At Layers Counseling Specialists, we specialize in helping individuals who struggle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD can be overwhelming, but with the right treatment, it’s possible to regain control. Our experienced therapists, trained in evidence-based approaches like Rumination-Focused Exposure and Response Prevention (RF-ERP), offer personalized care to help clients break free from OCD.

What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

OCD is a mental health disorder that involves persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that individuals feel driven to perform to alleviate distress. These obsessions and compulsions can consume significant time and energy, disrupting daily life, relationships, and emotional well-being.

Common and Uncommon OCD Themes

OCD can manifest in a wide variety of themes, from more well-known forms like contamination and harm to uncommon OCD themes such as:

• Relationship OCD (ROCD): Persistent doubts about one’s relationship.

• Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD): Intrusive thoughts about one’s sexual orientation.

• Religious or Scrupulosity OCD: Excessive concern with moral or religious purity.

• Existential OCD: Obsessions about philosophical questions, such as the meaning of life.

• Health Anxiety OCD: Fear of having a serious illness despite medical reassurance.

Mental Compulsions in OCD

In addition to outward compulsions like handwashing or checking, many individuals with OCD experience mental compulsions, such as:

• Mental reviewing: Repeatedly going over past events or decisions.

• Checking mental images or thoughts: Replaying thoughts or conversations.

• Thought neutralization: Attempting to cancel out bad thoughts.

• Internal reassurance: Mentally reassuring oneself about safety or decisions.

At Layers Counseling Specialists, we specialize in treating both physical and mental compulsions through Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) and other tailored approaches.

Our Approach to OCD Therapy

At Layers Counseling Specialists, we use evidence-based therapies to help individuals manage their OCD symptoms and regain their lives. Our therapeutic approaches include:

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): The gold standard for OCD treatment, ERP is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that involves gradually exposing clients to feared situations while preventing compulsions.

• Rumination-Focused Exposure and Response Prevention (RF-ERP): RF-ERP specifically targets mental compulsions and rumination. Our founder, Karla Pineda, LPC, was trained by Dr. Michael Greenberg, the creator of RF-ERP.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT teaches clients to accept intrusive thoughts and feelings without letting them dictate their actions.

Who We Work With

At Layers Counseling Specialists, we provide specialized OCD treatment to:

• Children: Helping kids understand and manage their OCD symptoms, including providing family support to navigate the challenges of OCD.

• Adolescents: Guiding teens through the unique difficulties of OCD during adolescence, including school pressures and social challenges.

• Adults: Supporting adults in breaking free from OCD's grip on daily life, relationships, and work.

• Parents of Children with OCD: Offering education and support to parents on how to best help their child manage OCD, create a supportive home environment, and cope with the challenges of parenting a child with OCD.

We tailor our approach to each age group and family situation, ensuring that everyone gets the support they need to manage OCD effectively.

What Can OCD Therapy Help With?

Our OCD therapy services help individuals:

• Reduce the impact of obsessions: Lowering the intensity and frequency of distressing thoughts.

• Break free from compulsions: Both physical and mental, reclaiming time and energy lost to OCD.

• Manage anxiety: Developing skills to cope with anxiety without relying on compulsions.

• Reclaim their life: Empowering clients to regain control over daily routines, relationships, and activities.

Untreated OCD and Co-Occurring Conditions

Untreated OCD can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and isolation. Many individuals with OCD also struggle with co-occurring conditions such as:

• Anxiety Disorders (social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic disorder)

• Depression

• ADHD

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Eating Disorders (ARFID, Bulimia Nervosa, Anorexia Nervosa)

• PTSD and Complex Trauma

We take a holistic approach at Layers Counseling Specialists, addressing both OCD and any co-occurring conditions to ensure comprehensive care.

Why Choose Layers Counseling Specialists for OCD Therapy?

• Specialized Expertise: Our therapists, including founder Karla Pineda who was trained in RF-ERP by Dr. Michael Greenberg, have deep expertise in treating both common and uncommon OCD themes.

• Tailored Treatment Plans: We create individualized treatment plans based on each client’s unique OCD presentation and needs.

• Whole-Person Care: We address the mental, emotional, and behavioral aspects of OCD, ensuring clients receive holistic, compassionate care.

Ready to Break Free from OCD?

If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, Layers Counseling Specialists is here to help. Our expert team, will guide you through a personalized treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms and regain control of your life. Contact us today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation and start your journey toward recovery.