With Each Step, You’re Reclaiming Your Power.

If you are experiencing challenges related to overeating, undereating, purging, body image, or an unhealthy preoccupation with food, body, and weight, and if you are ready to explore alternative solutions beyond traditional dieting and the pursuit of perfection, we can work together to address these issues.

During our sessions, we will delve into your struggles with food and weight, aiming to uncover the underlying emotions and unmet needs that require attention. Together, we will examine your personal history and explore how your eating disorder developed, enabling us to better understand and cope with your past and present circumstances. By gaining this deeper insight, we can develop effective strategies to support your healing and growth.

What is OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by difficulties in tolerating uncertainty. Individuals with OCD experience recurring, uncontrollable thoughts, impulses, or images known as obsessions, as well as repetitive behaviors or thoughts called compulsions. These obsessions create a strong urge to engage in specific actions or rituals in order to alleviate the anxiety caused by the obsession. For instance, someone with OCD may constantly doubt something and feel compelled to repeatedly check or perform certain routines for at least an hour each day. Although these rituals may temporarily ease anxiety, if untreated, the cycle of obsessions and compulsions can lead to significant distress and disrupt various aspects of a person's life.

OCD is typically seen as a condition that lasts a lifetime and commonly emerges during adolescence or early adulthood, although it can begin in childhood. The symptoms and expressions of OCD can range from mild to severely debilitating. The onset of symptoms usually occurs gradually and may fluctuate in intensity over time.

Obsessions with OCD include:

  • Concerns about germ contamination

  • Fear of losing or misplacing objects

  • Fear of losing control and acting harmfully

  • Excessive worrying about potential harm to oneself or others, as well as unwanted and taboo thoughts related to sex, religion, or other people

Compulsions with OCD include:

  • Engaging in excessive cleaning or washing

  • Hoarding unnecessary objects

  • Arranging items in specific ways

  • Repeatedly checking on things

  • Engaging in repetitive behaviors or movements

  • Constantly seeking reassurance.

OCD can significantly impair functioning at work, school, and social activities. Untreated symptoms can worsen over time and exacerbate co-occurring conditions like anxiety and depression. Therapy can greatly assist individuals in managing their symptoms and regaining control over their lives. Seeking early treatment improves outcomes by reducing symptoms and the disruption caused by the disorder.

Approach to Eating Disorder Recovery

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): In the context of OCD, EMDR can help individuals process and reduce the distress associated with intrusive thoughts, obsessions, and related anxieties. By utilizing bilateral stimulation techniques such as eye movements, taps, or sounds, EMDR aims to facilitate the brain's natural healing processes and promote adaptive resolution of traumatic memories or disturbing experiences.

Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT promotes acceptance of uncomfortable thoughts and feelings rather than attempting to eliminate them. It helps individuals clarify their values and commit to behaviors that align with those values, allowing them to focus on living a fulfilling life rather than solely managing OCD symptoms.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely used therapy approach for OCD. It involves identifying and challenging irrational thoughts and beliefs that drive obsessions and compulsions. Therapists help individuals develop healthier and more realistic ways of thinking and provide tools to interrupt and modify repetitive patterns of behavior.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): ERP is a specific type of CBT that focuses on gradually exposing individuals to situations or triggers that elicit obsessions while refraining from engaging in the associated compulsions. Through repeated exposure, individuals learn to tolerate the anxiety triggered by their obsessions without resorting to compulsive behaviors.

Internal Family System (IFS): IFS recognizes that individuals with OCD often have different parts that contribute to their symptoms. This may include the "OCD part" that drives the obsessions and compulsions and other protective parts that try to manage or control the anxiety associated with OCD. IFS helps individuals establish a relationship with these parts, understand their positive intentions, and work towards healing and harmonizing them. IFS fosters self-compassion and acceptance, helping individuals cultivate a non-judgmental and compassionate stance towards their OCD symptoms and themselves. By developing a compassionate relationship with their parts and their experiences, individuals can reduce self-blame and enhance their overall well-being.

It's important to note that therapy approaches may vary depending on the individual and their specific needs. Seeking treatment from a mental health professional experienced in treating OCD is essential for developing a tailored treatment plan that addresses the unique challenges of each person's condition.

Schedule your free 20 minute consultation today to find out how we can work together to find a compassionate path to acceptance and strength.

Here is a simple and effective emotional regulation tool: