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Understanding OCD

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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that individuals feel driven to perform. These obsessions and compulsions can significantly interfere with daily activities and cause considerable distress.  It can begin at any age but typically starts in late childhood or early adulthood
 

Obsessions are unwanted (intrusive), repetitive thoughts that cause the sufferer great distress.  Obsessions often have themes, such as (but not limited to):

  • Fear of contamination or dirt.

  • Doubting and having a hard time dealing with uncertainty.

  • Needing things to be orderly and balanced.

  • Aggressive or horrific thoughts about losing control and harming yourself or others.

  • Unwanted thoughts, including aggression, or sexual or religious subjects.

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Compulsions are repetitive physical or mental behaviors that a sufferer does to reduce anxiety related to your obsessions. Compulsions may offer only limited relief from anxiety.

As with obsessions, compulsions usually have themes, such as:

  • Washing and cleaning.

  • Checking.

  • Counting.

  • Ordering.

  • Following a strict routine.

  • Demanding reassurance

Treatment options for OCD

An interdisciplinary approach, including a combination of medical and psychological interventions is the gold standard of care.  This often includes: therapy and medication management

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Therapy Services We Provide

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  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): for managing symptoms, especially OCD and anxiety. 

  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)- reduces obsessive and compulsive behaviors. 

  • Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)-encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings, promoting psychological flexibility.

  • Mindfulness- reduces anxiety and frustration tolerance

  • Family Therapy- a supportive space for family members for psychoeducation, to express their emotions, learn treatment techniques to help sufferer.

  • Collaborative Care: working with your treatment team on an individualized treatment plan for your needs

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Medication Options from Physician or Psychiatrist

  • Antidepressants

    • SSRI's

    • SNRI's

  • Mood Stabilizers (used less often)

  • Antipsychotics (in more severe cases)​

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School/Academic Interventions May Include:

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The most important thing to know is that OCD is highly treatable. No matter how long you have been stuck in the cycle, it is possible to break free. With specialized care, you can learn to step back from these thoughts and regain a sense of calm and control in your daily life.

Therapeutic Approaches

Primarily, I use a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy orientation, but also incorporate dynamic, eclectic, mindfulness, and humanistic approaches in therapy when necessary.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps you identify the thoughts that fuel anxiety and learn how to respond to them with greater flexibility. It is a collaborative process designed to give you practical tools for your daily life.

Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness

Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)-encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings, promoting psychological flexibility.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

Exposure and Response Prevention is the gold standard for OCD treatment. It involves gently facing fears without engaging in compulsions, helping your brain learn that you are safe and that thoughts do not determine your reality.

Family Therapy and Collaborative Care

A supportive space for family members for psychoeducation, to express their emotions, learn treatment techniques to help sufferer.  Collaborative Care: working with your treatment team on an individualized treatment plan for your needs

What to Expect

Our sessions are collaborative and paced to your comfort. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where we work as partners to understand your unique experience. We focus on practical skills you can use in daily life immediately, ensuring every step forward feels secure and manageable as you regain your peace of mind.

SESSION INFORMATION

45 min standard session

90 min double session​​

**Intensive sessions available
upon request     

PAYMENT INFORMATION

 *Out-of-network-provider   

 *Please contact your insurance company to determine your benefits for out-of-network outpatient "mental health"

​ *Payment is collected at the time of your appointment. Receipts given for submission to insurance company for reimbursement

*Cash, checks, Venmo, Zelle, and credit cards are accepted

 *Please Call for Current Rates

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