top of page
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is defined by the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions​. Obsessions are recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or images that are experienced as intrusive and unwanted, and that usually cause anxiety or distress. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that the person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly. People can experience OCD related to a wide variety of topics (and usually experience obsessions in more than one area) and I treat all themes, with a special interest in relationship OCD.
Treatment
OCD can be incredibly difficult. I want you to know that there is hope. In my practice, I utilize Exposure and Response/Ritual Prevention (often abbreviated to ERP or Ex/RP) to treat OCD, which is backed by numerous studies. Fear and anxiety often lead us to avoid the people, objects, activities, and situations that scare us, and can also compel us to perform certain behaviors in order to make ourselves feel safe. Although these avoidance and ritual behaviors may decrease fear and anxiety in the short-term, over time, these well-intentioned behaviors maintain and amplify fear and anxiety. ERP helps us gradually & intentionally approach our fears. By doing this we learn a few things:
-
Our distress won't last forever
-
We can tolerate anxiety, doubt, and uncertainty, even if it's uncomfortable
-
Our tolerance for uncertainty will increase the longer we sit with it
-
The things we fear are unlikely to happen and, even if they do, we can handle them
-
Instead of anxiety and OCD getting to be in control, we can live our lives based on our values
​
You can learn more about treatment recommendations for OCD here: https://iocdf.org/ocd-treatment-guide/
Resources
Books:
Getting Over OCD by Jonathan Abramowitz, PhD
The Self-Compassion Workbook for OCD by Kimberley Quinlan, LMFT
When a Family Member Has OCD by Jon Hershfield, MFT
Thriving in Relationships When You Have OCD by Amy Mariaskin, PhD
Relationship OCD by Sheva Rajaee, MFT
Podcasts:
The OCD Stories
FearCast
Your Anxiety Toolkit
bottom of page