Therapy for OCD

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive and frequent obsessions and repetitive/ritualistic behaviors. OCD affects males and females equally. In everyday language, people use the word “obsessed” to describe being preoccupied with something and it may even have a positive quality. However, OCD can be a debilitating condition that impacts your work, relationships, or school.

OCD has two components:

1. Obsessions: thoughts, images, or impulses which occur over and over again and the person feels unable to control

2. Compulsions or rituals: repetitive behaviors or thoughts a person uses with the intention of neutralizing, counteracting, or eliminating their obsessions

Compulsions are typically the most impairing aspect of OCD. People with this condition can spend hours each day performing their rituals, avoid places or situations where they would be unable to perform their compulsions, and experience extreme distress if unable to perform their rituals. 

But there’s hope!

We can help you break the cycle. There is a huge misconception about what Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) looks like in real life. Our goal is to help you understand and recognize these behaviors in your daily life so you can disrupt the cycle.

We will not tell you to stop. You’ve heard that before – and it isn’t possible! That’s not realistic, and it doesn’t help. By using practical and evidence-based strategies, our clients slowly decrease their compulsive behaviors. You will learn skills to help you manage the anxiety and obsessions in a healthier way. Over time, our clients get back to the activities that matter most to them without getting caught in the vicious cycle of OCD/OCPD!

How Do I Know If I Need Therapy?

The decision to start therapy is highly personal. There is no one hard and fast rule to determine if you need therapy. However, there are a few signs which suggest you might benefit from support from a mental health professional:

• Your compulsions are keeping you from going to work or school on a regular basis
• Your close relationships are strained as a result of your compulsive behaviors
• You’re experiencing thoughts of death or self-harming behaviors
• You can’t control your thoughts or behaviors
• Your compulsive behaviors are no longer easing your anxiety

This is by no means an exhaustive list of reasons to start therapy. It is meant to give you a few signs to look for if you are unsure if therapy could be helpful for you. 

There are many others reasons people may seek out therapy such as: 

• I don’t feel like myself
• I want to better understand myself and change unhelpful behaviors
• I want to improve my relationships and communication skills
• A big change in my life is coming up and I want to get ahead of any problems

These are all normal reasons to seek out help from a mental professional! The goal of therapy is to help you improve your well-being, become the best version of yourself, learn strategies to manage life challenges, and develop healthy fulfilling relationships. If any of these are things you want for yourself, therapy can help! 

What Should I Expect From OCD Therapy?

GREAT QUESTION! Therapy, also referred to as counseling or psychotherapy, involves meeting with a trained professional to address concerns related to your mental health. The goal of therapy is to help you improve your well-being, become the best version of yourself, learn strategies to manage life challenges, and develop healthy fulfilling relationships. 

While every therapist is a bit different, you can expect a few things during your sessions. Your therapist will create a safe and confidential space for you to share. There is no judgment! Our goal at GBHC is for you to feel comfortable opening up so we can help you better understand yourself. By gaining insight into your behaviors and patterns, you can recognize when these are happening and do something different! 

You are encouraged to come to therapy with something you want to work through with your therapist.

This approach allows you to address issues that are important to you. Contrary to what you may think, your therapist is not going to tell you what to do, but rather they will walk with you as you navigate your journey. They will listen and support you, discuss different ways and strategies to address your specific needs, and help you figure out what option feels right for you.

Therapy for OCD involves learning to face your fears in a supported and controlled setting. Our therapists will explain the rationale behind treatment for OCD and work with you at a pace that is manageable. The goal is for you to learn to cope with anxiety and not let it hold you back from living! 

Therapy is an investment in yourself!

It is important to show up to your sessions ready to do the work. Your therapist will likely ask you to practice some of the strategies outside of session to help you build the skills you are working towards. You will see more benefits when you are more actively participating in the process.

Therapy is most beneficial when you meet regularly with the therapist to work through and develop strategies to address your challenges. The frequency and duration of sessions vary based on the person’s needs, goals, and practical considerations. However, the more frequently you attend sessions the faster you will get relief from your symptoms!