Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is a condition in which distressing intrusive thoughts (obsessions) lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that temporarily ease anxiety but make the problem worse over time. OCD is also often misunderstood, and those who truly suffer with OCD can be embarrassed to seek help. Most people have obsessive thoughts and/or compulsive behaviors at some point in their lives, but for a person with OCD this cycle of obsessions and compulsions is much more extreme that it consumes a lot of time (more than an hour every day), causes intense distress, or gets in the way of important activities that the person values.

During my doctoral training at the US department of veteran affairs, I completed rotations in specialized care for anxiety disorders, which included formal training in treating veterans with OCD. In March 2024, I attended a 4-day intensive workshop for Exposure and Response Therapy for OCD (27 CE units) at the Cognitive Behavior Institute. Additionally, I work with mom’s struggling with peri-and/or postpartum OCD. I am a member of the International OCD Foundation.

Around 70% of people with OCD will benefit from either medication or therapy, with the best results often occurring when the two are combined. I use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, CBT, and elements of mindfulness for OCD. I work with kids (ages 6+), teens, and adults.

To learn more about OCD, here is the link to the International OCD Foundation website: https://iocdf.org/