Who is OCD Therapy for?
Please note: this information is for general education only and does not establish a therapist-client relationship.
OCD treatment at Zoe Rose Therapy is for anyone struggling with symptoms of Cbsessive-Compulsive Disorder, such as intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviors like excessive checking or reassurance-seeking. Whether you’re new to Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy or have tried it before, I’m here to support you. No prior diagnosis is needed to seek help. If intrusive thoughts, images, or urges cause distress and lead to repetitive behaviors or mental rituals that disrupt your life, virtual therapy can make a difference. With a warm and understanding approach, I offer a safe space for teens and adults to find relief through personalized, evidence-based care.
How is OCD Treated?
OCD treatment is a collaborative process to help you reduce the power of intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. I use evidence-based techniques like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness to empower you to face your fears and live more freely.
Exposure and Response Prevention: ERP, the gold standard for OCD treatment, helps you gradually confront triggers, such as intrusive thoughts, images or urges without relying on compulsions. Here’s how it works:
First, we’ll work together to identify your triggers, intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and feared outcomes. Simultaneously, you’ll learn coping strategies to manage discomfort and mindfulness techniques to stay present with your thoughts.
Together, we’ll build a step-by-step “fear ladder” that outlines real or imagined scenarios where you can face triggers without giving in to compulsive behaviors. For example, if you fear contamination, we might start by touching a safe object and resisting the urge to wash, gradually progressing to more challenging situations.
I’ll provide compassionate support as we work through your hierarchy, helping you build confidence and learn to tolerate uncertainty at your own pace. You’ll never be pushed into an exposure exercise you’re not ready for, ensuring a safe and comfortable process.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that helps you manage OCD by changing how you relate to intrusive thoughts and compulsions. Instead of fighting unwanted thoughts or relying on rituals, ACT teaches you to accept these thoughts without judgment and focus on actions that align with your values. For example, if intrusive thoughts about safety make you check locks repeatedly, we’ll practice accepting those thoughts while focusing on meaningful activities like spending time with family. Progress is gradual, but with compassionate support, you’ll build skills to handle OCD with confidence.
Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of staying present in the moment, observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. For OCD, it means noticing intrusive thoughts or urges, like the need to check or seek reassurance, without getting caught in the “what-if” cycle. Instead of fighting these thoughts, mindfulness helps you let them pass, reducing their emotional weight.
OCD FAQs
How long will OCD Therapy take?
It varies from person to person. Some people may start noticing improvements within weeks, while for others, it can take several months or longer. It really depends on factors like the severity of symptoms, the type of treatment used, consistency in therapy, and individual differences. There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline, but patience and commitment are key ingredients to making progress.
Is virtual therapy as effective as in-person for OCD?
Absolutely! Research shows virtual therapy for OCD, using approaches like ERP, is just as effective as in-person sessions. Virtual sessions make consistent support accessible and comfortable.
**Please note, some OCD cases may benefit from more intensive care or in-person therapy**
Will I always have to do therapy for OCD?
Not necessarily! Many people with OCD find significant relief with therapy and may only need periodic check-ins after building skills. Others enjoy the consistency of therapy and use it to explore and address other areas of their lives.
What-if I’m not ready to do exposure therapy?
That’s okay! It’s completely valid and very common to feel hesitant about exposure therapy. Facing your fears head on can feel overwhelming. I will never push you into any exposure exercise you’re not ready for or willing to do. I strongly encourage you to share your worries with me. In the meantime, we can start building your confidence with foundational tools, like psyhoeducation and grounding techniques.
At it’s core, OCD is a self-doubt and what if disorder
OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, is like having an overactive “what-if” machine in your brain that throws out endless intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (we call these obsessions). To try to calm the storm, you might find yourself doing certain behaviors, called compulsions. These are mental and/or physical rituals that offer temporary relief, including but not limited to seeking reassurance, mental checking, and avoidance.