Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

OCD can be one of the most debilitating mental health conditions, but it is also one of the most treatable. Individuals with OCD find themselves stuck in a tightening spiral of intrusive thoughts, urges, and images accompanied by endless rituals and avoidance behaviors. The specific content of obsessions and compulsions are seemingly endless and can vary immensely between sufferers. However, it tends to boil down to struggles with tolerating uncertainty, feelings of incompleteness, or even a physical sensation that something feels not just right. The good news for sufferers is that decades of scientific research has shown time and time again that the vast majority of individuals who complete a program that uses a heavy dose of a very specific intervention experience significant relief with many achieving complete remission of OCD symptoms. The technique is called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and it involves gradually approaching the obsessions’ triggers while reducing and eventually eliminating the compulsive rituals and avoidance behaviors. Over time, symptoms of OCD decrease and the individual finds newfound joy and freedom in overcoming and even embracing doubt and uncertainty.

At Open Spectrum we use ERP and the versatile toolkit of Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis to treat OCD in children, teens, and adults. Depending on need the program may include a combination of sessions in the office, home, and community. For children and teens it typically includes coaching and support for parents and other family members as well.

If you are interested in OCD treatment for you or a loved one, call or email today to see if Open Spectrum could be a good fit!