OCD
What is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves persistent, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that create intense anxiety or distress. To manage this distress, people often engage in repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions), like checking, counting, or organizing. OCD can feel exhausting and isolating, as your mind seems stuck in a loop of fear and uncertainty. You might find yourself trying to suppress or control intrusive thoughts, but they keep coming back, often stronger than before. Even when you recognize these thoughts or behaviors as excessive, the anxiety they provoke can feel overwhelming, making it hard to engage fully in daily life.
Living with OCD often means spending significant energy trying to manage distressing thoughts or avoid triggers, which can limit your relationships, work, school, and activities you care about. You may feel misunderstood or worry that others will judge you if you share your experiences. With understanding and evidence-based strategies, it is possible to reduce compulsions, manage obsessions, and regain control over your life.
How therapy can help
Effective OCD treatment focuses on breaking the cycle of obsessions and compulsions while building practical skills for daily life. Together, we’ll identify the patterns that maintain OCD and develop personalized strategies to reduce distress. I utilize Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), ICBT, ACT and other approaches to support clients in managing intrusive thoughts, reducing compulsive behaviors, and increasing psychological flexibility.
In therapy, we will work towards:
Gaining freedom from repetitive thoughts and behaviors that take over your day
Responding to intrusive thoughts with confidence instead of ritual or avoidance
Reclaiming time, energy, and focus for the activities and people you care about
Reducing the frequency, intensity, and duration of anxiety symptoms
Building self-compassion and confidence in your ability to manage distressing thoughts