OCD is also one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions. It’s not about enjoying cleanliness, being Type-A, or preferring things to be organized.
OCD is like having an overzealous watchdog in your mind, constantly scanning for danger—even when there’s nothing to fear. Its job is to protect you, but it overreacts, barking warnings like, “You need to check that again, just to be sure,” or “If you don’t do this a certain way, something bad will happen.” It demands certainty, control, and repetition—making you feel like you have no choice but to obey. And the more you listen, the louder it gets.
OCD is also one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions. It’s not about enjoying cleanliness, being Type-A, or preferring things to be organized. The reality is much more distressing. OCD is driven by intrusive thoughts—unwanted, distressing, and often irrational fears that won’t go away. Compulsions, or repetitive behaviors, develop as a way to neutralize those fears, but they only reinforce the anxiety.
Compulsions can look like:
Checking the stove or door locks repeatedly, even when you know they’re off or locked.
Mentally replaying conversations to make sure you didn’t say something offensive.
Avoiding certain numbers, colors, or words because they feel ‘wrong’ or unlucky.
Seeking reassurance from others over and over, even when you’ve already been reassured.
Repeating prayers, phrases, or actions in a specific way to prevent bad things from happening.
OCD doesn’t just stay in your thoughts—it can take over your life. It can leave you exhausted from mental loops, stuck in rituals that don’t actually help, and overwhelmed by anxiety when things feel ‘off.’ The cycle can feel impossible to break, but there is a way forward.
As your therapist, I’ll help you recognize and reframe the compulsions and intrusive thoughts that are keeping you trapped. We’ll work together to build tolerance for uncertainty, loosen OCD’s grip, and develop strategies to resist compulsions in a way that actually reduces anxiety over time.
You’ll also learn techniques to manage the discomfort that comes with breaking the cycle—so you can regain control over your life, not just your thoughts. You don’t have to keep following OCD’s rules. Let’s rewrite them—together.