Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
What Can OCD Therapy (ERP) Help With?
ERP is designed to target the core symptoms of OCD, regardless of the specific theme of the obsession. We help clients manage and find relief from the distress caused by common OCD subtypes, including:
- Contamination OCD: Fear of germs, dirt, or illness, leading to excessive washing or cleaning rituals.
- Checking OCD: Obsessive fear of causing harm, making a mistake, or something bad happening, leading to repetitive checking of doors, appliances, locks, or mental lists.
- Harm OCD: Intrusive, horrific thoughts about causing physical or sexual harm to oneself or others, leading to avoidance or excessive reassurance seeking.
- Relationship OCD (ROCD): Obsessive doubt and worry about the correctness of one’s feelings for a partner or the quality of the relationship.
- Symmetry/Ordering OCD: Obsessions related to things being “just right,” leading to repeated arranging, balancing, or ordering rituals.
- Religious/Moral Scrupulosity: Excessive worry about committing a sin, offending God, or violating moral/ethical codes.
The goal of ERP is to allow you to live your life based on your values, rather than being dictated by your obsessions and rituals.
Who Can Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Therapy Help?
OCD affects people of all ages and backgrounds. ERP is a highly effective treatment for anyone who:
- Spends a significant amount of time (e.g., more than an hour a day) on obsessions and compulsions.
- Feels their obsessions and compulsions are ego-dystonic (meaning they know the thoughts/actions are irrational but feel unable to stop).
- Experiences significant distress or impairment in work, school, relationships, or social life due to OCD.
- Is motivated and ready to face their anxiety in a structured way to regain control.
A note on commitment: ERP requires a collaborative and brave approach. Your therapist will guide you every step of the way, ensuring that exposure exercises are manageable and systematic, but your commitment to “staying with” the anxiety until it subsides is essential for lasting success.