OCD Counseling in Chicago

Evidence-based treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and cognitive-behavioral approaches. Specialized care to help you break free from OCD cycles and reclaim your life.

Why Choose Specialized OCD Treatment?

Evidence-Based ERP Therapy

Gold standard treatment with proven effectiveness for reducing OCD symptoms and improving quality of life.

Symptom-Specific Approach

Customized treatment targeting your specific OCD presentations and compulsive behaviors.

Gradual Exposure Work

Systematic, manageable approach to facing fears while building confidence and resilience.

Breaking OCD Cycles

Learning to interrupt the obsession-compulsion cycle that keeps OCD symptoms active.

Time & Freedom Recovery

Reclaiming hours spent on compulsions and returning to meaningful activities and relationships.

Anxiety Reduction

Significant reduction in OCD-related anxiety and distress through proven therapeutic techniques.

Types of OCD I Treat

Contamination OCD

Fear of germs, dirt, or contamination

  • Excessive washing
  • Avoiding "dirty" objects
  • Hand sanitizer overuse

Checking OCD

Persistent doubt about safety or completion

  • Repeatedly checking locks
  • Verifying appliances
  • Reviewing work multiple times

Symmetry/Ordering OCD

Need for perfect arrangement or balance

  • Arranging objects
  • Evening up behaviors
  • Symmetrical counting

Intrusive Thoughts OCD

Unwanted violent, sexual, or blasphemous thoughts

  • Mental rituals
  • Thought suppression
  • Avoidance behaviors

Harm OCD

Fear of causing harm to self or others

  • Avoiding sharp objects
  • Checking for injuries
  • Reassurance seeking

Religious/Moral OCD

Scrupulosity and fear of moral wrongdoing

  • Excessive praying
  • Confessing
  • Moral checking

Evidence-Based OCD Treatment Approaches

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

Gold standard OCD treatment involving gradual exposure to feared situations while preventing compulsive responses.

Reduces anxiety and compulsions by breaking the OCD cycle

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Identifying and challenging OCD-related thoughts and beliefs while developing healthier coping strategies.

Changes thought patterns that fuel obsessions and compulsions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Learning to accept intrusive thoughts without engaging in compulsions while focusing on valued actions.

Reduces struggle with thoughts and increases psychological flexibility

Mindfulness-Based Interventions

Using meditation and mindfulness techniques to observe thoughts without judgment or reaction.

Develops awareness and reduces reactivity to obsessive thoughts

Common OCD Compulsions I Address

Excessive hand washing or cleaning
Repeated checking (locks, appliances, work)
Counting rituals or mental calculations
Arranging items in specific ways
Repeating words, phrases, or prayers
Mental reviewing or replaying events
Seeking reassurance from others
Avoiding triggers or contamination
Hoarding or saving items
Touching, tapping, or movement rituals

My OCD Treatment Process

1

Comprehensive OCD Assessment

Detailed evaluation using standardized OCD rating scales to understand specific symptoms and severity.

2

Psychoeducation & Goal Setting

Learning about OCD, how it works, and establishing specific, measurable treatment goals.

3

ERP Hierarchy Development

Creating a ranked list of feared situations from least to most anxiety-provoking.

4

Gradual Exposure Work

Systematic exposure to fears while preventing compulsive responses, starting with easier situations.

5

Relapse Prevention

Developing strategies to maintain progress and prevent return of OCD symptoms.

What Success Looks Like

Symptom Reduction:

  • 50-80% reduction in OCD symptoms
  • Decreased time spent on compulsions
  • Reduced anxiety and distress

Life Improvements:

  • Return to normal daily activities
  • Improved relationships and social life
  • Enhanced work or school performance

Ready to Break Free from OCD?

OCD treatment works, and recovery is possible. Take the first step toward freedom from obsessions and compulsions with evidence-based ERP therapy designed specifically for your needs.

Bilingual OCD treatment available • Serving Chicago and surrounding communities