Struggling with OCD? You're Not Alone

Do you find yourself caught in distressing thoughts or repetitive behaviours that you can’t seem to stop, no matter how hard you try? Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can feel overwhelming, but there is help, and there is hope.

What is OCD?

OCD is more than occasional worry or double-checking. It’s a cycle of unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and compulsive behaviours or mental rituals performed to relieve anxiety. These cycles can become overwhelming and interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.

There is effective treatment

The good news is that OCD is treatable—and many people experience significant improvement with the right help.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the gold standard for OCD treatment, especially a specific approach called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). With the support of a psychologist, ERP helps you gradually face your fears (exposure) without engaging in compulsive behaviours (response prevention). Over time, this process reduces the intensity of anxiety and breaks the OCD cycle.

In some cases, a combination of therapy and medication may be the most effective approach.

OCD subtypes we commonly treat 

We provide evidence-based treatment for a range of OCD subtypes.

Below are some examples of the most common obsessions and compulsions our clients experience:

Contamination OCD

Obsessions: Fear of germs, bodily fluids, chemicals, or other contaminants
Compulsions: Excessive cleaning, handwashing, avoidance, reassurance-seeking

Harm OCD

Obsessions: Fear of causing harm to oneself or others, intrusive violent thoughts
Compulsions: Avoidance, mental checking, reassurance-seeking, reviewing thoughts or behavior

Health Anxiety OCD

Obsessions: Fear of having or developing a serious illness
Compulsions: Body-checking, compulsive symptom research, avoiding medical care or excessively seeking it

Responsibility OCD

Obsessions: Fear of making mistakes that could lead to harm or disaster
Compulsions: Repeated checking of appliances, doors, or tasks to prevent perceived danger

"Just Right" OCD

Obsessions: Distress when things don’t feel “right” or complete
Compulsions: Repeating, arranging, rechecking tasks until they feel correct

Moral Scrupulosity

Obsessions: Fear of being immoral, dishonest, or unethical
Compulsions: Mental reviewing, excessive concern with morality, reassurance-seeking

Pedophilia OCD 

Obsessions: Intrusive fears of being attracted to or harming children
Compulsions: Avoidance of children, checking for arousal, mental reviews of past interactions

Relationship OCD 

Obsessions: Doubts about one’s relationship, fear of not loving a partner enough
Compulsions: Constant analysis of feelings, comparing relationships, reassurance-seeking

Sexual Orientation OCD

Obsessions: Intrusive doubts about one’s sexual orientation
Compulsions: Checking for arousal, avoiding triggering content, mental reviewing

Religious Scrupulosity

Obsessions: Fear of blasphemy, sin, or inadequate faith
Compulsions: Repetitive prayer, avoidance of religious content, reviewing religious behavior or thoughts

We are here to help

If you or someone you care about is struggling with OCD, reaching out for help is a powerful first step. At our practice, we offer compassionate, evidence-based treatment tailored to your needs. Together, we can work toward breaking the cycle of OCD and restoring a sense of calm and control in your life.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment.