Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a painful and sometimes debilitating disorder in which one has uncontrollable obsessions, compulsions, or both.
OCD can manifest as troubling thoughts or doubts, and sufferers may feel compelled to perform certain “compulsions” (actions, rituals, thought processes) in order to feel better. These compulsions may provide temporary relief, but set the stage for a cycle of worsening obsessions and compulsions that generate anxiety and demand increasing time, energy, and resources. In addition to anxiety, OCD may also cause intense feelings of guilt, responsibility, shame, and disgust.
Below are some common OCD Obsessions and Compulsions. This list is not exhaustive.
Healing from OCD:
About two million U.S. adults are living with OCD. This disorder can lead to problems with performance at work or school, in relationships, and in self-esteem. OCD can be a chronic disorder; however, it is treatable.
Exposure and Response Prevention is the “gold standard” behavioral treatment for OCD. Through ERP, patients can learn how to overcome their OCD symptoms and regain a calm and authentic relationship with their thoughts and lives. Research studies have found that on average, individuals complete treatment for OCD in about 17-20 sessions, but this can vary based on individual factors.
I have extensive experience and expertise in the treatment of OCD. To learn more about how I can help you, contact me to schedule a free phone consultation. If we decide I am not a good fit for you, I am happy to assist you in finding a therapist who may be a better fit.
Common OCD Obsessions:
Contamination
Harm to Self or Other
Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity
Life’s Meaning/Existential Concerns
Religion/Spirituality
Morality/Being a Good Person
Relationship Doubts or Jealousy
Making Things Feel “Just Right”
Tourettic Urges
Hyper Awareness of Physical Sensations
Postpartum Concerns
Common OCD Compulsions:
Washing/Cleaning
Reassurance Seeking
Checking for safety, completeness, doneness of tasks
Checking feelings, emotions, and sensations
Analyzing
Reviewing Memories
Repeating
Ordering/Arranging
Counting
Anxiety Disorders
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Insomnia
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Anxiety disorders are the most common and pervasive mental disorders in the United States. While occasional anxiety is a normal and healthy part of life, anxiety that is persistent, uncontrollable, and overwhelming, or consists of irrational dread of everyday situations, can be disabling.
Additional Resources for Anxiety:
Anxiety Disorders Association of America
Andrew Kukes Foundation for Social Anxiety
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or cause you to wake up too early and not be able to get back to sleep. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is an effective treatment for chronic sleep difficulties and is usually recommended as the first line of treatment.
Additional Resources for Insomnia:
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a neurological disorder that affects an estimated 4.4% of adults in the U.S. In adults, ADHD is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that interferes with and impacts many different areas of life. Adults with ADHD may display some of the following symptoms -- poor attention to detail, difficulty initiating and completing tasks, difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, poor time management, poor organization, restlessness, fidgeting, talking excessively or interrupting, emotional dysregulation, and low frustration tolerance.
Additional Resources for ADHD:
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention, intentionally and non-judgmentally, to particular aspects of the present moment. Research on mindfulness has identified a wide range of benefits on psychological health, including anxiety processes.
Guided meditations:
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