Do you have recurrent and persistent thoughts or impulses that cause you distress?

Perhaps fear of contamination, 

disturbing sexual thoughts or images,

Or worry that you might lose something important.

Logically, you might know that these thoughts aren’t realistic…

… But you have to ease the distress. Commonly by engaging in tasks or rituals.

This could look like excessively washing your hands and frequently showering,

Or repeatedly checking locks, switches, and appliances.

If you recognize yourself, you may be struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). People with OCD frequently experience distressing thoughts and repetitive behaviors, which create significant disruptions in their daily lives. If you’ve experienced significant distress or impairment in your day to day, we can help. 

By utilizing a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Hailey can help you overcome your OCD and get you to live a fulfilling life. 

ERP works by exposing you to the thoughts or situations that cause your distress while working closely with your counselor to not engage in your tasks or rituals, which eventually leads to habituation. Meaning those thoughts that once produced extreme distress no longer do. 

Hailey can help you if you are struggling with any of the following:

  • Fear of germs, contamination, or dirt

  • Excessive bathing, cleaning, teeth brushing, hand washing 

  • Worry about health (repeatedly checking for symptoms, researching medical websites…)

  • Unwanted disturbing, violent or sexual thoughts

  • Difficulty tolerating uncertainty

  • Constant need for reassurance (from others, the internet, news outlets...)

  • Fear of embarrassment

  • Excessive doubt or fear of making a mistake

  • Rereading/checking emails, letters, posts (out of fear of saying something inappropriate or offensive or until it feels ‘right’)

  • Checking memories to make sure that no harm was done to others

  • Checking that you have not hurt someone (Ex: Driving back to check for signs of accidents or checking your car for signs of impact)

  • Checking repeatedly (Stove, doors, windows, locks, alarm, electric appliances, car, lights...)

  • Orderliness - Arranging things in a symmetrical, perfect or very specific way (pictures, clothes, books...)

  • Strict routines

  • Counting repeatedly or saying certain words while doing other tasks

  • Eating food in a specific order, arranging food in a certain way

  • Performing a task a specific number of times (ex: flipping a light switch a certain number of times)

  • Avoidance of certain ‘unsafe’ numbers, letters, or colors

  • ‘Magical thinking’ - Colors, numbers, days associated with good or bad luck

  • Avoidance of certain places

If you believe that your obsessions and compulsions are standing in the way of you leading a fulfilling life, you can contact our team to schedule an appointment or a free 15-minute phone consultation.