Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) holding you captive with unwanted thoughts and repetitive rituals? OCD can be a relentless cycle, marked by intrusive obsessions—unwanted thoughts, images, words, or urges that trigger intense anxiety or distress—and compelling compulsions, which are behaviors or mental rituals (like counting or checking) performed to neutralize that distress.
These obsessions can be incredibly upsetting and difficult to ignore, leading to significant disruption in daily life. While the onset of OCD often traces back to childhood or early adulthood, it can also emerge during periods of heightened stress, such as new parenthood. Initially, these rituals might seem manageable, even functional, but over time, resisting them or the obsessive thoughts can lead to an overwhelming increase in anxiety.
When it comes to breaking free from the grip of OCD, specialized, evidence-based treatment is not just helpful—it’s crucial. Many general therapists may not have the in-depth training required to effectively treat OCD, often leading to frustration and continued suffering. At Dr. Arthur Chen’s practice, you will receive care from a licensed psychologist with extensive, specialized training in overcoming OCD symptoms and urges. We focus on therapeutic methods rigorously supported by scientific research, ensuring you receive the most effective interventions available.
Dr. Arthur utilizes a powerful combination of Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), recognized as the gold standard treatments for OCD. ERP, in particular, is one of the most researched and reliable ways to treat OCD. It involves gradually and systematically exposing you to your feared thoughts or situations while preventing you from engaging in your usual compulsive rituals. This process helps to break the cycle of fear and compulsion, allowing your anxiety to naturally diminish. Studies consistently demonstrate the high efficacy of ERP, with many individuals experiencing significant reductions in their OCD symptoms and a substantial improvement in their quality of life. For instance, research published in journals like Psychiatric Clinics of North America has highlighted that a significant majority of patients show improvement with these specialized techniques.
Your treatment with Dr. Arthur includes both “in-office or tele-health talk therapy” and vital real-world exposures. Understanding the challenging nature of OCD, Dr. Arthur also offers unique in-between session phone and text message support to significantly boost treatment effectiveness and provide real-time coaching. During the exposure component of therapy, Dr. Arthur can even accompany you into the world, coaching you through managing your OCD symptoms in the very environments that trigger them. This hands-on, supportive approach, combined with the proven power of ERP and CBT, is designed to help you regain control over your life and achieve lasting relief from OCD.
Common signs, according to the Mayo Clinic, of OCD are:
Intrusive thoughts- Constant checking
- Constant counting
- The repeated cleaning of one or more items
- Constantly checking the stove or door locks
- Fear of contamination
- Hoarding
- Thoughts that you might be harmed
- Thoughts that you might cause others harm
- Unwanted sexual thoughts
- Thoughts of the “worst case scenario” happening
If one or more of the above symptoms resonates with you, Dr. Arthur encourages you to look into OCD therapy.