Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

”What you resist, persists." — Carl Jung

This truth is particularly evident in the experience of OCD. When we try to suppress or fight against obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors, we often only reinforce them. The more we resist the urge to perform rituals or engage with intrusive thoughts, the more powerful and persistent they can become. Acceptance and understanding—rather than resistance—can be key in managing OCD, allowing us to break free from the cycle of fear and control.

  • Symptoms of OCD

    Do any of these symptoms describe what you are currently experiencing?

    Arranging things in a precise way.

    Bathing, cleaning, or washing hands over and over.

    Checking certain things repeatedly, such as a lock or the stove.

    Collecting or hoarding things that have no personal or financial value.

    Constantly checking that you have done someone harm.

    Counting repeatedly or saying certain words or prayers while doing other tasks.

    Eating food in a specific order.

    Refusing to shake hands or touch objects other people have touched, like doorknobs.

    Performing a task an exact number of times, such as repeatedly flipping a light switch seven times.

    Fear of germs or dirt.

    Fear of making a mistake.

    Fear of being embarrassed in public.

    Feelings of doubt or disgust.

    Need for order, neatness, symmetry, or perfection.

    Need for constant reassurance.

  • Psychotherapy for OCD

    Therapy helps to focus on changing people's underlying thoughts and avoidance strategies. The more people try to get rid of unwanted inner experiences (thoughts, images, emotions, physical sensations, urges, or memories), the more these experiences persist. Individuals then increase their efforts to control unwanted thoughts and feelings. But in this case, control is the problem, not the solution, and the more people engage in the struggle, the more they get stuck. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) promotes developing psychological flexibility. In other words, people lean into discomfort with self-compassion and curiosity. People can disengage from avoidance strategies. Psychological flexibility opens up a road toward the freedom to choose.

  • Coping of OCD

    Therapy: Seek out therapy for professional help to address these symptoms and other issues related to OCD. 

    Social support: When you’re facing challenges with OCD, it can be beneficial to turn to the other trusted people in your life. Opening up to a support person or a trusted friend can help change your perception and remind you that you have other people you love and rely on when situations become difficult. 

    Explore stress management: Learn ways to manage stress, such as meditation.

    Join support groups: These groups are available in-person and online. They encourage people with OCD to share their experiences and coping strategies.

    Engage in Self-Compassion: Self-compassion yields several benefits, including lower levels of anxiety and depression. Self-compassionate people recognize when they are suffering and are kind to themselves at these times, which reduces their mental health symptoms.

  • Did you know?

    1 in 100 adults are estimated to have OCD.

    There are as many children in the US with OCD as there are children with diabetes.

    OCD can emerge at any time from preschool to adulthood, but most commonly appears between ages 10-12 or in late teens/early adulthood.

    OCD-related conditions include hoarding disorder (HD) and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) as well as hair-pulling disorder and skin-picking disorder.

    About 70% of patients with OCD will benefit from either cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication.

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