Therapy for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
In-person and virtual
OCD is so much more than “being neat” or “liking things a certain way.” It often shows up as intrusive, repetitive thoughts paired with compulsions or mental rituals meant to bring relief. These patterns are powerful, and they can impact daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
You might feel frustrated that you know your fears aren’t logical, yet you can’t shake the anxiety they bring. My clients coming in to talk about OCD for the first time, often feel isolated, misunderstood, or exhausted by their own mind.
I'm here to tell you that
you are not alone.
You may be experiencing:
Intrusive and repetitive thoughts that feel difficult to shake
Repetitive behaviors or mental rituals that you "have to" engage in
Difficulty managing uncertainty
Excessive self-doubt or guilt
Seeking reassurance from others
Avoiding certain places, situations, or tasks
Feeling overwhelmed by perfectionism or fear of making a mistake
How Therapy Helps OCD
Our work together will start with education around OCD. What do you know already and what do you want to know?
Next, we will identify the obsessions and compulsions that you are currently engaging in.
Then, if it feels good to you, we can engage in exposure and response prevention (ERP) to face those feared situations gradually and reduce the need for compulsions.
Connection is a huge piece of therapy…
…and that is even more true with obsessive compulsive disorder, since it can often present with "scary" or "embarrassing" thoughts. In our sessions together, we will build trust and safety so that you feel comfortable sharing those thoughts. We’ll move at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you. I’ll help you understand how OCD works and why certain thoughts or urges feel so powerful, and together we’ll make a plan that fits your needs.
Much of our work will include Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which means gently practicing facing the things OCD tells you to avoid while learning not to do the compulsions that keep the cycle going. I won’t push you into anything before you’re ready — we’ll approach each step collaboratively, with lots of support and check-ins along the way.
My hope is that over time, you will be able to live a more flexible and fulfilling life.
The goal isn’t to eliminate intrusive thoughts entirely — it’s to change your relationship with them so they no longer direct your decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)
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If intrusive thoughts, urges, or rituals are interfering with your daily life, relationships, or sense of peace, therapy can help. If you are unsure if you have OCD, we can figure that out in session together.
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No. We’ll take time to build trust and help you understand what ERP looks like before doing anything exposure-based. When we start exposures, they will be planned together, at a pace that feels manageable for you.
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Totally normal!! Unfortunately, intrusive thoughts can latch onto the things we care most about, and they can feel scary or shameful. I'm here to normalize your thoughts and your experiences.
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Yes. If you have a psychiatrist or medical provider involved in your care, I’m happy to collaborate with them to make sure you’re supported from all angles.
I’m here to meet you exactly where you are, without judgment, and walk with you step by step.
Starting therapy for OCD can feel scary — especially if you’re used to handling things on your own or you’re worried about talking about your thoughts out loud. But you don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin.
You deserve support, relief, and a life that isn’t controlled by fear or rituals. If you’re thinking about reaching out, that’s a brave first step — and you don’t have to take the next one alone.