You can learn to manage your obsessions and compulsions.
Therapy for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Atlanta
WHAT IS OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by the presence of intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions). The symptoms of OCD can significantly impact an individual's daily life and functioning.
How do I know if I have OCD? Here are some common symptoms:
You experience intrusive and persistant thoughts. You feel afraid of germs or contamination. Concerns about symmetry or perfection consume your thoughts. You fear losing control and need constant reassurance.
A lot of your time is spent checking locks or other items, rearranging things, or excessively washing your hands or cleaning. You engage in mental rituals such as prayer or repeat words or phrases to prevent harm.
You avoid specific situations, people, or places that increase distressing thoughts.
The thoughts and compulsive behaviors result in feelings of anxiety, fear, shame, and embarrassment.
You spend a significant amount of time on obsessions or compulsions, which interferes with your daily activities, work, or social life.
The rituals and avoidant behaviors negatively impact your personal relationships.
Seeking treatment for OCD can give you the opportunity to gain control over your obsessions and compulsions, improve your daily functioning, and enhance your overall quality of life.
How therapy works
You deserve a life based on your values instead of your fears.
OCD causes your world to shrink. You live according to your fears instead of your values and authentic self. Your ability to feel at peace, function in daily activities, and experience healthy personal relationships is impacted. I will teach you how Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) can expand your world.
ERP is a highly effective therapeutic technique used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, partcularly OCD. ERP involves systematically exposing you to feared and distressing situations, thoughts, or images, while preventing you from engaging in your usual compulsive or avoidance behaviors. This approach aims to break the cycle of anxiety and avoidance by challenging and modifying distorted beliefs, reducing the fear associated with the triggers, and promoting adaptive responses.
Through gradual exposure to feared situations, ERP empowers you to confront your anxieties head-on, ultimately leading to increased self-efficacy, reduced anxiety, and improved overall quality of life.
I received training in ERP in 2020 through Dr. Becky Beaton-York, and have since been helping individuals break free from the suffocating grip of anxiety. Reach out today to begin learning the skills to lead an improved and brighter life.
Therapy for OCD can help you…
Increase knowledge about your obsessions and their connection to your compulsions
Decrease feelings of fear and anxiety
Tolerate discomfort and uncertainty
Develop skills to manage intrusive thoughts
Increase confidence in your ability to manage life’s difficult moments
Improve your relationships
Frequently asked questions about therapy for ocd
FAQs
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ERP gradually exposes you to your feared and distressing thoughts and images while preventing you from engaging in your compulsive behaviors. Instead of reacting with avoidance, you will face your anxiety head on. Leaning into the anxiety and distress will help you build tolerance of the feared experience thereby building confidence and freedom from the restrictions of OCD.
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During our initial sessions, I will complete an assessment for OCD.
However, here are some common symptoms:
Intrusive and persistent thoughts, images, or urges
Excessive cleaning, washing, or sanitizing of objects or body parts
Engaging in mental rituals such as silent prayers or mentally reviewing past events to prevent harm
Avoiding situations or triggers that elicit distressing thoughts or fuel obsessions
Intense anxiety, fear, or distress related to specific obsessions
Irritability, frustration, or anger when unable to perform compulsions or rituals
Spending a significant amount of time (often hours) on obsessions or compulsions, causing interference with daily activities, work, or social life
Difficulties in maintaining personal relationships due to excessive rituals or avoidance behaviors
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Reach out to schedule a free 15-minute consultation using the online contact form. I will answer your questions and determine if we are a good fit.
I will electronically send you new client forms to complete. These forms will give your consent to begin therapy as well as provide me with information on your background. We will use this information in our first few sessions to begin developing your individualized treatment goals.
Receive support through meeting regularly for therapy appointments. Most clients initially attend weekly sessions. Begin feeling more in control of your life and develop more confidence in yourself. Learn more.