What is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These thoughts and behaviors can significantly impact daily life, with high costs emotionally, with relationships and socializing, and even financially.
Evidence-Based Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
What is CBT? CBT is a structured psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns. It focuses on changing behaviors and beliefs related to OCD symptoms.
How does CBT work? CBT involves:
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): This is a very gradual exposure to feared situations or thoughts without engaging in compulsions.
- Cognitive Restructuring: Challenging irrational beliefs and replacing them with more realistic thoughts to reduce symptoms.
Effectiveness: CBT has strong empirical support for treating a variety of diagnoses, including OCD.
Inference-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT)
What is I-CBT? I-CBT is a specialized form of cognitive therapy designed specifically for OCD.
How does I-CBT differ from standard CBT? I-CBT is a gentler approach than standard CBT, and does not require exposures. I-CBT is an evidence-based treatment that is based on the central idea that obsessions are abnormal doubts about what “could be”, or “might be.” Examples are “I might have left the door unlocked”, “I might have left the stove on,” or “I might injure my child.” The person then looks for proof of the doubt, by finding unusual examples of this issue happening to someone, somewhere. Therapy addresses these by helping the client challenge the doubt with proof from their own senses in the “here and now.”
More Information: Inference-based Cognitive-Behavorial Therapy – The Official site of the New Treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Related Conditions (icbt.online)
Our Providers
We have several providers on staff who work with clients who have OCD.
Robert Lee, PsyD HSPP: Dr. Lee has a clinical specialty in traditional CBT treatment for OCD.
Laura Swinford, LCSW, SEP: Ms. Swinford has a specialty in the obsessive or ruminating thoughts for clients with trauma histories, and can help untangle symptoms of trauma from OCD.
Mindi Wisker-Tindall, LMHC: Ms. Wisker-Tindall has a specialized training in Inference-Based CBT treatment for OCD with adults
Tiffany Leonard, LMHC: Ms. Leonard has specialized training in Inference-Based CBT treatment for OCD in children and young adults.
Melissa Hinkle, LCSW: Ms. Hinkle has specialized training in traditional CBT for OCD treatment for children and adolescents.
Bri Cha, LCSW: Ms. Cha also has specialized training in Inference-Based CBT treatment for OCD with adults