Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, involves having obsessive thinking patterns that can include unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that make a person feel anxious or distressed.

Individuals who have OCD frequently get stuck in these intrusive thoughts and struggle to get rid of these thoughts. Individuals with OCD typically engage in an action or behavior to get rid of or neutralize these thoughts. This action is called a compulsion. Typically, these behaviors are attempt to reassure the individual or decrease the anxiety about the distressing thoughts.

Common signs of OCD are:

• Intrusive thoughts
• Constant checking
• Constant counting
• Repeated cleaning of one or more items
• Constantly checking the stove or door locks
• Fear of contamination
• Fear of contaminating others
• Hoarding
• Thoughts that you might be harmed
• Thoughts that you might cause others harm

If one or more of the above symptoms resonates with you, I encourage you to contact me about effective treatment for OCD. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the most widely validated intervention for OCD. This treatment is challenging, however, it leads to lasting results and a return to living your life on your terms.