Understanding OCD

OCD is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) performed to reduce distress. While these rituals may temporarily relieve anxiety, they reinforce the cycle and make symptoms stronger over time.

Therapy focuses on interrupting that cycle — helping you tolerate uncertainty and reclaim control over your thoughts and actions.

You don’t have to live in constant worry or repetition. OCD is treatable, and effective therapy can help you find relief and stability.

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Common Signs and Symptoms of OCD

OCD looks different for everyone, but it often involves:

• Recurring intrusive thoughts about contamination, harm, or morality
• Excessive cleaning, checking, or counting rituals
• Fear of making mistakes or causing harm to others
• Needing things to feel “just right”
• Repetitive mental rituals (such as reviewing or praying)
• Avoidance of situations that trigger obsessions
• Feeling overwhelmed by guilt or doubt

OCD can interfere with relationships, work, and daily routines — but with therapy, you can retrain your brain to respond differently to anxiety and uncertainty.

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Our Approach to OCD Therapy

At PS It’s Counseling, we specialize in treating OCD using structured, evidence-based therapies proven to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Our therapists use a blend of:

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): The gold standard for OCD treatment, ERP helps you face fears gradually while resisting compulsive behaviors.
  
  
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifies and challenges distorted thinking that fuels obsessions and rituals.
  
  
• Mindfulness-Based Techniques: Helps you detach from obsessive thoughts instead of fighting them.
  
  
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages acceptance of discomfort while focusing on meaningful actions and values.
  
  
• Psychoeducation and Support: Increases understanding of OCD and builds long-term resilience.

Our goal isn’t to eliminate every thought — it’s to help you live freely without being controlled by them.

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What to Expect in OCD Therapy

1. Assessment and Understanding: Your therapist will help identify your specific obsessions, compulsions, and triggers.
   
   
2. Creating a Plan: Together, you’ll design a step-by-step plan using ERP and CBT to address your symptoms safely.
   
   
3. Exposure Work: You’ll gradually face anxiety-provoking situations while learning to tolerate uncertainty without rituals.
   
   
4. Skill Building: Practice mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, and emotional regulation techniques.
   
   
5. Progress and Maintenance: Over time, you’ll gain confidence and independence from compulsive patterns.

OCD therapy is a collaborative process — paced according to your comfort and readiness.

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Benefits of OCD Therapy

• Reduce anxiety and obsessive thinking
• Decrease or eliminate compulsive rituals
• Increase confidence in managing uncertainty
• Improve focus and productivity
• Strengthen emotional resilience
• Enhance relationships and daily functioning
• Restore a sense of freedom and control

With time and support, you’ll learn that you can live without giving in to OCD — one step at a time.

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Related Services and Specialties

OCD therapy often works best when combined with other supportive approaches, such as:

These therapies complement OCD treatment by strengthening overall emotional balance and self-awareness.

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Our OCD Therapists

Our licensed therapists are experienced in ERP and CBT, offering compassionate, structured care for individuals living with OCD. They provide guidance, accountability, and encouragement to help you navigate fears and create lasting change.

Meet Our Team →