Therapy for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
What does OCD look like?
Living with OCD can feel debilitating. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves unwanted, distressing thoughts or images—called obsessions—and repetitive behaviors or mental acts—called compulsions—done to reduce anxiety or prevent something bad from happening. While these rituals can bring temporary relief, they often create a painful cycle of fear and doubt. OCD isn’t about being “neat” or “particular”; it’s about feeling trapped in patterns your mind insists are necessary, even when you know they’re not.
Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
According to the DSM-5-TR, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by the presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both. Obsessions are recurrent, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause intense anxiety or distress, such as fears of contamination, doubts about safety, or unwanted taboo thoughts. To relieve this distress, individuals may engage in compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors (like checking, cleaning, or ordering) or mental rituals (like counting or praying) that temporarily reduce anxiety but ultimately reinforce the cycle. These symptoms are time-consuming—often taking more than an hour per day—or cause significant interference in daily life, relationships, or work.
Understanding OCD
Our team is experienced in helping clients break free from the exhausting cycle of obsessions and compulsions. We draw from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients gradually face fears, reduce rituals, and regain a sense of control. Our therapists also integrate mindfulness, EMDR, and family systems work when appropriate, recognizing that OCD doesn’t exist in isolation—it affects relationships, self-esteem, and daily functioning. With compassion, structure, and deep clinical training, we help clients understand their patterns, build confidence in tolerating uncertainty, and move toward a calmer, more flexible life.
How we can help
We use CBT, ACT, and EMDR to help clients break free from anxiety and OCD patterns. CBT challenges unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, ACT teaches acceptance and mindfulness to reduce struggle with distressing thoughts, and EMDR helps reprocess past experiences that fuel anxiety. Together, these methods create lasting change and restore a sense of calm and control.