What Is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition characterized by unwanted intrusive thoughts, images, urges, or doubts that feel difficult to ignore or control. These obsessions are often ego-dystonic, meaning they conflict with a person’s values, identity, or true desires.
In response to the distress caused by obsessions, individuals may engage in compulsions—repetitive physical behaviors or mental rituals intended to reduce anxiety, prevent something bad from happening, or create a sense of certainty. While compulsions may provide temporary relief, they often reinforce the OCD cycle over time.
Common Types of OCD
OCD can show up in many different ways, and symptoms often center around specific themes or fears. Common forms of OCD include:
Contamination OCD
Fear of germs, illness, bodily fluids, chemicals, or feeling “unclean,” often leading to excessive washing, cleaning, avoidance, or reassurance-seeking.
Checking OCD
Obsessions related to making mistakes or causing harm, such as leaving the stove on or forgetting to lock a door. Compulsions may include repeatedly checking or seeking reassurance.
Harm OCD
Intrusive fears or images involving harm to oneself or others, often accompanied by avoidance, reassurance-seeking, or mental review.
Relationship OCD (ROCD)
Persistent doubts about love, attraction, compatibility, or whether one is in the “right” relationship. Compulsions may involve comparing, checking feelings, confessing, or seeking reassurance.
Scrupulosity or Moral OCD
Obsessions centered around morality, religion, honesty, or being a “bad” person. Individuals may feel driven to confess, mentally review situations, pray excessively, or seek reassurance.
Sexual Orientation or Sexual Intrusive Thought OCD
Distressing unwanted sexual thoughts, fears, or doubts that often lead to compulsive mental checking, researching, or avoidance behaviors.
Symmetry & “Just Right” OCD
Distress when things feel uneven, incomplete, or not “right,” often leading to arranging, repeating, touching, counting, or redoing behaviors.
How OCD Therapy Can Help
At Symmetry Counseling, we understand that OCD is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Therapy provides a supportive space to better understand intrusive thoughts, identify triggers, reduce shame, and interrupt compulsive cycles that may be keeping you stuck.
Our therapists work collaboratively with clients to help them:
- Better understand the OCD cycle
- Reduce compulsive behaviors and rituals
- Build tolerance for uncertainty and discomfort
- Develop healthier coping responses
- Reduce reassurance-seeking and rumination
- Feel more connected to daily life and relationships
- Regain confidence and emotional freedom
Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD
One of the most effective evidence-based treatments for OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. ERP helps individuals gradually approach feared thoughts, situations, sensations, or triggers while practicing not engaging in compulsions or rituals.
Over time, ERP can help reduce the power and intensity of intrusive thoughts while teaching the brain that anxiety and uncertainty can be tolerated without needing compulsive behaviors to feel safe.
Other Therapy Approaches for OCD
In addition to ERP, therapists may incorporate other evidence-based approaches such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Mindfulness-based strategies
- Skills for reducing rumination and avoidance
- Support for emotional regulation and distress tolerance
Treatment is personalized and paced thoughtfully based on each client’s needs, goals, and comfort level.
OCD Therapy at Symmetry Counseling
At Symmetry Counseling, our therapists are committed to helping clients feel understood, supported, and less alone in their experience with OCD. We know intrusive thoughts can feel isolating and frightening, but effective treatment is available. Our goal is to help clients feel more capable, less controlled by OCD, and more connected to the life they want to live.
Talk to an OCD Therapist
If intrusive thoughts, compulsions, or constant anxiety are interfering with your daily life, therapy may help. Contact Symmetry Counseling today to be thoughtfully matched with a therapist experienced in OCD treatment.
