Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Counseling / OCD Counseling

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / OCD Counseling at LifePaths Counseling Center

Obsessive compulsive behaviors are a combination of obsessions (thoughts, images, fears) that lead to anxiety, which in turn leads a person to perform compulsive behaviors (rituals or routines).  OCD counseling can help.

The severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms can vary widely, from being mildly bothersome to interfering with daily life.

When you work with a counselor on this type of issue, most commonly the counselor is going to help you find healthy ways of coping with anxiety as well as work with you to develop specific strategies that will help you to interrupt the cycle of obsessions, anxiety, and compulsions. This often incorporates cognitive behavioral strategies that have been shown to be helpful in overcoming both the obsessions and compulsions.  

A different possible type of therapy you would use is Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP).  Your counselor will gently guide you through this process, which involves gradual exposure to a situation that causes an anxious response, while you build up your ability to change the way you respond.  

You may also be interested in downloading our self care client handout, which may give you ideas for healthy coping skills you can utilize.  Please contact us and we will send you a link to this handout and any others that seem like they may be helpful.