Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Often inaccurately attributed to quirkiness or idiosyncratic qualities, such as needing everything neat and tidy or perfectly aligned, OCD can be a truly overwhelming disorder to navigate for many individuals. OCD consists of unwelcomed and distressing ideas, thoughts, images or impulses that repeatedly enter one’s mind (obsessions) and behaviors or acts that one feels driven to perform although the individual may recognize them as senseless or excessive (compulsions). These compulsions (or rituals) often aim to reduce anxiety, fear and worry, and may due so temporarily, but the relief is fleeting and only lasts until the next obsession spurs another compulsion. It’s a cycle the inflicts a great deal of distress and suffering, and consumes large amounts of time and emotional energy. OCD feeds on uncertainty, fueled by “what if” and “or else,” and is seemingly unsatisfied no matter the rituals (compulsions) that an individual engages in to alleviate the cycle of suffering brought on by the obsessions. Moreover, it’s a disorder that breeds guilt and shame, seemingly feeding on the silence it encourages within the individual experiencing it. OCD is a truly debilitating, isolating and insatiable disorder that hides in the shadows and preys upon its ability to “other” the individual experiencing it. Our work aims to confront this often underdiscussed disorder, shedding light on it and building the skills and resilience to sit within the light that breaks the pattern of suffering. Through implementing aspects of Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy, we partner with individuals to address manifestations of OCD and rebuild the cognitive processes one applies to his/her/their world. Please reach out to schedule a consult to discuss how we can work together to alleviate the cycle of suffering
The weight of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can feel like an unrelenting shackle, a heavy and intrusive force that pervades your mind, refusing to be extinguished. Despite your efforts, anxiety persists, pushing forward relentlessly, occupying your mental space. The worries, not aligned with your true self or values, return persistently, prompting rituals to stave off feared outcomes. This cycle feels never-ending, trapping you within invisible walls of fastidious monitoring and ritualistic behaviors.
The thoughts attack, leading to worry, and worry begets actions and rituals that never seem enough. The demand for greater worry and the fear of impending danger persist, breeding mental anguish and shame, potentially leading to isolation.
In exposure therapy, we confront these thoughts, rituals, and fears head-on. The aim is to bring awareness to the reality that feared outcomes are unlikely, the pain less severe than imagined, and the perceived power overblown. Though taking the first steps may be daunting, you don't have to face this alone. Your journey is yours, and together, we can redefine how you engage with the world, meeting you on your terms and at your pace. The thoughts and rituals no longer need to hide in the darkness; we can bring them into the light.
“What is to give light must endure burning.”
― Victor Frankl