Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

What it looks like:

You experience distressing intrusive thoughts that feel best resolved through ritualistic behaviors. The topics of these intrusive thoughts can range from fears of contamination, things needing to be “just right”, or fears that you are a terrible person capable of atrocities. Although the ritualistic behaviors reduce stress temporarily, the relief never lasts and the behaviors are a hinderance to your life.

How I Help:

I am trained in Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) which is considered the “gold standard” for treating OCD. With my guidance and support, you will intentionally expose yourself to scenarios that trigger distressing intrusive thoughts and then sit in the discomfort of your thoughts without engaging in your ritualistic behaviors to sooth yourself. The idea is to desensitize yourself and “get bored” of your intrusive thoughts so you are less affected by them in your daily life. We take a measured approach in ERP, starting with the least distressing scenarios and gradually work our way to more distressing scenarios. The exposures are meant to be challenging but not overwhelming.