The Gold Standard for OCD Treatment
EXPOSURE AND RESPONSE PREVENTION (ERP)
Many clients that have come to me with OCD believe that they are or will soon be "going crazy". The obsessions are so irrational and at times shameful to them that they are fearful of telling others. ERP helps clients realize that they are not crazy and they do not have to endure a lifetime of performing these behaviors. They can learn to tolerate the obsessions, desensitize themselves to the anxiety and then be free to choose the behavior they would like to be doing instead of automatically performing the compulsion. It takes knowledge, courage and repeated exposure to break free from the compulsions.
However, once a person successfully conquers one compulsion, it gives them the the confidence and motivation to take their lives back from OCD. They begin to see how different life can be when OCD symptoms are effectively managed. Initially when you attempt to stop doing a compulsion (like avoiding stepping on cracks) you will feel very distressed - like "something bad is about to happen" (anxiety) but as you repeatedly expose yourself to stepping on cracks you'll habituate.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT for Anxiety and Depression
Many individuals living with stress, depression, and generalized anxiety disorders have found help through therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing and relaxation training are some of the most effective treatment approaches used to help clients effectively manage their conditions.
CBT is an action-oriented training that creates awareness of the thinking patterns that may cause clients unnecessary stress. The therapist teaches clients to recognize harmful thinking and to replace it with realistic alternative perspectives. Once clients learn this process, they can use it for a lifetime. CBT is scientifically proven to be effective in treating both anxiety disorders and depression.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is a psychological treatment designed to help individuals confront and overcome their fears and anxieties. This approach involves gradually exposing the person to the feared object or situation in a controlled and safe environment, allowing them to process feelings and reduce avoidance behavior.
By facing their fears step by step, individuals can learn to manage their anxiety more effectively, leading to improved coping and overall emotional well-being.
Relaxation Training - Stress Management
Relaxation Training utilizes breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation, and other coping skills designed to calm the body's nervous system. These skills are painless, easy to use, and effective in quickly reducing one's stress level.
Together we will work on increasing your awareness of emotions, thoughts, triggers, environmental factors and physical symptoms. We'll identify distorted ways of thinking that fuel anxiety and depression and we'll challenge perspectives that perpetuate your symptoms. You'll also be challenged to implement behaviors that can strengthen your ability to cope and decrease stress. Through these efforts you will increase your ability to choose effective behavior and increase your emotional flexibility.
CBT for Insomnia
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a multi-component treatment for insomnia that targets difficulties with initiating and/or maintaining sleep and is delivered over the course of six to eight sessions. The primary focus of CBT-I is to address the perpetuating factors that contribute to the development of chronic insomnia.