targeted therapy for OCD

What is OCD? Let’s Break it Down Together

Let’s talk about something that’s often misunderstood but impacts millions of people around the world: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). If you’ve ever felt trapped in a cycle of intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors—or know someone who has—you’re not alone. OCD isn’t just about being super organized or washing your hands a lot. It’s a complex mental health condition that can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools, it’s absolutely manageable.

So, What Exactly Is OCD?

OCD is all about cycles. It starts with obsessions, which are those unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that pop into your mind and refuse to leave. These thoughts can be super distressing—like worrying about harming someone or feeling like your hands are never clean enough. Then come the compulsions, which are the actions (or mental rituals) you do to try to calm the anxiety those obsessions create.

For example:

• Obsession: “What if I didn’t lock the door and someone breaks in?”

• Compulsion: Checking the lock over and over until you feel “safe.”

While this might seem harmless on the surface, these cycles can take up hours of your day and leave you feeling stuck.

The Different Faces of OCD

OCD doesn’t look the same for everyone—it’s like a chameleon that adapts to different fears or concerns. Here are some common subtypes:

Other types include existential OCD (obsessing over big questions like “Why am I here?”), Pure Obsessional OCD (“Pure O”), where compulsions happen entirely in your mind rather than through visible actions, Relationship OCD (ROCD) is all about persistent doubts and fears in romantic relationships. People with ROCD might constantly question:

• "Do I really love my partner?"

• "Is this the 'right' relationship?"

• "What if I'm missing out on someone better?"

These thoughts can lead to compulsive behaviors like constantly seeking reassurance from your partner or endlessly comparing your relationship to others. Sometimes using social media or other relationships as templates.

Perinatal OCD affects expecting or new parents. It often involves intrusive thoughts about harming the baby (even though you'd never want to) or obsessive worries about the baby's health and safety. Compulsions might include:

• Excessive cleaning of baby items

• Constant checking on the baby

• Avoiding certain activities with the baby out of fear.

Learn more about perinatal mood disorders including OCD and treatment here.

How Do You Treat OCD? Let’s Talk Options

The good news? OCD is treatable! There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but here are some tried-and-true methods that can help you break free from those cycles:

1. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

ERP is often called the “gold standard” for treating OCD—and for good reason. It’s all about facing your fears head-on without giving into compulsions. Sounds scary? Totally understandable! But it works because it teaches your brain that anxiety doesn’t need compulsions to fade away.

Here’s an example: If you’re afraid of germs, ERP might involve touching a doorknob and resisting the urge to wash your hands afterward. Over time, your brain learns that nothing catastrophic happens when you don’t give in to compulsions.

2. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT takes a slightly different approach by helping you accept those intrusive thoughts instead of fighting them. The idea is simple but powerful: Thoughts are just thoughts—they don’t define you or control you. ACT encourages mindfulness and helps you focus on living according to your values rather than letting OCD run the show.

For example: If family time matters deeply to you but OCD makes you avoid certain activities out of fear, ACT helps you reconnect with what truly matters—even if those fears linger in the background.

3. Medication

Sometimes therapy isn’t enough on its own, and that’s okay! Medications like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) can help regulate the brain chemistry involved in OCD symptoms. They’re not a cure, but they can make therapy more effective by reducing anxiety levels.

4. Combination Therapy

For severe cases, combining ERP or ACT with medication can be especially effective—it’s all about finding what works best for you.

Why It’s Okay to Ask for Help

If this sounds familiar—if you’ve been caught in these cycles and feel like there’s no way out—please know that help is available. Whether it’s therapy, support groups, self-help apps (like NOCD), or even just talking to someone who gets it, there are ways to manage OCD so it doesn’t control your life anymore.

Here’s What I Want You to Remember

OCD doesn’t define who you are—it’s just one part of your story. And while it can feel overwhelming at times, recovery is possible with the right tools and support system. You don’t have to face this alone; there are people who care and want to help you navigate this journey toward healing.

Let’s get you living the life you want. Reach out for support today.