OCD
People with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) experience uncontrollable, persistent, and unwanted intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and engage in repetitive behaviours or rituals in an effort to alleviate the anxiety related to those thoughts (compulsions). These symptoms are often extremely time-consuming and distressing and can interfere with all aspects of daily life. Symptoms of OCD often exacerbate with stress.
OCD can evolve over one’s lifetime, and symptoms may look very different in childhood then they do in adulthood. Some people may experience a wide range of intrusive thoughts and compulsions, whereas others may experience only a few.
Common themes in OCD are: aggression, sex, contamination/hygiene, religion, symmetry and exactness, checking, counting, and hoarding.
Most people are surprised to find out that intrusive thoughts are exceptionally common. Studies suggest that over 90% of individuals experience unwanted intrusive thoughts at some point in their life. In fact, individuals with OCD are less likely to act on their intrusive thoughts than the average person. This is because individuals with OCD are often so severely disturbed by these thoughts that they tend to be more conscientious and careful in their actions.
Approaches
Here is a quick look at how we treat OCD:
The gold standard treatment for OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP is a form of behavioural therapy that very gradually exposes people to their fears in a safe environment. The goal is to be able to provoke our intrusive thoughts without needing to engage in our compulsions in order to cope. ERP teaches people how to confront their fears, resist compulsions, and develop alternative coping skills. ERP is a challenging but effective form of treatment for OCD.
Naturally, many individuals are hesitant to engage in ERP! At our clinic, we take the time to have open and transparent conversations about ERP from the outset and will always respect each client’s personal limits. We take a slow, gradual, and collaborative approach. You will always be in control of your treatment plan and will never have to do something you don’t want to do. The goal is to be able to work towards expanding your comfort zone and integrating other stress management techniques throughout treatment so that you feel well-equipped to face new challenges.
Waitlist Updates
We are currently accepting new clients for our Social Work team only.
Our Psychology team is not accepting new referrals at this time.
