Break free from the endless loop of unwanted, distressing, intrusive thoughts, obsessive doubts, compulsive behaviors, and rituals.
Do you feel like you’re trapped in a never-ending loop of thoughts you can’t control, leaving you feeling stuck and exhausted? These thoughts can be about anything and may cause you to worry constantly or over-analyze events, leading to stress, lack of concentration, and difficulty staying present at the moment.
One way unwanted intrusive thoughts may manifest in children is as "magical thinking," where they believe that certain thoughts or actions will result in negative outcomes. This can lead to compulsive behaviors to mitigate these perceived risks, such as excessive checking or seeking reassurance.
It is normal to sometimes worry about things like forgetting to close the door when you leave home. Also, we all have thoughts that might be upsetting. But with OCD, the unwanted thoughts and worries are so frequent and/or intense that they make it hard to do everyday things. Some adults struggle for years with OCD symptoms, and for others, they may appear out of the blue.
The symptoms of OCD need to be managed, much like how a person with diabetes manages their symptoms to stay healthy.
However, engaging in compulsive behaviors reinforces the need to perform those compulsions, leading to mental exhaustion and interference with daily life.
OCD is a legitimate mental health disorder with various risk factors such as genetics, brain structure and functioning, environmental stressors, pregnancy and postpartum, and co-occurring mental or neurological conditions.
OCD can be described as the following cycle: Obsessions that lead to Anxiety, which triggers Compulsions in search for Relief. Hover over the graphic to learn more.
There are different types of OCD, including fear of contamination, fear of harm to self or others, obsession with symmetry, and counting or arranging rituals. Because everyone's experience with OCD may differ, knowing where to start with treatment can be challenging.
People take different routes when it comes to dealing with OCD.
Some Choose To Dismiss OCD as a Personality Quirk
Medications may provide relief for some patients but often only offer temporary relief or address the symptoms rather than the underlying cause. Research shows that medication alone is not as effective as medication with proper psychotherapy.
While we all have habits, if compulsive behaviors or obsessive thoughts interfere with your day-to-day life or take more than one hour of your day, it's important you seek a professional diagnosis and help.
Our treatment plan applies Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), specifically Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), which research indicates is the best treatment for OCD. Many patients have successfully changed their responses to intrusive thoughts and behaviors that maintain anxiety using these methods, often without prescription medication. However, if OCD symptoms are significantly impacting your ability to perform daily responsibilities at home or work, medication may be considered as an adjunct to ERP.
With ERP, our approach involves helping you understand your OCD, including its symptoms, triggers, and behavior patterns. Then, we will create a customized plan to face your fears and reduce compulsive behaviors gradually.
We recognize the importance of parental involvement. Research indicates that parent involvement is a strong predictor of treatment success for children with OCD.
Children often seek excessive reassurance and accommodation, reinforcing obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviors. In ERP, we can teach young children to label their OCD with a name, such as "Mr. Meanie," giving them an external monster to face and conquer.
While traditional treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) such as ERP have been effective, Inference-Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy (I-CBT) offers a unique perspective and alternative strategy for managing OCD.
I-CBT is scientifically supported and rooted in the core principle that obsessions arise from flawed reasoning patterns that lead us to doubt a situation where doubt is not warranted. I-CBT, thus, aims to disrupt the chain reaction that leads to obsessions by targeting this faulty thinking process.
Unlike traditional CBT and ERP, I-CBT does not involve deliberate or prolonged exposure to feared objects or situations. Instead, it is a more cognitive approach that emphasizes understanding the obsession and its origins. I-CBT uses specific activities to teach patients how to trust reality in OCD-triggering situations without engaging in compulsions.
Individuals who have not found success with ERP or those who want to explore another treatment option have found I-CBT to be a successful alternative.
We also incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into treatment, a newer form of CBT that combines acceptance and mindfulness. ACT helps you recognize negative thinking and manage uncomfortable thoughts and feelings without interfering with your desired way of living.
It can be particularly helpful in managing difficult thoughts and emotions associated with depression. ACT teaches you to observe these experiences without fighting against them, much like watching clouds pass by in the sky.
Experience the Freedom and Peace of Mind You Deserve
Start your journey to health with our free 15-minute consultation.
Our years of experience helping both adults and children recognize and overcome obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviors.
Regardless of the duration or severity of your symptoms, OCD does not define you, and recovery is possible. Our evidence-based treatments, personalized approach, and focus on involving parents in treatment make us the ideal choice for finding relief from OCD and achieving lasting results.
Safe Environment
Our specialists understand the importance of creating a safe and trusting environment for you or your child to open up about painful thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
Trust & Growth
As trust and comfort grow, we will explore experiences that may contribute to current challenges with OCD in everyday life.
Goal Oriented
We will work together to identify negative thought processes and behavioral responses to stressful situations with the goal of modifying and reversing unhelpful patterns.
If you continue to let OCD control your life, it can have detrimental effects on your mental health, relationships, and daily functioning.
The constant loop of intrusive thoughts, obsessive doubts, and compulsive behaviors can be mentally exhausting and time-consuming, making it hard to keep up with personal and professional obligations.
It can also lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression and interfere with your ability to enjoy life to the fullest.
We provide compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals struggling with OCD.
Let our therapists help you find relief and regain control over your life. We offer OCD therapy in Weston and the Broward County area.
