Obsessive Compulsive Counseling
Overview
Do you, your child or teen have repetitive routines or thoughts that lead to significant distress if interrupted? Do the routines, or compulsions, while intended to reduce anxiety, typically provide only temporary relief?
Obsessive-Compulsive routines often manifest in a variety of repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that people feel compelled to perform to reduce anxiety. If not addressed, the obsessions and compulsions often get worse and interfere with daily activities.
Are You Struggling to Address Any of the Common Obsessions or Compulsions Below?
Some Common Obsessions (Intrusive Thoughts)
Contamination fears: Fear of germs, dirt, or illness (e.g., touching doorknobs, public spaces). Fear of harm: Worrying that something terrible will happen to oneself or loved ones (e.g., a car accident, break-in). Perfectionism: Fear that something isn't "just right" or perfect, leading to distress (e.g., uneven numbers, asymmetry). Fear of losing control: Worries about doing something embarrassing or inappropriate impulsively.
Some Common Compulsions (Repetitive Behaviors)
Excessive cleaning or washing: Washing hands, cleaning objects, or showering repeatedly to remove perceived contamination. Checking: Repeatedly checking locks, appliances, or personal items (e.g., making sure doors are locked or the stove is off). Reassurance seeking: Constantly asking others for reassurance about safety, morality, or correctness. Counting: Repeating actions a specific number of times or needing things in exact numbers (e.g., turning lights on/off). Arranging or ordering: Placing items in a specific order or symmetry until they feel "right." Mental or behavioral rituals: Repeating certain words, prayers, or phrases in one's head or walking in certain patterns to prevent bad things from happening.
Treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Routines
The Child & Family Center offers several proven approaches to reduce and manage OCD symptoms to help individuals lead a fuller, more balanced life. The most effective treatments aim to reduce the severity of symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals living with OCD. Based on your unique needs and situation, empirically based treatments will be selected by your licensed psychologist or therapist at the Child & Family Center in Salisbury, MD. Treatment may include:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): A specific type of CBT, ERP is considered the gold-standard therapy for OCD. After client education and careful collaborative planning, ERP can be implemented, gradually exposing individuals to their feared situations or thoughts (exposures) while preventing the usual compulsive behaviors (response prevention). Over time, this reduces the anxiety associated with obsessions and helps break the cycle of OCD.
Cognitive Restructuring: Helps individuals identify and challenge irrational beliefs related to their obsessions. By re-framing these thoughts, individuals learn more balanced ways of thinking.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) combines cognitive therapy with mindfulness practices. It helps individuals with OCD become more aware of their thoughts without acting on compulsions. This approach can be useful for managing anxiety and emotional distress associated with OCD.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping individuals accept their intrusive thoughts and urges without fighting them. It teaches people to focus on their values and goals, encouraging them to act according to those, rather than being driven by OCD.
Family-Based Therapy. OCD can impact the entire family, and involving family members in treatment can be crucial. Family therapy helps educate loved ones on how to support the person with OCD without reinforcing compulsions or avoidance behaviors.
Support Groups. Participating in support groups, whether in-person or online, allows individuals with OCD to connect with others facing similar challenges. Peer support can provide encouragement and reduce feelings of isolation.
Lifestyle & Skill Strategies
Stress management: Relaxation techniques like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help manage the stress and anxiety that often accompany OCD.
Routine and structure: Developing a daily routine with healthy habits can help reduce compulsive behavior.
Education: Learning more about OCD can empower individuals and their families to understand the disorder better and participate in effective treatment.
Medications. For some individuals, the most effective treatment strategy for OCD is a combination of therapy and medication. Referrals are offered for medication evaluation as needed. Medication can help increase serotonin levels in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce OCD symptoms.
The Child & Family Center’s Team Has Experts Trained to Help
Our experts work collaboratively to tailor treatment plans, provide comprehensive care and additional supports to best address your unique needs.
The Child & Family Center experts include psychologists (PhD), licensed professional counselors (LPCs), social workers (LCSW), and play-therapists (RPT) who are trained to diagnose and treat OCD and other mental health disorders using the empirically driven treatments listed above.
Let Us Help You Create a Fuller and More Balanced Life Today
Change can be challenging and scary at first, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. We invite you to take advantage of our free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs and explore how our counseling services can help you or your loved one regain a balanced life. We can help you lay the groundwork for a successful conversation with your family about getting help and support. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards emotional clarity and well-being.