitive Therapy (I-CBT). We can also include adjunctive treatment options such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) or Mindfulness-Based Therapy.
What if facing my fears makes me feel even worse?
This is a very common concern for many people who have OCD. There is a reason you have found comfort in your compulsions - because in the short term they make you feel better! Our goal is to work toward reducing your anxiety in the long term. While you may experience more anxiety at first as we practice ritual prevention, you will notice a reduction in anxiety as you move through treatment.
What if I can’t do the things that I know will help me get better?
This is another very common concern for individuals who have OCD. OCD has been nicknamed the doubting disease because it is skilled at making you doubt yourself. As we work together on exposure therapy, you will start to see how brave and capable you are of telling your OCD it is no longer in charge!
You can overcome your OCD and live the life you deserve
If you’re tired of feeling controlled by OCD, therapy can help you gain the confidence to face your fears and stop living by OCD’s rules. I invite you to contact me today to learn more about how I can help you treat your OCD.