I provide therapy for OCD to adolescents and adults. Treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) typically involves a few different approaches that can be incredibly effective. As with the rest of my practice, I often use an integrative approach, which I feel gives me the greatest chance to choose the best therapy for OCD for you. Here is an overview to help you be an informed client, whether you choose me or anyone else. I also include alternative therapy for OCD since there are approaches you can take outside of our sessions that I can weave into your treatment.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by two main components: obsessions and compulsions.
- Obsessions: These are intrusive, persistent, and unwanted thoughts, urges, or images that cause significant anxiety or distress. They can be about a wide range of situations. These include fear of contamination, doubts about safety or security, aggressive or taboo thoughts, or a need for symmetry or order.
- Compulsions: These are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rigid rules. These actions are aimed at reducing or preventing anxiety or distress. However, they are not realistically connected to the issue they are meant to address. Common compulsions include excessive cleaning or handwashing, checking and rechecking, counting, arranging things in a particular order, or mental rituals like silently repeating phrases.
OCD affects people differently, and its severity can vary widely. For some, symptoms can significantly interfere with daily life, relationships, work, and overall functioning. Others may experience milder symptoms that still cause distress but are more manageable.
Having obsessive thoughts or engaging in repetitive behaviors occasionally doesn’t necessarily mean someone has obsessive-compulsive disorder. Almost everyone has them. Diagnosis involves considering the frequency, intensity, and impact of these thoughts and behaviors on a person’s life. OCD is treatable through therapy, so you’ve come to the right place.
Best Therapy for OCD
I use three commonly used approaches when trying to put together the best therapy for OCD for my clients.
These therapies can be used alone or in combination, depending on the individual’s needs and the severity of their symptoms. It’s often most effective when tailored to the specific challenges and goals of the person seeking treatment.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for OCD
CBT is often my first-line treatment since it is often the best therapy for OCD if you haven’t tried it. It involves a structured approach to identifying and changing thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety and compulsions. Within CBT, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is particularly effective. ERP involves gradually exposing oneself to the thoughts, images, or situations that trigger obsessions while refraining from engaging in the compulsive behaviors associated with them. Over time, this helps reduce anxiety and weaken the connection between the obsession and the compulsion.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy for OCD
Mindfulness techniques can help clients with OCD learn to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, which can reduce the distress caused by obsessions. Practices like mindfulness meditation can help individuals become more aware of their irrational and exaggerated thoughts. Mindfulness-based interventions can complement other therapies for OCD.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT focuses on accepting thoughts and feelings rather than trying to eliminate them and committing to behavior change in alignment with personal values. ACT is another approach to therapy for OCD that can be delivered in addition to other approaches.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT incorporates elements of CBT with mindfulness techniques. It aims to help individuals regulate emotions, tolerate distress, and improve relationships while addressing symptoms. While it’s not the first-line treatment specifically tailored for OCD, some aspects of DBT can be beneficial in managing symptoms, particularly when they are co-occurring with other issues like emotion dysregulation or difficulties in managing stress.
Psychodynamic Therapy for OCD
This approach explores how past experiences and unconscious thoughts may contribute to current symptoms. It involves exploring deep-seated emotions and patterns of behavior. Psychodynamic therapy often takes longer than other approaches, but for people whose anxiety is chronic or has clear roots in childhood experiences, it can be very powerful. It may not be the best therapy for OCD by itself, but in combination with other treatments it can be very powerful.
Couples and Family Therapy
OCD can impact entire families with older children or couples, and involving family members in therapy can help improve understanding, support, and communication within the family unit. It is not uncommon for a therapist to see an individual for most sessions but to bring in family members to help implement strategies at home. Sometimes, an alternative therapy for OCD can be a fun and productive activity for families and couples in treatment.
What About Medication?
In some cases, medication, usually selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI medications), may be prescribed to help manage OCD symptoms. Medication can be particularly useful when used in conjunction with therapy. In those cases, medication provides enough relief to allow the strategies above to be used effectively.
Alternative Therapy for OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can be challenging to manage, and while traditional treatments like the above may be the best therapy for OCD for you, some people may seek alternative therapy for OCD, and I am very open to that. Here are some examples of an alternative therapy for OCD that I can integrate into your therapy:
Yoga as an alternative therapy for OCD
Yoga combines physical postures, breath control, and meditation to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Some people find that regular yoga practice helps manage symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder by promoting a sense of calm and reducing anxiety. I can work directly with your yoga instructor to mix in some of the techniques above as you do yoga so your yoga can be an alternative therapy for OCD.
Acupuncture and an alternative treatment for OCD
Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice involving the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, may help alleviate anxiety and stress associated with these symptoms for some individuals. Again, I do not provide acupuncture, but there may be ways for me to work with your provider so that you mix in some of the best therapy for OCD techniques into their work with you.
Diet and Nutrition
While diet alone is unlikely to be the best therapy for OCD, some people find that certain dietary changes, such as reducing caffeine and sugar intake or increasing omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, can help improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. I suggest that you see a registered dietician or nutritionist for this, but I can share some information about what I’ve seen work for other clients in my practice.
Some herbs and supplements, such as St. John’s Wort, passionflower, and chamomile, are believed to have calming effects and may help reduce symptoms of anxiety. However, I do not provide direct suggestions about this – it’s essential to use caution and consult with an expert in herbal remedies before taking any herbal supplements, as they can interact with medications and have side effects.
Art as an Alternative Therapy for OCD
Engaging in creative activities like painting, drawing, or sculpting can provide a therapeutic outlet for expressing emotions and reducing stress associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms.
Pet Therapy for OCD
Spending time with animals, such as therapy dogs or cats, can have a calming effect and reduce feelings of anxiety and isolation for some people with obsessive-compulsive disorder and thus is an excellent alternative therapy for OCD, even though it is unstructured. This is one reason why I also offer assessments for emotional support animals.
It’s important to note that while these alternative therapies may offer benefits for some individuals, they may not be a substitute for evidence-based treatments like CBT. However, in my integrative practice, I am happy to help you develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
OCD Treatment Outcomes
The therapies for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder listed above can have positive outcomes, such as:
Therapy for OCD and Symptom Reduction
Of course, the main goal of therapy for OCD is decreased obsessions and compulsions. Therapy helps in reducing the frequency and intensity of obsessive thoughts and a decrease in compulsive behaviors. You’ll feel like you have better control over your actions. Even the obsessions and compulsions that do come will be less intense and easier to resist.
OCD Treatment and Improved Coping Skills
Therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder gives you tools and techniques to manage anxiety and handle triggers more effectively. Lower underlying anxiety ensures that the obsessions and compulsions will stay low in intensity. In addition, you’ll learn problem-solving skills that can assist in dealing with challenging situations without the intensifying anxiety that leads to compulsions. Thus, therapy for OCD can produce more results than just reducing specific symptoms.
Increased Quality of Life
As symptoms decrease, you’ll find it easier to engage in daily activities without them interfering. Reduced symptoms can lead to healthier interactions and improved relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. You’ll be able to travel without interference and participate in more activities.
Personal Empowerment Through OCD Therapy
Successfully managing symptoms through therapy can boost self-confidence and a sense of empowerment. Therapy can also foster a deeper understanding of obsessive-compulsive disorder and help individuals accept themselves without judgment.
Factors such as the severity of symptoms, individual differences, commitment to therapy, and the quality of the therapeutic relationship all play a role in determining the success of treatment. You’ve taken a good first step in reading this information and becoming informed, and I wish you the best of luck whether you contact me or someone else. The best therapy for OCD requires a good match between you and the therapist.
Therapy for OCD in my practice
I provide therapy for OCD that starts with a treatment plan tailored to each individual’s needs. The severity of symptoms can vary, so finding the right approach for each person is crucial. In some cases, treatment is combined with other goals that the person wants to pursue, while in others, people want the best therapy for OCD alone. Sometimes, we even touch on obsessive-compulsive disorder strategies in Sports Therapy and Executive Coaching since high-powered people often develop obsessive-compulsive disorder.
In my integrative practice, I also can work with outside providers who can add an alternative therapy for OCD.
Post-Therapy Options
Therapy for OCD often includes strategies to prevent relapse and maintain progress even after treatment has concluded. I sometimes hear back from clients who want a refresher or are facing significant stress and want to be sure they are prepared. Many have been able to rid themselves of obsessions and compulsions but want to continue to apply the skills and insights gained in therapy to address other life challenges beyond OCD. When that happens, I am happy to help, possibly with a more integrative approach.
Please contact me if you’d like to learn more about what therapy for OCD might entail or if you are interested in any of my services.
