Learn how to manage anxiety and feel more in control.
Psychotherapy for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
In-person in Charlotte & online throughout NC & SC
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by a cycle of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. People with OCD experience intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges, referred to as obsessions. These obsessions cause significant distress and anxiety.
In response to these obsessions, individuals with OCD engage in repetitive behaviors or mental rituals known as compulsions. These compulsions are performed to alleviate the anxiety caused by the obsessions. However, these behaviors are often excessive, time-consuming, and can interfere with daily functioning.
Common obsessions in OCD include fears of contamination, doubts about safety, a need for symmetry or order, intrusive violent or sexual thoughts, or excessive concern with morality or religious beliefs. Compulsions can be repetitive actions like handwashing, checking, counting, or mental rituals such as repeating certain words or phrases.
OCD is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a person's life if left untreated. It is believed to be caused by genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors.
What are treatment options for OCD?
The primary treatment options for OCD are Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), specifically Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and medication.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a widely recognized and effective approach for treating OCD. It involves working with a trained therapist to identify and challenge the obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors associated with OCD.
Medication Management
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often prescribed to manage OCD symptoms. These medications increase the availability of serotonin in the brain, which can help reduce anxiety and obsessive thoughts. However, it is important to note that a qualified healthcare professional should prescribe and monitor medication.
Combination Therapy
In some cases, a combination of CBT and medication may be recommended for treating OCD. Medication can help manage the symptoms while individuals engage in therapy to learn coping skills and address the underlying thought patterns and behaviors associated with OCD.
As an experienced OCD psychotherapist, I create a personalized treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Together, we'll address your unique challenges and work towards managing and alleviating your symptoms effectively. I am committed to supporting you to achieve the best possible outcome.
Psychotherapy for OCD can help you:
Develop Coping Strategies
Psychotherapy provides a safe and supportive environment for clients to learn and develop effective coping strategies to manage their obsessions and compulsions. I teach clients techniques such as cognitive restructuring, challenging all-or-nothing thinking, and relaxation exercises. These tools help clients cope with intrusive thoughts and reduce the urge to engage in compulsive behaviors.
Reframe, Challenge, & Heal
As a psychotherapist, I help clients to reframe their obsessive thoughts. By identifying and addressing distorted thinking patterns, clients can gain a new perspective and reduce the power obsessions hold over them. Many obsessive thoughts can be traced back to a trauma in the client’s life. Working through any unresolved trauma is important to ensure a positive long-term outcome.
Achieve Long Term Results
I guide clients collaboratively through a gradual exposure process, where they confront fears and discover that anxiety diminishes over time without relying on rituals or avoidance. The exposures, predetermined and agreed upon by the client, are led by me as a therapist with care and consideration, enabling them to develop tolerance to obsessions and assert control over their reactions.
Common questions about Psychotherapy for OCD
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Of course! The first part of ERP addresses any trauma that caused the ritual or obsessive thought to form. Often, this step helps clients gain valuable insight, making exposure more tolerable or, in some cases, addresses trauma and stops the rituals or obsessive thoughts altogether.
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Absolutely not. Each client has unique needs and situations that come up in their daily lives. So whether it is working through OCD-related issues or needing support over life in general, I’m here.
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It depends on the person. If a client is dedicated to therapy and willing to do the work, results can be achieved in 6-8 sessions. Some clients take longer, depending on the severity of their symptoms and any underline trauma that needs to be addressed before ERP can begin.