Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD manifests in a variety of ways, with obsessions often revolving around themes such as contamination, harm, or perfectionism.

Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to alleviate distress or prevent a feared outcome, but they provide only temporary relief. In today’s fast-paced and hyperconnected world, individuals with OCD may experience heightened anxiety and stress exacerbated by the constant influx of information and perceived threats.

OCD is not about being neat or organized. It’s a serious mental health condition characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) that significantly interfere with daily life.

Symptoms of OCD:

Intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause distress – Unwanted, disturbing thoughts or mental images that feel impossible to control, often involving themes of harm, contamination, sexuality, or religion that don’t align with your values.
Repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce anxiety or prevent harm – Compulsions that you feel driven to perform to neutralize obsessive thoughts, even though you may recognize they’re excessive or don’t make logical sense.
Excessive cleaning, checking, or arranging rituals – Washing hands until they’re raw, checking locks or appliances repeatedly, or needing objects arranged in a specific way to feel “just right” or prevent catastrophe.
Mental rituals such as counting, repeating words, or seeking reassurance – Internal compulsions like counting to certain numbers, repeating phrases silently, or constantly asking others for reassurance that something bad won’t happen.
Avoidance of situations or triggers that provoke obsessions – Steering clear of people, places, or activities that trigger obsessive thoughts, which can significantly limit your life and lead to isolation.
Feelings of guilt, shame, or embarrassment related to OCD symptoms – Deep shame about your intrusive thoughts or the time spent on rituals, often leading to hiding your symptoms from others and suffering in silence.
Impaired functioning in daily life due to OCD-related behaviors – Difficulty completing work tasks, being late due to rituals, strained relationships, or inability to engage in normal activities because OCD demands so much time and mental energy.
Physical symptoms such as tension, headaches, or digestive issues resulting from anxiety – The constant stress of OCD takes a physical toll, manifesting as muscle tension, chronic pain, stomach problems, or exhaustion from hypervigilance.

Types of OCD We Treat

At BeWELL Psychotherapy and Wellness, our therapists specialize in treating all presentations of OCD. Understanding your specific OCD subtype helps us tailor treatment to your unique experience.

Contamination OCD – Obsessive fear of germs, illness, or contamination leading to excessive washing, cleaning rituals, or avoidance of perceived contaminated objects or places.
Harm OCD – Intrusive thoughts about causing harm to yourself or others, despite having no desire to act on these thoughts. This often leads to avoidance behaviors and excessive checking or seeking reassurance.
Symmetry and Ordering OCD – Need for things to be arranged perfectly, symmetrical, or “just right,” often accompanied by arranging, organizing, or repeating behaviors until it feels correct.
Relationship OCD (ROCD) – Obsessive doubts about your romantic relationship or partner, constantly questioning if you’re with the right person, analyzing your feelings, or seeking reassurance about the relationship.
Pure O (Primarily Obsessional OCD) – OCD characterized primarily by intrusive thoughts with less visible compulsions. Mental rituals like analyzing, reviewing, or neutralizing thoughts happen internally and can be just as debilitating.

Interference with Daily Life and Prevalence:

OCD infiltrates every aspect of your life. You might spend hours each day performing compulsions, leaving little time for work, relationships, or activities you once enjoyed. Simple tasks like leaving the house, eating a meal, or going to bed can become exhausting ordeals when OCD demands you complete rituals first.

At work or school, intrusive thoughts interrupt your focus constantly. The mental exhaustion from battling these thoughts and resisting or performing compulsions leaves you drained. Relationships suffer when OCD demands excessive reassurance or when you avoid situations that might trigger obsessions.

Many people with OCD describe feeling trapped, knowing their fears may be irrational but feeling powerless to stop the compulsions. The temporary relief compulsions provide only strengthens the OCD cycle, making it feel impossible to break free without help.

How BeWELL Can Help You Manage OCD

At BeWELL Psychotherapy and Wellness, we specialize in evidence-based OCD treatment that helps you break free from the obsession-compulsion cycle. Our licensed therapists in Manhattan, Hoboken, and online understand that OCD requires specialized treatment approaches.

Evidence-Based OCD Treatment

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy is the gold-standard treatment for OCD. ERP helps you gradually face feared situations or thoughts (exposure) while resisting the urge to perform compulsions (response prevention). This breaks the OCD cycle by teaching your brain that anxiety decreases naturally without rituals.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for OCD helps you identify and challenge the distorted beliefs that fuel obsessions. You’ll learn to recognize OCD thoughts as just thoughts, not facts that require action.

Mindfulness and Somatic Approaches help you develop awareness of the mind-body connection in OCD. Through mindfulness practices, you’ll learn to observe anxiety and intrusive thoughts without reacting, promoting self-compassion and reducing OCD symptoms.

Flexible Treatment Options

In-person OCD therapy in Manhattan (Flatiron District) and Hoboken
Online OCD treatment throughout NY, NJ, CT, PA, RI, and CA
Specialized ERP therapy with trained OCD therapists
Evening appointments available

OCD is highly treatable with the right approach. Evidence-based treatment can help you reduce symptoms, regain control, and reclaim the time and energy OCD has stolen from your life.