OCD
I specialize in OCD and have completed training through the International OCD Foundation. There are many misconceptions about OCD so I have provided some information. Of course there is much more to know.
If you are looking for an OCD therapist or you are curious about OCD, the following information may be helpful.
What is OCD?
OCD is obsessive compulsive disorder. A person with OCD experiences obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are thoughts based on doubts that may be unwanted or feel intrusive. Compulsions are behaviors (or mental rituals) that a person engages in to reduce the discomfort of the obsessions.
I don't wash my hands or check things repeatedly, are there other forms of OCD?
YES!! Yes! Handwashing and checking are some of the most talked about or known forms of OCD but there are so many more categories that aren't talked about or represented. Some of the other categories include but are not limited to- Harm OCD, Religious Obsessions, Sexual Thoughts, and Perfectionism.
I think I have OCD but I have never been diagnosed with it. Could I possibly have OCD even though I have been diagnosed with something else?
Yes. Unfortunately, it takes an average of 17 years for folks with OCD to receive the proper diagnosis. Yes, 17 years of maybe receiving a different diagnosis that is not accurate. This is often due to the lack of understanding of what OCD is.
I have been seeing a therapist but do not feel like my OCD is getting any better, why?
Find a therapist who specializes in OCD and has had specific training to work with OCD. Evidence based approaches utilized with OCD include: acceptance and commitment therapy, inference-based cognitive-behavioral therapy, and exposure and response prevention.
To find a therapist who specializes in OCD ask questions such as:
What training have you had to work with OCD?
What percent of your caseload is working with OCD?
What treatment approach do you utilize with OCD?
Lisa's answers to those questions:
I have been trained through the International OCD Foundation- Behavior Therapy Training Institute - BTTI. I also attend the IOCDF conferences for continuing education.
My caseload generally consists of about 71% OCD and or related diagnoses such as hair pulling and skin picking.
I am primarily using a combination of the evidence based approaches: I-CBT, ACT, and ERP.
Where can I get more information about OCD?
The International OCD Foundation is a great resource. https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/
Here's a quiz to support OCD Awareness Week: How OCD Are You? https://www.quiz-maker.com/QYJYUP1
If you are looking for an OCD therapist or you are curious about OCD, the following information may be helpful.
What is OCD?
OCD is obsessive compulsive disorder. A person with OCD experiences obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are thoughts based on doubts that may be unwanted or feel intrusive. Compulsions are behaviors (or mental rituals) that a person engages in to reduce the discomfort of the obsessions.
I don't wash my hands or check things repeatedly, are there other forms of OCD?
YES!! Yes! Handwashing and checking are some of the most talked about or known forms of OCD but there are so many more categories that aren't talked about or represented. Some of the other categories include but are not limited to- Harm OCD, Religious Obsessions, Sexual Thoughts, and Perfectionism.
I think I have OCD but I have never been diagnosed with it. Could I possibly have OCD even though I have been diagnosed with something else?
Yes. Unfortunately, it takes an average of 17 years for folks with OCD to receive the proper diagnosis. Yes, 17 years of maybe receiving a different diagnosis that is not accurate. This is often due to the lack of understanding of what OCD is.
I have been seeing a therapist but do not feel like my OCD is getting any better, why?
Find a therapist who specializes in OCD and has had specific training to work with OCD. Evidence based approaches utilized with OCD include: acceptance and commitment therapy, inference-based cognitive-behavioral therapy, and exposure and response prevention.
To find a therapist who specializes in OCD ask questions such as:
What training have you had to work with OCD?
What percent of your caseload is working with OCD?
What treatment approach do you utilize with OCD?
Lisa's answers to those questions:
I have been trained through the International OCD Foundation- Behavior Therapy Training Institute - BTTI. I also attend the IOCDF conferences for continuing education.
My caseload generally consists of about 71% OCD and or related diagnoses such as hair pulling and skin picking.
I am primarily using a combination of the evidence based approaches: I-CBT, ACT, and ERP.
Where can I get more information about OCD?
The International OCD Foundation is a great resource. https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/
Here's a quiz to support OCD Awareness Week: How OCD Are You? https://www.quiz-maker.com/QYJYUP1
