Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Finding Relief through Therapy

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be incredibly distressing, leaving individuals feeling trapped in cycles of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Individuals struggling with OCD often describe feeling out of control and prevented from living their most meaningful lives. They often talk about how much time OCD can take up in their day, or the amount of energy OCD can consume, leaving them feeling exhausted, depleted, and overall unhappy. And no wonder! Without the proper support, OCD can really take hold and interfere with one’s ability to live their life in a peaceful and more balanced way.

What is OCD?

The DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision) provides the following criteria for diagnosing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):

Presence of Obsessions, Compulsions, or Both

• Obsessions: Recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or images that are experienced as intrusive and unwanted, causing significant anxiety or distress. The individual attempts to ignore or suppress these thoughts, urges, or images, or neutralize them with some other thought or action (i.e., performing a compulsion).
• Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors (e.g., hand washing, checking) or mental acts (e.g., praying, counting) that the individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession, or according to rigid rules. These behaviors or mental acts are aimed at preventing or reducing anxiety or distress, or preventing some feared event or situation; however, these behaviors or mental acts are not realistically connected to the feared event, or are clearly excessive.

Significant Time and Distress

The obsessions and/or compulsions are significantly time-consuming and/or cause notable distress in the individual’s life. 

Importance of Ruling out other Potential Contributors

It is important to have a proper psychological assessment completed to clarify that an individual’s underlying challenges are best explained by OCD. Because OCD is a highly comorbid mental health condition, meaning it can co-occur with other challenges such as depression or anxiety disorders, it is crucial to ensure that it is not better explained by another disorder. At our office, we provide specialized comprehensive assessments that do just that. After the assessment is completed, you can be referred for treatment, all at the same office. We offer evidence-based therapy to help those with OCD regain control and lead a more balanced life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for OCD. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs that fuel compulsive behaviors. Through telehealth sessions, therapists teach you how to reframe your thoughts and resist the urge to perform rituals. By practicing these skills in a safe and supportive environment, you can reduce the impact OCD has on your life, all while in the comfort of your own home.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

A specialized form of CBT, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is considered the gold standard for treating OCD. ERP involves gradual exposure to the situations that trigger your obsessions, while simultaneously helping you resist or “boss back” the accompanying compulsions. This process reduces the anxiety associated with obsessions over time. With the flexibility of telehealth sessions, therapists can guide you through ERP exercises at your own pace, ensuring that you feel supported and empowered throughout the journey.

Medication Management and Therapy

In some cases, OCD may require a combination of therapy and medication to manage symptoms effectively. Therapists at our office can support you in finding the best treatment that fits for you. Our clinicians often act as coordinators on your team, and with your permission can help coordinate referrals, or speak to other people on your team, such as a family doctor or psychiatrist.

Take Control of Your OCD Today

If you’re struggling with OCD, help is available. Please don’t wait. You are not alone. This is a very common mental health disorder, that with evidence-based targeted treatment, you can regain control in your life and live more meaningfully. Contact Dr. Melanie Cochrane & Associates today to schedule a telehealth session and begin exploring these effective treatment techniques. Together, we can help you break free from the grip of OCD and work toward a calmer, more fulfilling life.