Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, involves having obsessive fears or focuses that can include intrusive unwanted thoughts that make a person feel intensely distressed.
Individuals who have OCD feel compelled to engage in compulsive behaviors such as hand-washing, counting, or "redoing" things over and over (especially locking doors).
Often overlooked are mental compulsions including reviewing an event over and over, praying excessively, questioning a relationship without reason, and feeling like you can't stop thinking about something for hours every day no matter how hard you try to stop.
Common signs, according to the Mayo Clinic, of OCD are:
- Intrusive thoughts
- Constant counting
- The repeated cleaning of one or more items
- Constantly checking the stove or door locks
- Fear of contamination
- Thoughts that you might be harmed
- Thoughts that you might cause others harm
- Fear of unwanted sexual attraction
If one or more of the above symptoms resonates with you, I encourage you to look into OCD therapy today. Research shows that the most effective treatments for OCD are Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) and/or medication.
I have extensive training in helping patients overcome and grow from their OCD. I spent almost 3,000 hours working with people who have OCD and related disorders. And together, we’ll create a strategy that works specifically for you. Contact me today for a free consultation.