Therapy for
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Break free from the cycle of obsessions & compulsions.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that prompt the performance of neutralizing rituals (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions are often time-consuming and cause significant distress that interferes with a person's ability to function day-to-day. (Source: APA)
If you're experiencing unwanted thoughts and behaviors that make it difficult for you to live and enjoy your daily life, White Oak Counseling can help. We offer compassionate, trauma-informed, evidence-based care to help you navigate the behavioral challenges and address the emotional experiences that may be contributing to your mental health.
What causes Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
There is no single known cause of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, but research shows that many factors may increase someone's risk of developing OCD:
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Biology, such as the brain's chemistry and functions, may contribute to OCD.
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Family history: people are more likely to develop OCD if they have an immediate family member who has/had OCD, both for genetic reasons and as a result of learned behavior.
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Environmental factors such as cultural, ethnic, or religious background can play a role in shaping a person's specific obsessions and compulsions.
(Source: IOCDF)
Signs you may have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder:
Obsessive-compulsive disorder often includes both obsessions and compulsions, but it is also possible to have only obsession or only compulsion symptoms. Aspects of OCD can change over time, such as the severity of symptoms in response to stress, or the type or subject of obsessions, as well as the compulsions you develop in response.
Every individual's experience is unique, but the common thread that is true for all people living with OCD is that the symptoms are distracting, time-consuming, and interfere with a person’s ability to function day-to-day in ways that greatly reduces their quality of life.
Obsession symptoms:
OCD obsessions are recurring, unwanted thoughts, urges, or images that are intrusive and cause distress or anxiety, usually when a person is trying to do other things. Obsessions often follow common themes, such as fear of dirt or contamination, doubt and uncertainty, needing order and balance, violent thoughts of losing control and harming oneself or others, unwanted sexual thoughts, and more.
Compulsion symptoms:
OCD compulsions are repetitive behaviors that a person feels compelled to do, often with the intention of reducing anxiety related to an obsession or to prevent something bad from happening. Yet performing the compulsion brings limited or no relief from the anxiety, and doesn't end the obsessive thoughts. Compulsions are often unrelated to the anxiety or fear they're intended to fix. Like obsessions, compulsions also tend to follow common themes like washing and cleaning, counting, checking, following a strict routine or ritual, and more.
(Source: Mayo Clinic)
Worry vs. Anxiety vs. Obsession:
What's the difference?
Many people experience worry or heightened anxiety, such as racing thoughts, a sense of dread, or the urge to double-check things, without meeting criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder. These feelings can be uncomfortable or disruptive at times, yet most individuals are still able to carry on with daily responsibilities, maintain relationships, and adapt as stressors come and go.
For someone living with OCD, the intrusive thoughts and the urge to perform compulsions create a much more intense and persistent cycle. A hallmark of OCD is avoidance, or difficulty tolerating uncertainty, discomfort, and anxious emotions. To escape those thoughts and feelings, a person may engage in repetitive behaviors or mental rituals that temporarily ease their distress but ultimately keep the cycle going. Over time, these compulsions can interfere with daily functioning, making it hard to complete tasks, socialize, or participate in work, school, or hobbies they enjoy.
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Because general worry, anxiety disorders, and diagnosable OCD can all present similarly on the surface, an individual may not realize they have OCD until the symptoms start to impact their quality of life. Therapy can help you understand where your experience falls along this spectrum, identify the emotions and patterns that are driving distress, and find the treatment approach that best supports your needs.
How therapy can help treat OCD:
Even though the exact causes for OCD aren't fully understood, it is highly treatable. For individuals living with obsessive-compulsive disorder, therapy offers a way to interrupt the overwhelming cycle of intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. In treatment, we'll practice how to gradually and systematically approach your triggers instead of avoiding them to help you build tolerance and resilience, as well as confidence in your ability to handle discomfort. As you practice resisting compulsions, the thoughts and urges that once felt overwhelming begin to lose their grip.
At White Oak Counseling, you’ll find a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore both the behaviors that feel impossible to resist and the deeper emotions—such as anxiety, guilt, or uncertainty—that can intensify OCD symptoms. We use evidence-based approaches such as Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and others to help you understand what fuels the cycle and develop new, more empowered ways of responding.
Together, we'll work on recognizing intrusive thoughts, understanding the patterns that keep the cycle going, and developing practical skills to interrupt the compulsions so that you can regain a real sense of control, freedom, and peace in your life.
Ready to get started?
Please complete the contact form to request an appointment or ask if you have questions about our services. Once you fill out this form, we will contact you within 1 - 3 business days to schedule an appointment.