Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

I’m soooo OCD.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is not being a bit overly organized or washing your hands a lot.

OCD is characterized by a vicious, never-ending loop of thoughts and actions.

It causes repeated, unwanted and intrusive thoughts or sensations (obsessions) that create anxiety, resulting in the urge to do something that temporarily decreases the anxiety (compulsion).

Symptoms may come and go, switch to different themes, worsen over time, and become part of your daily living. But feelings of fear and anxiety remain the same even as symptoms shift.

Why me?

OCD does not discriminate. People of all genders, races, ethnicity, and ages can develop OCD.

Sometimes, OCD symptoms are not recognized as OCD or even a concern until it reaches a debilitating level.

While we still do not know the exact causes of OCD, research suggests that genetics, brain structure, and childhood trauma may play a role. Despite the cause, therapy can help.

Nuts and bolts of OCD therapy.

Utilizing research based processes and strategies to teach you how your mind works and how to create lasting change. It guides you in navigating your feelings, creating healthier behaviors, and relating to your thoughts differently… so you can live the life you want.

My therapeutic approach includes the use of assessments, goal setting, weekly assignments, tracking of progress, and getting real results. You are taught skills to build emotional resilience, so you can eventually leave therapy and manage on your own.

You’ll leave therapy with new patterns of thought and healthy behavior changes, knowing how and when to use each strategy in your new toolbox, the confidence to use these strategies outside the office walls, and the motivation and courage to persevere through tough times.

Therapy is a high-value yet temporary investment in yourself. As progress is made, we will move from weekly sessions to bi-weekly sessions, then monthly sessions, and eventually only schedule booster or check-in sessions.

The Gold Standard.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is considered the gold standard of OCD treatment. It has extensive research backing its effectiveness.

Simply put, the ‘exposure’ piece refers to gradually and systematically facing one’s cause of fear or anxiety until it no longer causes negative feelings. The ‘response prevention’ piece refers to no longer reinforcing OCD through rituals, compulsions, avoiding, or escaping certain things. This is done via in vivo or imaginals within the office, home, or community environments.

The focus is on the whole person.

The most successful therapy should treat the entire person, not just the OCD. Many times changes within the environment, support systems, general wellness, and social relationships are necessary to in order for one to stick to their treatment plan. 

I strive to teach coping strategies, relaxation techniques, and create mindset shifts in order to increase knowledge, competence and confidence to use your new strategies outside of my office walls.

Therapy can help you recover from OCD.

If you’re unsure whether your thoughts and behaviors are just normal or OCD, simply call me at (203) 208-8434 to schedule a 15-minute phone consultation.