Cognitive-behavioral therapy empowers young adults to fight back against OCD and live a satisfying, productive life.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that is oftentimes misdiagnosed or undiagnosed, because young adults suffering with OCD may feel a sense of shame, which then leads to concealing or inhibiting symptoms. Young adults with OCD have unwanted thoughts that they try to alleviate through performing compulsive rituals such as counting, washing, checking, and ordering. Though most people with OCD recognize that these thoughts and rituals are irrational, they are very difficult to manage, which may lead to feeling “crazy” or “different.” It is also common for young adults with OCD to feel a heightened sense of guilt and responsibility for something bad happening. Consequently, many young adults with OCD exhibit low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and difficulty concentrating at work or school.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) empowers young adults to fight back against OCD, developing tools and self-confidence in resisting urges to give into its demands. In working with a counselor, young adults learn that OCD is like a “brain hiccup” that keeps coming back, tricking you into engaging in compulsions to feel safe or “just right” again. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a specific type of CBT, is a highly effective, empirically validated treatment for OCD. In working with a skilled psychologist, young adults with OCD will learn to apply the principles of ERP to reduce the negative impact of OCD on their day-to-day functioning. ERP involves gradual exposure to obsessive thoughts and fears, while refraining from compulsions and safety behaviors used to temporarily reduce anxiety. Psychologists form a strong therapeutic alliance with clients during this process, providing encouragement and gentle “pushes” as needed, while respectfully allowing them to move at their own pace. In practicing the strategies of ERP, young adults will learn to confront their fears, which will lead to long-term reduction of anxiety and “re-training” of the brain and body to respond differently when faced with anxiety.

Psychologists at Metta Psychology Group also teach young adults with OCD cognitive and mindfulness strategies to increase awareness of distorted thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. Clients will learn how to create more accurate, helpful thoughts and to use their “observers mind” to create a sense of neutrality and acceptance of anxious thoughts. With the support of an experienced, compassionate counselor, young adults with OCD will begin to effectively manage symptoms, gaining a sense of self-efficacy and confidence in their daily lives.