Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is more than being “particular” or liking things a certain way. OCD is a painful cycle of intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) that are done to reduce anxiety.
You may feel trapped by unwanted thoughts, doubts, or fears — and find yourself engaging in behaviors that temporarily reduce distress but keep the cycle going.
The good news is that OCD is highly treatable with the right approach.
I provide evidence-based OCD therapy in Los Altos and virtually throughout California, using research-supported treatments that help people regain their confidence and freedom.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
ERP is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that involves exposing yourself to the thoughts, images, objects and situations that make you anxious while refraining from any compulsions that neutralize or stop the fear. ERP is often initially conducted with the help of a trained therapist, who can help you gradually confront the things that you fear while simultaneously reducing and eventually stopping compulsions. Eventually you will do ERP on your own, and by engaging in exposures repeatedly you will learn that you can tolerate your anxiety and obsessions without engaging in compulsions. ERP is an evidence based treatment for OCD. Although initially ERP can be challenging, I have seen many clients overcome their OCD and regain their life after engaging in this treatment. Clients who have success with ERP gain confidence that they can handle their obsessions without engaging in avoidance and compulsions.
→ Learn more about the OCD cycle here.
Inference Based CBT (I-CBT)
I-CBT is also an evidence based treatment for OCD that characterizes obsessions as abnormal doubts that arise due to inferential confusion. Inferential confusion is a faulty reasoning process where a person comes to a conclusion that isn’t consistent with reality. When a person is inferentially confused they distrust their senses, common sense and their sense of self and get absorbed in their imagination. I-CBT aims to correct this faulty thinking process which leads to resolution of the obsessional doubt. Additionally, I-CBT helps clients regain trust in their senses and sense of self. I-CBT does not require clients to do exposures, so it can be a great fit for individuals who have not benefitted from ERP or those who do not want to do exposure.
Medications
Medication can also help with OCD, and for many people the combination of medication and therapy is the most effective approach. Only a physician or psychiatrist can prescribe medication and you can learn more about medication options for OCD here. If appropriate, I can collaborate with your prescriber as part of your treatment plan.
How to Find an OCD Specialist
Not all therapists are trained to treat OCD effectively. Because OCD requires specialized treatment, it’s important to work with a provider who:
- Uses ERP or I-CBT
- Has specific training in OCD
- Assigns structured practice between sessions
- Tracks progress over time
If you’re looking for an OCD therapist in Los Altos or anywhere in California, I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
→ Schedule a Consultation
→ Read my guide on how to find an OCD specialist
There is hope. With the right treatment, OCD does not have to control your life.
