Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Treatment...

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) includes the experience of intrusive or unwanted thoughts, compulsive behaviors, and frequently a combination of both. Obsessions and compulsions are often time-consuming and make it difficult to perform common daily activities at home, work, or school. These symptoms can worsen without treatment and often contribute to anxiety and depressed mood.

There are many types of obsessive thoughts. These thoughts may include disturbing images or urges and often involve topics that are considered taboo or inappropriate (e.g., acting on an inappropriate impulse or sexual behavior). People with obsessive compulsive disorder often try to suppress these thoughts or avoid them in some way but have difficulty doing so on their own.

Common obsessions include...

• Fear of contamination
• That one will be responsible for a negative outcome
• Having a serious medical condition
• A belief that one is morally wrong, offensive, or guilty of something
• Fear that one will harm themselves or others
• Distress when items and objects are not symmetrical or exact

What all these obsessive thoughts have in common is that they are unwanted and extremely unpleasant.

Compulsive behaviors or "rituals" are repetitive behaviors that people with obsessive compulsive disorder feel compelled to perform. These rituals may include...

• Repeating certain words or phrases
• Counting
• Washing or cleaning excessively
• Checking behaviors

...as well as many others. Compulsions may also be mental acts that are not observable to others but may still be extremely distressing or problematic for the person experiencing them.

Cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, specifically Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP), has been shown to be effective in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in both adults and children. If you are experiencing OCD symptoms, Exposure and Response Prevention may be able to help you. I have worked successfully with many clients in applying this treatment and have seen significant symptom relief and recovery.

As a psychologist, I do not prescribe medication but I recognize that some clients with obsessive compulsive disorder may respond best to a combination of medication and psychotherapy. If I believe you are likely to benefit from this combined approach, I will discuss this with you. The choice to take medication or not is yours. I consult with several psychiatrists in the Rockland County area and would be glad to make a referral. If you are already under the care of a psychiatrist, I would be pleased to work with them to coordinate your care.

If you are interested in learning more about my approach to psychotherapy and my fees, please visit the psychotherapy section of this website or contact me for a free phone consultation.