Therapy for OCD
Virtually in Virginia & Maryland
We help individuals struggling with intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, and spiritual distress so you can stop living in fear of your mind and begin living with greater peace, freedom, and trust in God and yourself.
When You Feel Like Your Mind Won’t Let You Rest
When OCD is in charge, it’s hard to live life the way you want. Your mind won’t quiet down with intrusive thoughts, and it can feel like you’re on a mental treadmill you can’t get off. You find yourself constantly asking others for reassurance or checking things over and over, but it never feels like enough. Sometimes rituals take up so much time and energy, leaving you drained by the end of the day.
If this feels familiar, you are not alone — and you are not failing.
What Is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
Individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) may experience some or many of the following:
- Being trapped in a cycle of intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that you can’t turn off
- Performing rituals, mental checks, counting, or performing behaviors that don't make sense for the task at hand
- Trying the same rituals, but the relief never lasts for long
Some individuals describe a spiritual theme to their thinking patterns and distressing behaviors known as scrupulosity, or religious OCD.
In our work together, we’ll work to help you find peace in uncertainty and grow in trust—both in God and in your ability to live fully again.
Benefits of Engaging in Therapy for OCD
Healing often begins with subtle shifts that grow over time.
Freedom from Mental Loops
Thoughts feel less controlling over time and emotions are less overwhelming
Less Reassurance-Seeking
Confidence increases and you begin to feel more like yourself
Renewed Trust
Greater peace in your decisions and more choices made towards rebuilding your life
How do clients describe their experience in therapy?
If these words speak to your current struggles or if you have more questions, reach out to speak to a therapist about your experience today.
"A place where I feel like someone finally understands what it's like to be in my mind — I don't feel so alone."
Clarifying
Grounding
Hopeful
What Healing Can Look Like
You may begin noticing small but meaningful changes — less urgency, more clarity, and increased emotional steadiness. Over time, reactions soften, understanding deepens, and peace becomes more accessible. You notice yourself changing how you respond to your thoughts and feel more freedom in your daily life.
With scrupulosity, you may find you are able to engage in prayer more freely, return to the sacraments, and trust your conscience more and more over time.
Healing unfolds gradually, supported by consistency, compassion, and trust. You don’t have to rush or carry this alone—therapy offers steady support as real change takes shape over time.
FAQs About Therapy for OCD
What types of therapy are most effective for OCD?
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard treatment and helps reduce OCD symptoms by changing how the brain responds to fear. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is another evidence-based and proven modality for treating OCD by developing a new perspective on how to approach intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and unwanted behaviors.
Research and clinical experience show that approaches like Internal Family Systems (IFS) can also be effective for different clients, depending on their needs and presentation. Our therapists deliver therapy from a grounded, evidence-based perspective, offering the options that are most likely to support each client’s growth and healing.
How is OCD different from anxiety or perfectionism?
While anxiety and perfectionism involve worry or high standards, OCD is driven by intrusive thoughts and a strong urge to neutralize distress through compulsions.
OCD is unique in the presentation of both obsessions (thoughts and beliefs) with compulsions (behaviors - although they may be internal or external), whereas anxiety may not present with both. Perfectionism is a common symptom of both OCD and anxiety, but by itself does not sufficiently describe the whole experience of a person's pain.
Can OCD thoughts feel scary, shameful, or completely out of character?
Ye, definitely. OCD thoughts often go against a person’s values and identity, which can make them especially distressing—but they do not reflect who you are.
Many people avoid therapy for this reason: they are afraid that they will discover these thoughts are "who they really are" and not a struggle they are facing. Unwanted thought patterns and beliefs are a very common way OCD can present, and they are absolutely treatable.
Would I be able to receive therapy without medication?
Yes. Many people experience significant improvement through therapy alone, though medication can be helpful for some. Our therapists do not prescribe or provide medical advice, but we recommend working with your primary care doctor or psychiatrist to determine the best treatment options for you.
Work with a Catholic counselor for your OCD symptoms today
Reaching out is an act of courage.
Your first step is a conversation where we listen, understand your needs, and walk with you toward healing rooted in both clinical wisdom and faith.
