Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Have you ever double-checked the front door a few times before bed, or felt a sudden urge to organize your desk just right? That’s not unusual. But for some people, these thoughts and behaviors take over, becoming intense, time-consuming, and distressing. As a therapist, I’ve sat with many individuals who feel trapped in an exhausting cycle of obsessions and compulsions. The good news? With the right support, OCD is manageable, and people do get better.
What Is OCD, Really?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects about 2% of the population worldwide. It’s often misunderstood or minimized (think of the way people casually say, “I’m so OCD about my closet!”), but OCD isn’t about being neat or particular. It’s a serious disorder that can significantly interfere with daily life.
OCD is characterized by two core components:
Obsessions – unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress.
Compulsions – repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession, often to reduce the distress or prevent a feared event.
What Does OCD Look Like?
OCD can manifest in many forms, which is why it often goes unrecognized. Here are some common themes I see in my practice:
Contamination fears – worrying that touching something “dirty” will lead to illness or harm.
Checking – repeatedly ensuring doors are locked, appliances are off, or that no harm has been caused.
Symmetry and order – needing items arranged “just right” to prevent discomfort or a feared consequence.
Harm obsessions – intrusive thoughts about hurting someone, even though the person has no desire to do so.
Religious or moral obsessions – fear of committing a sin or being immoral in some way (also known as scrupulosity).
Sexual or aggressive intrusive thoughts – taboo or disturbing thoughts that are inconsistent with one’s values, causing intense shame and fear.
How Is OCD Treated?
The gold standard treatment for OCD is a specific form of cognitive-behavioral therapy called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Backed by decades of research, ERP helps individuals gradually face their fears (exposure) without engaging in the compulsions (response prevention) that provide short-term relief but maintain the disorder.
Here’s how it works in therapy:
A client might begin by touching a “contaminated” surface and resisting the urge to wash.
Over time, this exposure weakens the fear response, a process known as habituation.
Clients learn they can tolerate uncertainty and discomfort without needing to neutralize it.
ERP is challenging because it goes directly against the instinct to avoid anxiety, but it’s incredibly effective. According to the International OCD Foundation, up to 60–70% of people see significant improvement with ERP.
What I Tell My Clients
You are not your thoughts. OCD thrives on the belief that having a scary thought means something about who you are. Part of healing is learning to accept uncertainty and reconnect with your values, not your fears.
OCD is not your fault and you don’t have to go through it alone. With the right tools and support, recovery is not only possible, it’s probable. If you or someone you love is struggling, I encourage you to reach out to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation today. The journey is hard, but the freedom on the other side is worth it.