Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Are You Struggling With OCD?

• Do you experience intrusive thoughts that feel impossible to control or ignore?

• Do you engage in repetitive behaviors or mental rituals to reduce anxiety or prevent feared outcomes?

• Are you overwhelmed by doubts or perfectionistic tendencies that disrupt your daily life?

• Do you feel stuck in cycles of obsession and compulsion, even when you know they don’t make logical sense?

• Have your thoughts or behaviors started interfering with your work, relationships, or peace of mind?

If these questions resonate with you, you may be living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)—a challenging, but highly treatable condition.

Understanding OCD: What It Is and Why It Matters

OCD is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that are performed in response to those thoughts. While everyone experiences intrusive thoughts from time to time, individuals with OCD find these thoughts distressing and difficult to dismiss. The compulsions may temporarily reduce anxiety but often reinforce the obsessive cycle, leaving individuals feeling stuck and exhausted.

At Therapy Center of Houston, we understand that OCD is not a personality quirk or something you can simply “snap out of.” It's a real and complex condition that deserves compassionate, informed care. Our licensed and experienced therapists are here to help you regain control and reclaim your quality of life.

Our Therapeutic Approaches

At our practice, we employ a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Our experienced and licensed therapists are skilled in creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts, learn effective strategies, and break free from the grip of OCD.

We most often incorporate the following research-supported approaches for treating OCD:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
  CBT helps clients recognize and reframe obsessive thought patterns while learning healthier responses. It provides practical tools to challenge distorted thinking and reduce reliance on compulsive behaviors.

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP):
  A specialized form of CBT, ERP is considered the gold standard for OCD treatment. It involves gradually exposing clients to feared thoughts or situations while helping them resist the urge to engage in compulsions. This leads to reduced anxiety and long-term symptom relief.

• Internal Family Systems (IFS):
  IFS supports clients in connecting with internal parts of themselves that may feel overwhelmed, fearful, or responsible for their compulsions. It helps create inner balance and fosters a sense of self-leadership and calm.

• Somatic and Polyvagal-Informed Therapy:
  OCD often involves high levels of anxiety and nervous system dysregulation. These approaches help clients tune into bodily cues and regulate stress responses, supporting greater emotional and physical balance.

• Trauma-Informed Supportive Therapy:
  In some cases, OCD symptoms are rooted in early emotional wounds or traumatic experiences. This gentle, validating approach offers a safe space for healing deeper emotional layers that may be contributing to obsessive-compulsive patterns.

Together, these methods offer clients a comprehensive and empowering path forward—reducing symptoms, restoring autonomy, and creating space for clarity and calm.