Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic and long-lasting anxiety disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that he or she feels driven to do repetitively. People with OCD may have symptoms of obsessions, compulsions, or both. Common activities include things like hand washing, counting of things, and checking to see if a door is locked over and over. Obsessive thoughts might center around thinks like an excessive concern about germs or forbidden sexual or religious thoughts. As opposed to people with “bad habits” or “negative thoughts”, symptoms of OCD can’t be controlled for more than a short period of time and typically interfere with school, work and personal relationships. People with OCD typically spend at least an hour a day on obsessive thoughts or behaviors. OCD is a serious condition and is associated with an increased risk of suicide. If you are suffering from OCD (or think you might be), reach out to one of TherapyDen’s OCD specialists today. 

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Meet the specialists

 

OCD is one of the most complex and, at times, debilitating disorders. In the community, it is often called "complex" anxiety and normally involves intrusive thoughts that are overwhelming accompanied by safety checking. There are many subtypes of OCD recognized by the community such as Harm OCD, Religious OCD, Contamination OCD, among others. Research has shown that the most effective approach to OCD is Exposure-Response Prevention, aimed at reconsolidating memories around fears.

— Dakota Fidram, Associate Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA

I treat OCD using a blend of Internal Family Systems and Exposure and Response Prevention. Both are evidence based treatments.

— Robyn Sonnier, Licensed Professional Counselor in Raleigh, NC
 

Therapists in our practice utilize evidenced based techniques for OCD, such as, Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and I-CBT. Clients will learn how to manage distress around thoughts without compulsive behaviors, recognize intrusive thoughts, habituate (lower anxiety) around thoughts. Therapists at Mosaic Minds have experience around OCD themes of contamination, sexual obsessions, harm obsessions, symmetry/just right themes, scrupulosity, and more.

— Mosaic Minds Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor

I utilize a CBT approach by understanding the client's thoughts behind each compulson. I have them create a list of their compulsions and obsessive thoughts so they can better understand how prominent the OCD is in their life, and what it looks like as a whole. I work with them to identify the trigger, thought, or situation provoking their OCD. I utilize a variety of different worksheets, exercises, and techniques to challenge, cope with, and decrease the OCD prevalence.

— Brittany Bergersen, Mental Health Counselor in Brooklyn, NY
 

OCD is so difficult to deal with, especially because people often think of it as just being neat or tidy. But it's so hard when these anxiety thoughts become something that we feel like we can't get away from, and the only way we've learned we can deal with it is with some kind of compulsive action in the world. It may be hard to find proper care, but it is possible. I've been trained in CBT and ERP, to help you learn that you can sit with these feelings, without your compulsions.

— Danielle Wayne, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Boise, ID

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be a very debilitating set of symptoms and is something for which I use a therapy called Exposure and Response Prevention (ExRP or ERP). This therapy is widely considered to be the most effective treatment for OCD available. I will teach you how to approach situations that create obsessive thinking and emotional distress and how to simultaneously resist acting on urges to engage in your compulsive behavior. Clients are often amazed at the results.

— Joe Groninga, Psychologist in St. Paul, MN
 

In working with OCD, I do a deep assessment related to the onset of your obsessive rumination and compulsive behaviors or mental rituals to break the cycle of feeling like you are on a constant hamster wheel you can't exit. I utilize a blend of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Exposure Response Prevention, working with you to stop the

— Tera Lensegrav-Benson, Psychologist in , UT

I utilize Inference-based CBT (ICBT) to work with clients experiencing OCD, which is an evidence-based treatment created specifically for working with OCD. For individuals who haven't had success with ERP or other approaches treating OCD, ICBT may be a step towards better management of their symptoms.

— Ruby Snyder, Licensed Professional Counselor in Bethesda, MD
 

Recurrent thoughts and mental images can cause significant anxiety, leading you to engage in an endless cycle of behaviors that reduce your distress temporarily. I can support you in breaking free from this cycle and gaining back control in your life. I utilize exposure and response prevention (ERP), in which you will gradually confront fears in a supportive and encouraging setting.

— Annie Lynch, Post-Doctoral Fellow in Warrington, PA

I have significant experience working with clients to develop gradual exposure and response prevention plans to decrease the interference of OCD in their everyday lives.

— Deanna Aliperti, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York, NY
 

Obsessional thoughts and uncontrollable compulsions can be incredibly stressful, unsettling, and make a person feel like they have little say over their life. I have been trained in the gold standard treatment for OCD called Exposure and Response Prevention (Ex/RP for short), which helps people to overcome their fears without relying on compulsions to get through the day.

— Ethan Sapienza, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Beverly Hills, CA

Clinical interest and experience helping clients diagnosed or dealing with OCD traits help relieve intensity of thought patterns, and/or compulsive behaviors. I've received ongoing trainings on topics of OCD.

— Stephanie Manning, Psychologist in New York, NY
 

As always, when constructing self-compassion coping statements, try to think about the most honest description of what’s happening. It isn’t necessarily the happiest, but it also should be void of criticism. Acknowledge that you are having the thoughts and feelings that you’re having. Recognize that others do (or at least would) find these thoughts and feelings difficult to contend with. Then invite yourself to recognize your strengths and your ability to exert those strengths against the OCD.

— Tatum Santacasa, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Aurora, CO

To disrupt the OCD cycle I use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a specialized form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). ERP has more scientific evidence behind it than any other approach for OCD and is therefore considered the “gold standard”.

— Regina Lazarovich, Clinical Psychologist in Scotts Valley, CA
 

I utilize ACT and ERP to treat OCD. Together we will learn to lean into discomfort instead of avoid it.

— Brooke Zuzow, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in West Chester, OH

OCD is treatable and it is our goal to get OCD into full remission. We provide you with expert, high-quality and personalized treatment. Sessions will be conducted with a PhD-level psychologist, trained in highly-ranked programs with over 15 years of experience. Specializing exclusively in the treatment of OCD in adult women allows us to focus 100% on the latest knowledge and highly-effective techniques that will likely work best for you. We specialize in all subtypes of OCD.

— North Shore OCD Women's Treatment Center, Ltd. Kathi Fine Abitbol, PhD, Clinical Psychologist in Deerfield, IL
 

I offer evidence-based approaches for OCD & anxiety along with meaning & narrative therapeutic activities. These include CBT, ERP, ACT, & i-CBT.

— Rebecca Lederman, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Berlin, MD