Angelique Howington Works (she/her)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, images, and sensations (obsessions) and engage in behaviors or mental acts in response to these thoughts or obsessions. Often the person carries out the behaviors to reduce the impact or get rid of the obsessive thoughts, but this only brings temporary relief. Not performing the obsessive rituals can cause great anxiety.

Weight stigma, also known as weight bias or weight-based discrimination, is discrimination or stereotyping based on a person’s weight. Weight stigma can increase body dissatisfaction, a leading risk factor in the development of eating disorders. The best-known environmental contributor to the development of eating disorders is the sociocultural idealization of thinness.

We all worry from time to time. Sometimes we worry A LOT. Worry usually responds to common sense solutions like trying to think of something else, getting busy, binge watching TV, calling a friend for reassurance, getting a good night’s sleep, or eating chocolate.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is a scientifically tested form of psychotherapy that has proven to be effective for a variety of conditions including anxiety and depression. In CBT, the therapist and the patient work collaboratively to identify and address the presenting issues. Therapists support the patients and help them face their obstacles and successfully get past their challenges by changing any faulty thinking, emotional reactivity, and maladaptive behaviors.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a cognitive behavioral technique that is used to effectively treat a number of Anxiety disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Phobias and others. The EXPOSURE involves exposure to feared stimuli such as, thoughts, images, or real life objects. The RESPONSE PREVENTION involves modifying the old response to the feared stimuli such as to prevent escape or avoidant behaviors.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of behavior therapy. It is action based and focuses on personal values and principles. ACT offers an existential, philosophical, and “big picture” perspective on life and presenting issues. ACT teaches the patient to use value-based choices to motivate and promote positive change. Additionally, ACT integrates mindfulness, consciousness, and awareness to help guide the work the patient does in treatment.