Therapy for OCD in New York City
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects 1 in 100 adults. It’s estimated that between 2-3 million people in the US experience OCD.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterized by recurring intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). Obsessions and compulsions can often cause significant distress and can interfere with your daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life.
How do I know if I have OCD?
OCD can take many forms. Below are some common signs and behaviors associated with OCD:
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Counting and repeating: Someone with OCD may have to count things multiple times or perform actions in a particular order repeatedly to feel satisfied.
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Cleaning and organizing: Constantly cleaning and organizing their surroundings or belongings in a specific way, even if they are already clean and organized.
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Checking behaviors: Constantly checking things like door locks, appliances, or taps multiple times to ensure they are secure.
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Hoarding: Accumulating large amounts of items or things that have no real value, but feel unable to get rid of them.
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Symmetry and perfection: Needing things to be perfectly aligned, straight, or symmetrical, and feeling intense anxiety or discomfort if they are not.
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Intrusive thoughts: Having intrusive, disturbing, or unwanted thoughts that are difficult to control, leading to rituals or compulsions to alleviate anxiety.
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Avoidance behavior: Avoiding situations, people, or places that trigger obsessions or compulsions, leading to isolation or difficulties in daily life.
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Reassurance-seeking: Constantly seeking reassurance from others to alleviate anxiety or doubts about a particular obsession or fear.
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Rituals and routines: Following strict rituals or routines that must be adhered to in order to feel safe and secure, even if they are time-consuming or interfere with daily activities.
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Fear of contamination: Having an intense fear of germs or contamination, leading to excessive hand-washing, avoidance of certain places or objects, or wearing gloves or masks excessively.
The Impact OCD Can Have on Your Life
At Clarity Therapy, our trained therapists understand that OCD can have a profound impact on your daily life and overall well being.
If you suffer from unwanted obsessions and compulsions, you may experience:
Emotional impact: You may experience high levels of anxiety, depression, stress, fear, and guilt due to obsessions and compulsions. You may also feel overwhelmed, ashamed, or frustrated by an inability to control your thoughts and behaviors.
Physical impact: The repetitive behaviors associated with OCD, such as frequent hand-washing, counting, or checking, can lead to physical exhaustion, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. In some cases, you may experience physical injuries or discomfort as a result of compulsive behaviors.
Social impact: OCD can lead to social isolation, as you may avoid dating, social situations or interactions due to fears of judgment, contamination, or triggering obsessions. Relationships with family, friends, and colleagues may also be strained, as others may not understand or be supportive of your symptoms.
Work and academic performance: OCD can interfere with work or academic performance, as you may struggle to focus, complete tasks, or meet deadlines due to obsessions and compulsions. This can lead to decreased productivity, job loss, or academic difficulties.
Financial impact: Compulsive spending or hoarding behaviors may lead to financial problems or debt.
Overall, OCD can have a profound impact on all aspects of a person’s life, making it essential to seek professional help and support to manage symptoms effectively and improve your overall quality of life.
THERAPISTS WHO CAN HELP
Therapists Who Specialize in Therapy for OCD in New York City
Connecting with the right therapist is the most important factor in your search. We’re here to help you find a great match.
What does Therapy for OCD look like?
Our licensed psychotherapists draw from the following evidence-based modalities for the treatment of OCD:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Clarity therapists who draw from CBT help clients in identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and fears that contribute to obsessions and compulsions. CBT also includes exposure and response prevention (ERP) techniques, where individuals gradually expose themselves to feared situations or objects while refraining from engaging in compulsive behaviors.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): ERP is a specific form of CBT that focuses on exposing individuals to their fears or triggers while preventing them from engaging in compulsive behaviors. This helps them learn to tolerate anxiety and uncertainty without resorting to their usual rituals, leading to a reduction in OCD symptoms over time. Research shows that Cognitive Behavioral-based treatments, especially ERP are more effective than medication on its own.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT is a mindfulness-based therapy that emphasizes accepting unwanted thoughts and feelings, rather than trying to control or eliminate them. Individuals learn to detach from their thoughts, develop self-compassion, and commit to taking positive actions aligned with their values, despite experiencing anxiety or distress.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): MBCT combines traditional CBT techniques with mindfulness practices to help individuals increase awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. By cultivating non-judgmental awareness and acceptance of their experiences, individuals with OCD can better manage stress, reduce rumination, and decrease the intensity of obsessions and compulsions.
Medication for OCD: In addition to therapy, medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or tricyclic antidepressants, may be prescribed by a medical doctor or psychiatrist to help manage OCD symptoms. Research shows that these medications can help regulate neurotransmitter levels in the brain and reduce the frequency and intensity of obsessions and compulsions for some individuals. For some individuals with OCD, a combination of medication and therapy may be the most effective approach. Medication can help alleviate symptoms while therapy provides individuals with the tools and skills to manage their symptoms in the long term.
What if I’m not ready to start therapy?
If you’re not yet ready to connect with a therapist, we encourage you to explore some of the helpful resources below which have been vetted by our team of licensed psychotherapists:
- International OCD Foundation: explore various educational resources, articles, self-help books, and media to help you better understand and manage OCD.
Interested in therapy for OCD in new york city?
We can help.
At Clarity Therapy NYC, our trained therapists have experience helping people with OCD, including adolescents and adults. Schedule a consultation if you suspect you have OCD today.