Tired of battling your own thoughts?

Do you find yourself obsessively monitoring certain aspects of your life or behaviors?

Are you preoccupied with intrusive thoughts that disrupt your daily routine?

Do you experience frequent worries about your habits beyond normal concern?

What is that negative inner voice telling you?

Strict routines and rituals can take joy and peace away from you. Constantly preoccupied with obsessive thoughts and actions steal time away from doing the things you enjoy. Things like getting out of bed, getting dressed, going about your day can feel overwhelming, filled with intrusive thoughts and “what ifs.”

When intrusive thoughts are left to their own devices, it can make you feel paralyzed, stuck in one place because the fear of doing the opposite or challenging these thoughts is too real.

Intrusive thoughts can make you feel like you're never good enough, leading to obsessive thoughts about perfection. Instead of focusing on your strengths and achievements, you may struggle with a negative inner voice that constantly criticizes and shames you, reinforcing negative behaviors and thoughts.

What is OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition where people have recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and feel compelled to perform certain actions or routines (compulsions) to try to ease their anxiety. These thoughts can be about many things, like fear of germs, worrying something bad will happen, or needing things to be perfectly organized. The actions people take, like excessive hand washing, checking things multiple times, or repeating phrases in their head, are attempts to reduce the worry, but they often end up taking over their lives.

There are different types of OCD, and they can show up in various ways. For example, some people might feel the need to clean too much because they're worried about germs, while others might constantly check if they've locked the door or turned off the stove. Some people experience "Pure O," where their compulsions are mental, like silently repeating a word to stop a bad thought.

As a therapist with a lot of experience in treating OCD, I know how challenging it can be. Using proven methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I'm confident that I can help you manage these thoughts and actions, so you can feel more in control and enjoy your life more fully

my approach

Even though OCD is now classified on its own, as a therapist specializing in anxiety disorders, I view OCD from an anxiety lens and reject the idea that it is not. Instead of focusing on diagnostic labeling and the limitations that come with that, I will help you. get in the driver seat of your life by empowering your strengths, creating healthy expectations and unlearn harmful narratives.

In addition to understanding to your experience with OCD, I will provide you with specific techniques to reduce your anxiety and intrusive thoughts. Awareness and mindfulness can help put in perspective your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. And elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy will help you recognize when you’re overwhelmed so you can approach problems from a place of confidence rather than giving into the symptoms.

Right now, it may feel like you will never have peace from the obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions of OCD. However, therapy for OCD is a meaningful way to change how you manage these challenges. By working together, you can learn to reduce the impact of these intrusive thoughts and find healthier ways to respond to them, ultimately giving you back the time and energy spent on compulsions. This process can help you regain a sense of control and peace in your life, allowing you to focus on what truly matters to you.

Can therapy help me manage my OCD and reduce my obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors?

Yes! It may feel like you're stuck in a cycle of obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions, but change is possible. In therapy, we will work together to develop healthier ways of managing these thoughts and behaviors. By understanding and challenging the patterns that maintain your OCD, you can gain more control over your life and reduce the impact of these symptoms.

What if my obsessions are focused on a specific goal, like achieving perfection or preventing harm?

In therapy, we will explore the underlying reasons for these specific obsessions and how they relate to your OCD. It's important to understand where these goals or fears come from and address them in a healthy, constructive way. While it's natural to want to achieve certain goals, therapy can help you find balance and prevent these obsessions from dominating your life.

Can therapy help with self-esteem issues related to OCD?

Absolutely. OCD often involves a critical inner voice that can be harsh and judgmental. Therapy is a valuable space to work on self-compassion and self-esteem, helping you develop a kinder and more accepting relationship with yourself. Whether your OCD symptoms are related to self-image, fears, or perfectionism, therapy can provide you with the tools to boost your self-esteem and enhance your overall well-being.

OCD can make you think many things about yourself but let me tell you this: You’re lovable, worth it and in control of your life.