Therapy for
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Imagine breaking free from the grips of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and reclaiming control over your life.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a highly effective and evidence-based therapeutic approach, has been a game-changer for countless individuals. If you're navigating the challenges of OCD, ERP therapy could be the key to your recovery.
Understanding ocd
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a challenging and often debilitating condition characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that cause significant distress. To cope with this discomfort, individuals may engage in repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions), which offer temporary relief but ultimately reinforce a cycle of anxiety and avoidance.
Obsessions often revolve around themes such as:
Fear of contamination
Fear of harming oneself or others
Unwanted sexual thoughts
Fear of being a pedophile
Fear of something not feeling “just right”
Fear about one’s sexuality
Fear about the “rightness” of one’s romantic relationship
Fear of being a bad person
Common compulsions include:
Repeatedly checking, counting, or ordering
Seeking reassurance
Excessively cleaning/washing
Repeating words, numbers, phrases, or prayers
Mental rituals or behaviors aimed at "neutralizing" distressing thoughts
At The Impakt Institute, we utilize an evidence-based approach working to systematically break this cycle, helping clients reclaim their lives. Our utilization of the gold-standard treatment for OCD empowers individuals to confront their fears without reliance on compulsions, fostering long-term resilience and freedom from distress.
Who We Help
We provide therapy services for adolescents and adults in-person in San Diego and virtually throughout California who are grappling with OCD and who are ready to take back control from intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
Our clients often present with:
Persistent intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant distress.
Repetitive compulsive behaviors that interfere with daily functioning.
Perfectionism, intolerance of uncertainty, intolerance of distress, or co-occurring disorders such as eating disorders and anxiety disorders.
Whether you're newly diagnosed or have struggled with OCD for years, we meet you where you are, providing compassionate and collaborative care tailored to your unique needs.
Our THerapeutic Approach
San Diego’s Impakt Institute uses Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard, evidence-based treatment for OCD. ERP works by systematically and gradually exposing clients to their feared situations, thoughts, or images while guiding them to resist rituals and compulsions that perpetuate the disorder.
Our approach is grounded in collaboration and care. We strike a balance between encouraging growth and providing unwavering support, helping clients face their fears with confidence. Through ERP, clients learn to tolerate discomfort, break free from the OCD cycle, and build sustainable coping skills that empower them to lead fuller, more liberated lives.
Why Is ERP the Gold Standard for OCD Therapy?
Extensive research has shown that ERP is the most effective treatment for OCD, delivering proven long-term results that surpass other approaches. What sets ERP apart is its ability to directly disrupt the OCD cycle, targeting both the intrusive fears and the behaviors that reinforce them.
ERP equips individuals with tools to face their anxieties head-on, fostering lasting resilience and freedom from compulsive behaviors. It’s a transformative process that doesn’t just manage symptoms—it addresses their root causes, allowing clients to reclaim control over their thoughts and lives.
What Clients Can Expect
Clients can expect structured, consistent therapy sessions in a supportive environment. The therapeutic relationship is a cornerstone of treatment, providing the safety and encouragement clients need to step out of their comfort zones. Through this process, clients will experience reduced OCD symptoms, enhanced self-efficacy, and a deeper understanding of their OCD, equipping them to maintain long-term progress.
Typical Session structure
Treatment begins with a thorough assessment of OCD symptoms, followed by collaborative treatment planning. In each session, we:
Review exposure homework and discuss progress.
Engage in in-session exposures tailored to the individual.
Debrief and discuss at-home practice.
Depending on the client’s needs, sessions occur 1-2 times weekly and often range from 12-20 sessions for noticeable improvement. Sessions may take place in-office in San Diego, virtually throughout California, or at real-world locations (e.g., malls, parks) to enhance exposure effectiveness.
Collaboration with Clients and Families
Client and therapist collaboration is integral to ERP. Clients work with their therapist to actively shape their treatment plans, determining the pace and focus of their exposures.
For adolescents, caregivers play a key role by:
Supporting at-home exposures.
Learning strategies to avoid reinforcing OCD behaviors.
Providing ongoing feedback to refine treatment goals.
This teamwork ensures a supportive and unified approach to overcoming OCD.
Success Stories: Finding Freedom with ERP
A client with intrusive thoughts about self-harm struggled with everyday activities like driving alone or using kitchen utensils. Her OCD caused her to rely on her parents for constant supervision, disrupting her independence and family relationships.
Through ERP, she gradually regained her ability to perform daily tasks independently. Her newfound freedom improved her self-confidence and family dynamic, highlighting the transformative power of this therapy.
ocd & co-occurring eating disorders
What sets us apart is our expertise in treating the intersection of OCD and co-occurring eating disorders. We address both disorders simultaneously, targeting shared maintaining factors like perfectionism and distress intolerance. With nuanced understanding, we treat the co-occurring disorders using evidence-based ERP to address the interaction between OCD and the eating disorder to help clients achieve comprehensive, lasting recovery.
In addition to specializing in working with eating disorders and OCD, we also work with other co-occurring disorders (ie: PTSD and other anxiety-related conditions.)
Understanding the Intersection of OCD and Eating Disorders
OCD and eating disorders (EDs) often coexist, sharing traits such as:
Intrusive Thoughts: E.g., fears about contamination (OCD) or weight gain (ED).
Perfectionism: Unrealistic standards lead to cycles of self-criticism and anxiety.
Avoidance Behaviors: Avoiding situations that trigger distress, like form-fitting clothing (ED) or touching specific objects (OCD).
Ritualistic Behaviors: Body checking (ED) or checking locks repeatedly (OCD).
Rigidity: Following strict rules, like exercising a set number of times a week (ED) or using only even numbers (OCD).
Unique Challenges in Treating OCD and Eating Disorder Comorbidities
Treatment requires addressing both disorders simultaneously. For example, if eating disorder behaviors serve as compulsions for OCD, progress in one area might stall if the other isn’t treated. ERP incorporates exposures and response prevention tailored to both disorders, ensuring comprehensive care.
Goals and Long-Term Progress
For individuals navigating OCD and Eating Disorder comorbidities, successful outcomes include:
Symptom Reduction: Decreased frequency and distress of intrusive thoughts.
Improved Coping Skills: Managing anxiety without resorting to rituals or eating disorder behaviors.
Distress Tolerance: Facing uncertainty and discomfort without avoidance.
Functional Improvements: Enhanced daily living, work, and social activities.
Long-Term Management: Tools and strategies to prevent relapses and sustain progress.
Adapting Therapy to Your Individual Needs
We adapt our approach based on each client’s progress and circumstances. If symptoms require more frequent support than twice weekly sessions, we may recommend higher levels of care, such as intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, or residential treatment programs, to ensure continuity of care and client safety.
Special Considerations or Exclusions
ERP therapy is not suited for individuals experiencing active suicidal ideation or other life-threatening behaviors. In such cases, immediate crisis intervention and stabilization are prioritized before beginning OCD-specific treatment.
Ready to start therapy?
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Ready to start therapy? ◇
You don’t have to face this journey alone—help is here. At The Impakt Institute, we’re committed to helping you take the first steps toward a life of greater freedom and fulfillment.
In addition to specialized therapy for OCD, we provide culturally competent, evidence-based care for eating disorders, PTSD, and anxiety disorders. Contact us today to schedule your free 15-minute consultation and discover how we can support you on your path to recovery and healing.