“Telling someone with OCD to stop obsessing about something is like telling someone who's having an asthma attack to just breathe normally.” - Tamara Ireland Stone
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is like living with a bully in your brain. It is more than liking things to be organized or being irritated by something being out place; it is a constant battle with your own mind. It is a battle I have fought since childhood.
OCD is treatable!
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a highly-regimented, evidence-based treatment for OCD. I am certified by the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety at University of Pennsylvania under the direction of Edna Foa. ERP is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that multiple studies have shown to be them most effective treatment for OCD. For more information about ERP, click here .
ERP is formulaic in its structure but its implementation is unique to each person. I tailor each patient’s treatment plan to their specific needs, and how OCD is manifesting for them.
I work with individuals of all ages and with OCD in all of its shapeshifting forms.
Some common obsessions I have helped people overcome include:
Emetephobia (fear of vomiting)
Death
Harming oneself or others
Losing control
Contamination
Perfectionism
Needing things to be “just right”
Germophobia and other specific phobias
And many, many more!
Please note: OCD takes many forms, some of which may seem shocking to those who do not understand OCD. I promise, whatever your anxiety, obsession, compulsion, or fear, you will not scare me off.
If you ever find yourself double checking that you did not accidentally commit a crime, I’m here to help.
To discuss if and how ERP can help you or your child, please schedule a consult!