Online Therapy for OCD and Anxiety
What is OCD?
OCD involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts that cause significant distress. These thoughts can be disturbing—like fears of contamination that lead to excessive washing or cleaning. You may worry about harming yourself or others, even though you have no intention of doing so. You might repeat actions until they feel “just right” or believe failing to think certain thoughts in precisely the right way will bring harm. Sometimes, you may even experience unwanted thoughts about being attracted to someone you shouldn’t be, feeling compelled to “undo” these worries by reminding yourself you’d never act on them. While such strategies may bring temporary relief, they often worsen the issue over time.
The Experience of Panic Attacks
Many people with OCD also experience periods of acute fear, including concerns of losing control, “going crazy,” or having a heart attack. These episodes may involve a racing heart, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, tingling, hot or cold sensations, a feeling of unreality, or trembling—symptoms commonly linked to panic attacks. Although not everyone experiences all these symptoms, panic attacks frequently occur in individuals with OCD and other anxiety disorders.
Effective Treatments: ERP and I-CBT
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is widely regarded as the gold-standard treatment for OCD and can provide longer-lasting benefits than medication. ERP is based on established scientific principles and involves gradually confronting feared thoughts, objects, or situations in a supportive environment. By resisting the urge to perform rituals or other safety behaviors during these exposures, you learn that feared outcomes rarely occur, and your anxiety naturally decreases over time. Both imaginal and real-life (in vivo) exposures are used to reinforce this process.
However, not everyone responds to a single treatment approach. For those who struggle with or do not tolerate ERP, I also use I-CBT. This method clarifies that ordinary doubts arise from valid, present-day concerns, whereas obsessional doubts do not. Therapy helps you trust your natural ability to evaluate both internal sensations and external cues, making less room for obsessive worries. People with OCD already think clearly in most areas of their lives; the key is applying that same reasoning to obsessions. Numerous studies, including randomized controlled trials, support I-CBT’s effectiveness for the majority of those with OCD.
A Personalized Approach to Healing
Everyone has a unique threshold for facing anxiety. Together, we will create a personalized plan that respects your comfort level and helps you steadily challenge your fears. I will also teach you coping strategies to manage distress and engage more fully in a meaningful life. This collaborative approach empowers you to handle anxiety whenever it arises, enhancing overall well-being.
