OCD Therapy NYC

Addressing Obsessions and Compulsions in NYC

Everyone has particular thought patterns, quirks, and habits.

When people think about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), they typically think about the common misconceptions and stereotypes: needs for organization and cleanliness, constantly or ritually checking things, or being hung up on numbers and patterns.   But actually, OCD is much more than that.

What Is OCD?

People who struggle with OCD tend to experience some pretty unusual anxious thoughts:

• “What if I murdered someone accidentally?”
• “What if someone poisoned my food?”
• “What if I’m secretly a pedophile?”
• “What if everyone hates me?”
• “What if I caught a disease from that doorknob?”
• And much more

Everyone has thoughts like these from time to time, but not all of us obsess over them.  People with OCD can’t help but think about these thoughts, worry about them, and obsess—thus leading to misery and suffering.   In order to find relief, people then act in ways that help them feel safe or less anxious (also called compulsions).  They might wash their hands to avoid contamination or text their friends to seek reassurance about their relationship.  The relief is then habit-forming, which leads to a terrible, difficult-to-break cycle.   If you are experiencing obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, you may be suffering from OCD. OCD is a common disorder that may affect adults, teens, and children.  If left untreated, OCD can impact your work, school, family, and relationships, causing severe distress and anxiety. OCD therapy can help you address your obsessions and compulsions so you can continue to live your life.   You don’t have to do this alone.

About OCD Therapy NYC

Here at Madison Park Psychological Services, we offer OCD therapy and other psychotherapy and specialty options to our NYC neighbors. Thanks to our Body-Mind-Spirit approach, we view you as a whole to provide customized treatment tailored to your specific needs.  Our multilingual team has experience with patients from all around the world, including Asian, Middle Eastern, European and Latino cultures. If you or your loved one are struggling with OCD, we are here to support you.  Contact us for more information or keep reading to learn about OCD therapy and what it looks like here at Madison Park Psychological Services.

What Is OCD Therapy?

OCD therapy is all about helping you deal with the two major features of OCD: Obsessions and Compulsions.

• Obsessions are repeated and intrusive thoughts, mental patterns, or impulses that may cause anxiety.
• Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that people may feel the urge to perform in response to obsessions.  The intention is to reduce the anxiety related to obsessive thoughts or prevent something from occurring, yet the relief is often temporary.

Not all thoughts are obsessions, and not all habits are compulsions.   Suffering from OCD means more than being a perfectionist or checking things twice.  When someone experiences acute, persistent, and uncontrollable OCD symptoms, their ability to function and complete daily tasks may be impaired. OCD therapy is an effective treatment of OCD symptoms as it can help you:

• Explore your obsessive thoughts
• Navigate compulsion triggers
• Identify underlying factors leading to obsessions and compulsions
• Shift compulsive behaviors by embracing healthier coping mechanisms
• Apply learned strategies into everyday life

Do I Need OCD Therapy?

Although the exact causes are unknown, you may be at risk of OCD if you:

• Have irregularities in areas of your brain that regulate emotional responses and behaviors (e.g., frontal cortex, subcortical structures)
• Have family members with OCD (e.g., parents, siblings), especially if they developed it as a child or teenager
• Experienced stressful life events or trauma
• Struggle with other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or tic disorders
• Suffered from a streptococcal infection—particularly in children diagnosed with Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS)

Some of the common signs of OCD include:

OCD often starts during teenage or young adult years but can also begin at childhood.  Although many people with OCD can recognize their symptoms, some adults and especially children, may not see their compulsive behavior as atypical.  No matter what signs of OCD you are experiencing, OCD therapy can help.  Let us guide you in managing your obsessions and compulsions so you can feel safe and supported.

What Is the Goal of OCD Therapy?

OCD therapy will allow you to dive deep into your symptoms, examine obsessive thoughts and discover what is behind your compulsion triggers. We will use a specific form of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).  This approach consists of exposing yourself to thoughts, images, or situations that set off your compulsion (e.g., leaving your house without repeated checking) and preventing you from acting on that compulsive behavior (e.g., checking the lock over and over again). This method may cause some anxiety at the beginning but can help ease compulsions and decrease anxiety levels after continuous treatment.  Plus, your therapist will be there to guide you through the entire process. The goal of OCD therapy is to empower you with the necessary tools to manage symptoms on your own and embrace a fulfilling life.

OCD Therapy NYC: Our Services

At Madison Park Psychological Services, we aim to be your healing oasis in the heart of NYC.  We treat OCD, among other psychological concerns, through tailored psychotherapy services. Our compassionate team has a realm of experience in various approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Mindfulness-based Therapy, and more. During your first consultation, we will get to know you, discuss your symptoms and goals. We will explain what to expect from treatment and connect you with the right therapist and modality for you! We offer  teletherapy sessions to accommodate your needs.

Book an Appointment for OCD Therapy Today!

We understand the impact that obsessions and compulsions can have on your well-being.  Our team is here to support you so you can learn how to navigate your symptoms and start feeling better.  If you or your loved one are suffering from OCD, we’d love to help. Book an appointment or call us at 212-506-5935 to get started.