Therapy for OCD

Do you often have unwanted, distressing thoughts? Intrusive thoughts that maybe scare you or cause feelings of panic or anxiety? As a result of these thoughts, do you feel the need to repeat certain actions, rituals, or routines to feel less anxious? Maybe even distracting, avoiding, or mentally combatting these thoughts in a certain way?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be understood as a cycle, typically beginning with an intrusive thought, image, or sensation (aka obsessions) that triggers anxiety or distress. To reduce this discomfort, the individual engages in behaviors or mental rituals, considered compulsions. Although these compulsions provide temporary relief, the relief is short-lived, and the intrusive thoughts return, restarting the cycle. Although compulsions feel necessary to get some sort of relief, they actually work against you by reinforcing the obsessive thoughts. Over time, the cycle can become more frequent and intense, making it difficult to break without professional support. Understanding this pattern is the first step toward managing OCD effectively.

Let me give you an example—Parker constantly worries they have a serious illness despite doctors giving them a clean bill of health. They spend hours each day researching symptoms online, checking their body for signs of disease, and seeking reassurance from doctors and loved ones. When they have a headache, they have intrusive thoughts such as “what if it’s a brain tumor?”, or when they get a bug bite they question “what if this turns into measles?” This cycle of doubt and fear about their health affects their sleep, work, and relationships. Parker is constantly worrying, making everyday tasks and experiences stressful and overwhelming.

Another example—Riley has intrusive thoughts about harm coming to themself or a loved one. When they are cooking dinner, a vivid image pops into their head of the knife they are using falling and stabbing their cat. When they are driving, thoughts come up such as “what if I run over that person crossing the street?” or “what if I drive over this bridge and drown?” Despite no desire to hurt or cause harm to anyone, they constantly worry they might lose control, leading to behaviors such as avoiding sharp objects and only driving with someone else in the car as to distract them from having these thoughts. They know they do not want to harm anyone, but these thoughts are so distressing and scary they limit scenarios where they are around sharp objects/drive or avoid all-together if they are able. If they are in these scenarios, they repeat “I am a good person” over and over in their head to remind themselves they are not going to hurt anyone. These fears and compulsions disrupt their relationships and daily routines, making it difficult to focus or relax.

If these symptoms or experiences resonate with you, you may be living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD is a fairly common diagnosis that can be managed and maintained through an evidenced-based therapy called Exposure Response Prevention (ERP).

Do you think you may be experiencing symptoms of OCD?