OCD Treatment

What is OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) aimed at reducing the anxiety caused by these thoughts. Obsessions can include fears of contamination, concerns about harm, or intrusive thoughts about taboo topics. Compulsions, on the other hand, are behaviors like handwashing, checking, counting, or mental rituals that people feel driven to perform to alleviate distress or prevent a feared event. However, the relief is only temporary, and the cycle of obsessions and compulsions continues, often interfering with daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being.

What does OCD treatment look like? 

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and the gold-standard treatment for OCD. It works by gradually exposing individuals to the thoughts, images, objects, or situations that trigger their obsessions while preventing them from engaging in their usual compulsive behaviors. Over time, repeated exposures without compulsive responses help individuals learn that their anxiety diminishes naturally and that the feared consequences are unlikely to occur. This process reduces the power of obsessions and weakens the compulsion-anxiety cycle. With consistent practice, ERP enables individuals to regain control over their lives and significantly reduce the impact of OCD symptoms.

Treatment Options

How impairing your OCD is to your daily functioning will determine the frequency of appointments. The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale will be completed to determine the severity of your OCD symptoms. Typically, clients will begin with one to two appointments per week and increase or decrease as necessary.