“I have recurrent and persistent thoughts or impulses that cause me distress.”

“I fear contaminations.”

“I have disturbing sexual thoughts or images.”

“I live in fear that I have forgotten something important.”

Logically, you might know that these thoughts aren’t realistic, but you have to ease the distress, commonly by engaging in tasks or rituals. This could look like excessively washing your hands and frequently showering, or repeatedly checking locks, switches, and appliances. If you recognize these traits in yourself, you may be struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). If you’ve experienced significant distress or impairment in your day to day, we can help. 

Our clinicians can help using a number of modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Together, we can help you overcome your OCD and get you to live a fulfilling life. 

 

We can help you if you are struggling with any of the following:

  • Avoidance of certain places

  • Avoidance of certain ‘unsafe’ numbers, letters, or colors

  • Checking memories to make sure that no harm was done to others

  • Checking repeatedly (Stove, doors, windows, locks, alarm, electric appliances, car, lights...)

  • Checking that you have not hurt someone (Ex: Driving back to check for signs of accidents or checking your car for signs of impact)

  • Constant need for reassurance (from others, the internet, news outlets...)

  • Counting repeatedly or saying certain words while doing other tasks

  • Difficulty tolerating uncertainty

  • Eating food in a specific order, arranging food in a certain way

  • Excessive bathing, cleaning, teeth brushing, hand washing 

  • Excessive doubt or fear of making a mistake

  • Fear of embarrassment

  • Fear of germs, contamination, or dirt

  • ‘Magical thinking’ - Colors, numbers, days associated with good or bad luck

  • Orderliness - Arranging things in a symmetrical, perfect or very specific way (pictures, clothes, books...)

  • Performing a task a specific number of times (ex: flipping a light switch a certain number of times)

  • Rereading/checking emails, letters, posts (out of fear of saying something inappropriate or offensive or until it feels ‘right’)

  • Strict routines

  • Unwanted disturbing, violent or sexual thoughts

  • Worry about health (repeatedly checking for symptoms, researching medical websites…)

 

To see if one of our clinicians is a good fit, you can email, call/text us, or fill out this form to schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation.