Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

What is OCD?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a widely misunderstood, and treatable, mental health condition. The disorder is characterized by obsessions (repetitive intrusive and unwanted thoughts/images/urges that are disturbing to the person experiencing them) and compulsions (physical or mental acts the person feels compelled to carry out to alleviate or neutralize the anxiety).

Common OCD Themes

Contamination OCD
"Just Right" OCD
Relationship OCD
Harm OCD
Pedophile OCD
Sexual Orientation OCD
Existential OCD
Religious/Moral Scrupulosity OCD
Relationship OCD
Suicidal OCD

Treatment for OCD

OCD is treatable! We use evidence-based practices to build understanding of OCD and to gain freedom from the obsessive-compulsive cycle. Exposure and Response Prevention focuses on gradually facing feared stimuli while simultaneously reducing compulsive rituals. Acceptance and Committment Therapy supports clients in building a values-based lifestyle.

Treatment for OCD can feel overwhelming. We encourage you to reach out for a free consult. We can share more information on treatment and identify a pace that feels right for you. With ERP, you will never be 'forced' into exposures. You will be directing treatment and deciding what challenges you are willing and able to take on in the fight against OCD.

Justice Based Treatment for Identity Related OCD

OCD can be complicated, at times causing us to experience obsessional loops and compulsive behaviors related to parts of our identity, such as race, age, disability status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and body shape.

Justice-based treatment involves the use of affirming and inclusive language, careful conceptualization, and a focus on exposures centered around psychoeducation, uncertainty, and core fears.

Traditional exposures for Identity-Based ERP have involved harmful approaches, using overcorrection strategies where clients are encouraged to engage in behaviors that are beyond normative behavior. These approaches can reinforce stereotypes and potentially cause harm to the client and others. Refocusing treatment on psychoeducation and core fears allows clients to externalize and explore their relationships with internalized ideologies- while also reducing their OCD symptoms.

Pinciotti, C. M., Wadsworth, L. P., Greenburg, C., & Rosenthal, K. (2024). Justice-based treatment considerations for identity-related obsessive–compulsive disorder. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 31(4), 466–478. https://doi.org/10.1037/cps0000224

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