Therapy for OCD on Long Island
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Online Therapy throughout New York
Living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can be hard
Are you struggling with…
Unwanted thoughts or images
Repeated actions or rituals performed to alleviate anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts
Spending excessive amounts of time on rituals or checking behaviors
Difficulty performing everyday tasks, maintaining personal relationships, or meeting work/school obligations due to the demands of OCD
Constant worry and anxiety about the possibility of harm or catastrophic outcomes
Struggling to make decisions or feeling paralyzed by doubts and fears
Avoiding certain places, people, or situations that trigger obsessive thoughts or compulsions
Feeling ashamed or guilty about the nature of their thoughts or the need to perform rituals
The impact on family, friends, and partners due to the demands of OCD, misunderstandings, or the need for reassurance
Second-guessing about whether actions or thoughts are “correct” or safe, leading to excessive checking and reassurance-seeking
Adapting to changes in routine or unexpected events due to a strong need for order and predictability
You can gain more control over your OCD.
What is OCD?
OCD stands for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD is characterized by persistent and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that cause significant anxiety or distress. To manage this anxiety, people with OCD often engage in repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions).
1. Obsessions: These are intrusive and distressing thoughts or images that keep popping into your mind. For example, you might have worries about contamination, harming someone, or making a mistake. These thoughts can feel very real and unsettling, even if you know they’re irrational.
2. Compulsions: To reduce the anxiety caused by these obsessive thoughts, you might feel compelled to perform certain actions or rituals. These can include things like excessive handwashing, checking locks, counting, or repeating phrases. The rituals are meant to prevent something bad from happening or to make the obsessive thoughts go away, but they usually offer only temporary relief.
What are some common sub-types of OCD?
Contamination OCD: Fear of contamination by germs, dirt, or other substances.
Harm OCD: Fear of harming others or oneself, either intentionally or accidentally.
Checking OCD: Fear that something is not done correctly, such as locking doors, turning off appliances, or making sure tasks are completed
Symmetry/Perfectionism OCD: Distress over symmetry, order, or exactness, and a need for things to be arranged in a specific way until it feels right.
Pure OCD: a subtype of OCD that’s characterized by intrusive thoughts, images or urges without any visible physical compulsions.
Sexual OCD: Disturbing thoughts or doubts about one's sexual behavior, moral integrity, or ethical values.
Religious or Moral Scrupulosity OCD: Excessive fear of offending a higher power or failing to follow religious or moral rules.
False Memory OCD: Persistent doubts about performing an action correctly or a memory.
So how do you treat OCD?
Addressing OCD effectively often requires a comprehensive strategy that integrates various therapeutic methods and support systems.
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What It Is: CBT is a type of therapy that helps you change the way you think about and react to your obsessive thoughts.
How It Works: We’ll work together to identify the thoughts that trigger your OCD and develop strategies to address them. This helps you build healthier ways of thinking and reacting.
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What It Is: ERP is a specific type of CBT that involves gradually facing the things that make you anxious and learning to resist the urge to perform compulsive behaviors.
How It Works: We’ll create a plan where you gradually confront your fears in a controlled way, helping you become less anxious over time and reduce the need for rituals.
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What It Is: These techniques help you manage the stress and anxiety that come with OCD.
How It Works: We’ll explore ways to stay present and calm, like breathing exercises or meditation, to help you handle anxiety without relying on compulsions.
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What It Is: Developing skills to manage anxiety and handle OCD symptoms effectively.
How It Works: We’ll work on strategies to cope with difficult situations and feelings, which can make managing OCD easier and improve your overall well-being.
Ultimately, what I want you to understand is that:
OCD can be challenging, but with the right support and treatment, you can find relief and work towards improvement.
Step 1
Book a free consultation with me
Step 2
We talk through your needs and concerns to see if we are a good fit.
Step 3
We get you on the schedule and start working towards where you want to be.
Manage your OCD
Manage your OCD symptoms and get control over your life.
Questions?
OCD Therapy FAQs
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OCD therapy typically involves Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a focus on Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). This approach helps individuals confront their obsessions and resist engaging in compulsions, thereby reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.
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ERP involves exposing you to the situations or thoughts that trigger your obsessions and then helping you resist the urge to perform compulsive behaviors. This gradual exposure reduces anxiety and helps you learn that your fears are manageable without relying on compulsions.
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During your first session, we'll discuss your concerns, goals, and any specific issues you’re facing. It's an opportunity for us to get to know each other and for you to ask any questions you might have about the process. We also make a plan for future sessions so we have an idea of what they look like and where you'd like to be.
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Therapy is highly effective for treating anxiety. Research shows that therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are especially effective in helping individuals identify and change negative thought patterns, reduce anxiety symptoms, and develop coping strategies. Many people experience significant relief and improved functioning through therapy.
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Yes, online therapy is designed to be secure and confidential. I use a HIPAA-secure platform to protect your privacy and ensure that your personal information remains confidential, just like in traditional in-person sessions.