Have you ever had a thought that continued to repeat itself, finding yourself double checking the lock on your front door, going back downstairs and checking it again, continuing your night routine and brushing your teeth, going into bed, and having this unwell feeling and thought to have to get up and check again if the door is actually locked? Well, you are not alone in this, when you have these constant thoughts, pushing you to repeat checking the door to feel this constant relief, this is called reassurance. And you may or may not be having signs of OCD.
Nowadays we see and hear people say, “I am so OCD”, however, using and abusing certain words like when you have a down day and saying “I am so depressed” makes it difficult for the individuals who are actually suffering from depression or OCD. Therefore, there is a difference of wanting a clean desk at your work and calling yourself OCD, or when your mind makes you have thoughts that all papers, computers, pens and pencils have to align a certain way or it does not feel right, or in combination with “if I dont do this, then xyz”.
If you are also dealing with these intrusive thoughts, compulsions and loops, I want you to know you are not broken or alone in this.
Key Takeaways
- OCD is a loop of unwanted thoughts and the habits used to relieve them. It is more than liking things neat.
- Asking for reassurance or checking again brings short relief, but it keeps the OCD loop going.
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is considered the gold standard of counseling for OCD.
- Online therapy for OCD lets you practice ERP in your own home, right where your triggers happen.
- You are not broken or alone, and you can book a free 20 minute introductory call to get started.
Signs You Shouldn´t Ignore
OCD usually works in two part loop: unwanted thoughts and comforting these habits.
The OCD can make itself present in different ways, scary ideas, images that pop up and caus worry. The habits are the checks of routines you do to try to make that worry go away.
Common signs include:
- Scary thoughts out of nowhere: Sudden fears about safety, germs, or doubts that do not match who you are.
- Constantly asking for reassurance: Needing family to confirm everything is okay, or searching for answers online for hours.
- Silent mental routines: Repeating specific words, counting, or replaying past conversations in your head.
- Checking or washing again and again: Feeling forced to check switches or wash your hands over and over.
- Avoidance: Staying away from certain places, objects, or people that trigger your worry.
What is ERP and How can it help you?
When we work in therapy, with the OCD, we use practical approaches like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP is considered to be the gold standard of counseling help for OCD.
Here is how ERP works when we are in sessions together:
- Exposure: We gently and safely face the thoughts or situations that trigger your worry.
- Response Prevention: We practice not doing the usual comfort habit or checking routine when that worry shows up.
ERP will teach your mind that the worry you feel is not an emergency. When you let an uncomfortable feeling sit without doing the habit of giving yourself reassurance and habit to fix it, your mind will slowly learn that you are and feel safe, and this constant fear and worry will slowly and naturally fade away.
Why Choose Online Counseling?
Having the support right infront of you, in your safe space and comfort of your own home offers great benefits:
- Facing things in real life: Most checking habits happen in your living room or kitchen. Online counseling lets us work through triggers right where they happen.
- Comfort and privacy: Opening up about intrusive thoughts is easier when you are in your own cozy space.
- Flexibility: Online sessions keep our support steady, no matter how busy your schedule is.
You Are Not Alone In This
Living with these constant heavy repeated thoughts, it can feel lonely, perhaps you are hiding it from your loved ones, or trying to stay serious at work, however, avoiding these thoughts can also become a trigger for OCD. With the right tools like ERP you can help ease your mind, and get away from the constant intrusive thoughts.
In my sessions, I offer a warm atmosphere, online support with only empathy, and no judgement and help you support your needs.
If you are ready to see how counseling can help, feel free to reach out and book a 20 minute free introductory call with me through the site. You are not alone in this.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is online therapy for OCD?
Online therapy for OCD is counseling delivered through video sessions from your own home. It uses practical approaches like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to help you break the loop of intrusive thoughts and comforting habits.
What is ERP therapy and how does it work?
ERP stands for Exposure and Response Prevention. You gently and safely face the thoughts or situations that trigger your worry, while practicing not doing the usual checking or reassurance habit. Over time, your mind learns that the worry is not an emergency.
How do I know if I have OCD or if I just like things clean and tidy?
Wanting a clean desk is a preference. OCD involves intrusive thoughts that cause worry, along with habits or routines you feel forced to do to make that worry go away, such as repeated checking, washing, counting, or needing certain things to align.
Is asking for reassurance a sign of OCD?
It can be. Constantly needing others to confirm everything is okay, or searching online for answers for hours, are common signs of OCD. Reassurance gives short relief, but it keeps the loop going.
Can online counseling really help with intrusive thoughts?
Yes. Most checking habits happen at home, so online counseling lets us work through triggers right where they happen. With tools like ERP, the constant fear and worry can slowly and naturally fade away.
Will I have to face my biggest fears right away?
No. In ERP, we gently and safely work through your triggers together, step by step.
Is online OCD counseling private and comfortable?
Yes. Opening up about intrusive thoughts is often easier in your own cozy, safe space, and online sessions are flexible around your schedule.
Can I try a session before I commit?
Yes. You can book a free 20 minute introductory call with me through the site to see how counseling can help.
