Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD often shows up as unwanted, intrusive thoughts paired with a powerful urge to "fix" the disturbance. This can be done through checking, reassurance-seeking, mental rituals, or avoidance. Even when you know the thoughts don't make sense, the anxiety behind them feel impossible to ignore. Over time, these patterns can significantly affect your daily living.
You have intrusive thoughts that feel distressing, repetitive, or "sticky"/"stuck"
You engage in rituals, checking, compulsions, or avoidance to relieve anxiety
You know the thoughts may not be rational, but can't seem to let them go
The thoughts and behaviors are taking up more time and energy than you want it to
What does therapy for OCD look like?
Using ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) to gradually reduce compulsions
Learning to tolerate uncertainty without needing to "fix" every thought
Building confidence in facing fears without engaging in rituals
Understanding the OCD cycle so it has less power over you