OCD Therapy Near
Northern Virginia
Get Help with OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
As you find yourself trapped in a cycle of washing your hands repeatedly and checking the stove multiple times, OCD’s grip tightens. Simple tasks become monumental challenges, and intrusive thoughts consume your every moment.
But there is hope.
Our therapists specialize in treating OCD. With personalized therapy, we can help you develop coping strategies to regain control of your life. You don’t have to face this alone – reach out to us today and take the first step towards recovery.
What is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common, chronic, and persistent mental health disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, intrusive, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that they feel the urge to repeat over and over.
What are Obsessions?
Obsessions are persistent, repeated, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts, urges, or images that cause distress or anxiety. Some common obsessions are fears of germs or contamination, unwanted forbidden thoughts involving sex, religion, or harm, aggressive thoughts towards others or self, or objects or things in a person’s environment in perfect order.
What are Compulsions?
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors (urges) in response to obsessive thoughts. Some common compulsions are handwashing, cleaning, rigidly arranging or ordering things precisely, repeated checking (door lock, oven, safety of loved ones), and compulsive counting.
A person with OCD usually recognizes that their obsessions and compulsions are not logical and reasonable. Still, the compulsions usually offer brief relief from the anxiety and fear caused by the obsession(s).
OCD is distressing and can significantly interfere with a person’s life quality and daily activities. The good news is that there are treatments that can help to manage and reduce symptoms.
OCD Therapy Options
Finding Solutions has mental health professionals trained and experienced in treating and managing OCD to improve your life quality. Some of the treatment approaches used by our are:
1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This is one of the most effective types of psychotherapy for OCD. Specifically, a form of CBT known as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is highly recommended. ERP is a therapeutic approach that involves slowly introducing individuals to their feared objects or obsessions, like dirt, while guiding them to develop healthier ways to manage the resulting anxiety.
2. Treating Underlying Anxiety
Often, people struggling with OCD need help in treating underlying anxiety. This may include relaxation techniques, deep breathing, and stress management techniques.
3. Medication Collaboration
Often, the best results are seen when medication is combined with therapy, especially for moderate to severe OCD. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to help reduce OCD symptoms. These medications can help increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can have a beneficial effect on mood and anxiety. In combination with therapy, our mental professionals will refer to and collaborate with our psychiatric affiliates for your medication treatment needs.
4. Stress Management and Lifestyle Changes
Finding a new social rhythm, including regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, practicing mindfulness, support systems, social connection, work-life balance, and other healthy practices also support the management of OCD symptoms.
Finding Solutions treatment for OCD is tailored to the individual’s specific symptoms and needs.
We are here to help you reduce and manage OCD and regain your peace of mind!