Are you constantly plagued by distressing thoughts that refuse to leave your mind? Do you find yourself performing certain routines over and over again just to quell the anxiety these thoughts cause? If these experiences resonate with you, you might be dealing with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and would benefit from OCD treatment.
At Bay Area CBT Center, we understand that living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be a daily struggle, filled with intense anxiety and disruptive compulsions. Our dedicated team of highly skilled therapists is here to offer you the support, expertise, and understanding needed to overcome OCD and regain control over your life.
OCD is not just about being overly tidy or liking things a certain way. It’s a serious condition marked by persistent, unwanted thoughts and images (obsessions) that are intrusive and cause significant anxiety or distress. These are not ordinary worries about real-life problems but are often exaggerated fears, such as contracting a disease from touching a doorknob or harming loved ones through negligence.
To ease these fears, you might feel driven to perform specific actions repeatedly (compulsions). These can range from washing your hands numerous times, checking appliances repeatedly, to mental acts like praying or repeating phrases silently. These compulsions are meant to prevent disaster or reduce distress but often end up controlling your life. Despite understanding that these thoughts and behaviors are irrational, breaking free from their grip can feel impossible.
You may excessively engage in one or more of these behaviors:
Whether you are struggling with intrusive thoughts and images, engaging in compulsions and rituals that are taking over your life, or both, obsessive compulsive disorder – OCD – can bring up a lot of distress. The problem with these rituals is that they only relieve the anxiety for a very brief moment and then the anxiety returns and grows in intensity.
The more you engage in the rituals the worse the anxiety gets in the long run. Your rituals may then continue to increase, you may have to continue developing new strategies and rituals for managing your anxiety. The cycle grows and escalates, the more you use the rituals to cope with the anxiety the worse the anxiety gets.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a type of CBT that is the evidence-based choice for treating OCD. CBT is the gold standard in the treatment of OCD. Part of treatment involves understanding the underlying root/function of the problem. Underneath the symptoms of OCD is an intense fear of uncertainty and the unknown, and an urgent yearning to create predictability, certainty, and safety.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy is designed to tackle these fears head-on. By gradually and repeatedly exposing you to your fear triggers without allowing the compulsive response, ERP helps you learn to tolerate uncertainty and diminish the power of fear. Over time, this process reduces the anxiety associated with these triggers, leading to increased freedom and control over your life. Our therapists specialize in ERP therapy and are deeply committed to evidence-based practices that are scientifically proven to be effective in reducing OCD symptoms.
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INNOVATIVE THERAPIES
Start your healing journey today!
Book a free consult with our specialist to assess your needs.
We’ll match you with a therapist who fits your goals.
Choose video, phone, or in-person for your first session.
If the initial therapist match isn’t ideal, we’ll switch you for free.
Utilizing exposure and response prevention in our treatment may require us to do in vivo exposure. This means we may want to practice exposure together outside of the office setting by utilizing therapist-assisted exposure. In this form of exposure treatment, your OCD therapist will go with you to the feared location or situation and provide you with the coaching you need in the moment.
This will help you learn the tools to cope more effectively with your anxiety. This may include driving on a bridge together, from going to a crowded shopping mall, or visiting a dog park together. Practicing exposure in the real world is the most effective and efficient way to overcome OCD.
Imagine a life where your choices are not dictated by fear and repetitive rituals. At the Bay Area CBT Center, we specialize in helping people just like you regain control over your thoughts and actions through proven therapeutic techniques. You do not have to fight this battle alone.
Our compassionate team of counselors understands the strength it takes to seek help and the frustration of feeling like you’re losing time to your compulsions. We are here to listen, understand, and guide you through each step of reclaiming your life from OCD. Whether you need support figuring out if what you’re experiencing is OCD, or you’re ready to start therapy, we are here to help.
Don’t let another day be consumed by unwanted thoughts and compulsive actions. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can explore your experiences and discuss how we can support you on your journey to recovery. It’s time to take back control and start living the life you deserve, free from the constraints of OCD.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in the Bay Area. You could say we wrote the books on it.
