Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, involves having intrusive thought patterns (called Obsessions) that can include unwanted thoughts, images or urges that create feelings of anxiousness or distress. In order to relieve the anxiety or distress created by the thoughts people experience urges to engage in a specific behavior (Compulsions).
Individuals who have OCD often have significant difficulty pushing away or ignoring the thoughts and find themselves in a pattern of engaging in specific behaviors to temporarily relieve the distress they feel.
Common signs, according to the Mayo Clinic, of OCD are:
- Intrusive thoughts
- Constant checking
- Constant counting
- The repeated cleaning of one or more items
- Constantly checking the stove or door locks
- Fear of contamination
- Hoarding
- Thoughts that you might be harmed
- Thoughts that you might cause others harm
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 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy and/or medication.
As a licensed mental health professional, I have training in helping clients overcome and grow from their OCD. And together, we’ll create a strategy that works explicitly for you. Contact me today for a free consultation.