Obsessive - Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD affects roughly 2.3% of the U.S. population, yet it is often misunderstood. It is very common for OCD to co-occur with anxiety, depression, or PTSD, which can make symptoms feel complex and difficult to manage. This 'overlap' is why a specialized, trauma-informed approach is so important for an accurate diagnosis and effective relief.
I am specifically trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which is widely considered the 'gold standard' and best-practice intervention for OCD. Whether you are struggling primarily with obsessive-compulsive behaviors or are navigating OCD alongside other trauma-related concerns, ERP offers a structured, evidence-based path to reclaiming your life. I provide ERP therapy in person, and via telehealth for clients across the state.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Exposure and Response Prevention can feel intimidating, but we work at a pace that feels manageable for you. The goal is to break the cycle of OCD by changing how you respond to your thoughts.
1. Assessment & Mapping
First, we identify your specific obsessions (the intrusive thoughts that cause distress) and your compulsions (the behaviors or mental rituals you do to try to get rid of that distress). We’ll create a "hierarchy" together, ranking your triggers from least to most distressing.
2. Gradual Exposure
In a safe, controlled environment, we gradually lean into the things that trigger your anxiety. We start at the bottom of your hierarchy with the "easier" triggers to build nervous system regulation and expand your window of tolerance.
3. Response Prevention (The Key to Healing)
This is the most important part. While experiencing the trigger, you’ll practice not doing the compulsion. By resisting the ritual, your brain eventually learns a powerful truth: the anxiety will go down on its own without the compulsion.
4. Developing Resilience
Over time, your brain becomes "bored" by the things that used to terrify it. This process, called habituation, allows you to regain control of your time and energy so you can focus on what truly matters to you.