OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER
WHAT IS OCD?
OCD is a disorder characterized by the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions. Obsessions are thoughts and urges that you don’t like, but continue to come back. Compulsion are the behaviors you do (mental or physical) to lessen the intensity of an obsessive thought. Compulsion are not always logically linked to an obsessive thought like washing your hands to prevent germs.
“Being OCD” is an inaccurate social colloquialism that means being a perfectionist or extremely clean. This is not an accurate description of OCD, as OCD has many subtypes that have no relation to cleanliness.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Treatment for OCD involves Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a highly effective, evidence-based approach. ERP helps individuals face their fears gradually while resisting the urge to engage in compulsions. Instead of trying to “feel safe” or eliminate uncertainty, treatment focuses on learning to tolerate discomfort and respond differently to intrusive thoughts.
OCD is not just about logic—people with OCD know their fears are irrational, but their brains send faulty danger signals. ERP works by disrupting these patterns, teaching that discomfort is not the same as danger. By removing safety behaviors, introducing new responses and aligning exposure with personal values, individuals can retrain their brains to react more flexibly (ACT based ERP).
I additionally provide treatment utilizing a newer approach called inference based cognitive behavioral therapy (I-CBT). In I-CBT you come to learn that the intrusive thoughts themselves aren't the problem, it's the faulty reasoning behind the thoughts. Instead of testing fears through exposure, I-CBT teaches individuals to challenge the faulty thought process before anxiety takes hold. The goal is not to eliminate thoughts or discomfort but to see OCD for what it is—a trick of the mind—and respond with confidence rather than fear.
HELPFUL LINKS
Anxiety Disorder Association for America: ADAA is a national association that focuses on the the research and treatment of all anxiety disorders. It also has excellent general information about various anxiety disorders and research.
International OCD Foundation: The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to effective treatment, supporting research, and raising awareness about OCD and related disorders.
OCD SoCal: OCD SoCal is the Southern California affiliate of the IOCDF, providing education, advocacy, and community support for individuals affected by OCD and related disorders.