OCD THERAPY IN CALGARY
OCD Therapy for Adults
Evidence-based support for intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and the anxiety that keeps the OCD cycle going.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can involve unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, urges, or doubts that create significant anxiety or distress. In response, people may feel driven to perform compulsions, seek reassurance, avoid certain situations, or repeatedly analyze their thoughts in an attempt to feel certain or safe.
OCD can take many different forms, and the content of the thoughts can be very different from person to person. What often keeps OCD going is the cycle between intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and the behaviours or mental strategies used to get rid of that anxiety.
I work with adults experiencing OCD and related concerns and use evidence-based approaches, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), to help you understand this cycle and develop different ways of responding to obsessive thoughts and anxiety.
My training in OCD treatment includes specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention with Dr. Jonathan Abramowitz.
Understanding OCD
OCD Can Take Many Forms
OCD does not always look like repeated handwashing or checking. Obsessions and compulsions can take many different forms, and some compulsions happen entirely in your mind.
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Unwanted, distressing thoughts, images, or urges that feel difficult to dismiss or control.
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Repeatedly checking, reviewing, or seeking certainty about whether something is safe, correct, or okay.
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Fears about germs, illness, contamination, or causing harm through contact with people, places, or objects.
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Persistent doubts and uncertainty about your relationship, your feelings, or whether your partner is right for you.
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Distressing fears about harming yourself or someone else, making a serious mistake, or being responsible for something going wrong.
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Ruminating, analyzing, mentally reviewing, comparing, researching, or repeatedly asking others for reassurance to reduce uncertainty.
How OCD Therapy Works
OCD therapy focuses on changing the cycle that keeps obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours going. Rather than trying to eliminate every unwanted thought or achieve complete certainty, therapy can help you learn to respond differently to thoughts, uncertainty, and anxiety.
One of the main approaches I use for OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP involves gradually facing thoughts, situations, or sensations that trigger anxiety or uncertainty while learning to reduce the compulsive responses that have been providing temporary relief.
Treatment is collaborative and tailored to your individual concerns. We will work together to understand your OCD patterns, identify what is maintaining them, and develop a treatment plan that fits your goals and circumstances.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
ERP is a specialized form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and is a well-established psychological treatment for OCD. It does not involve forcing you to confront your fears before you're ready. Instead, exposures are developed collaboratively and introduced gradually as you build your ability to tolerate uncertainty and respond differently to OCD.
My training in OCD treatment includes specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) with Dr. Jonathan S. Abramowitz, a clinical psychologist and researcher known for his work in OCD and anxiety disorders.
I continue to develop my knowledge and clinical skills in OCD treatment and use evidence-based approaches to support adults experiencing OCD.
Training in OCD & ERP
My approach is grounded in evidence-based treatment while being tailored to each person's individual concerns, goals, and circumstances.
OCD therapy is a collaborative process, and you do not need to have everything figured out before starting. We’ll begin by understanding what you’re experiencing, how OCD is affecting your life, and the patterns that may be keeping it going.
From there, we’ll develop a treatment plan based on your specific symptoms, goals, and circumstances. If ERP is appropriate, we’ll work together to develop exposures gradually and at a pace that feels manageable while still creating meaningful progress.
You’ll have opportunities to ask questions, understand why we’re using particular strategies, and build skills you can use outside of therapy.
What to Expect From OCD Therapy
Therapy That Meets You Where You’re At
You don’t need to be “ready” to face every fear on your own. Therapy is about learning how to respond differently, one step at a time, with support along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions About OCD Therapy
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No. You do not need to arrive with a formal diagnosis. We can talk about what you’re experiencing and determine whether OCD-focused therapy may be appropriate.
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OCD can involve mental compulsions such as rumination, reviewing, analyzing, mentally checking, or trying to achieve certainty. These can be addressed in OCD therapy just like more visible compulsions.
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Not necessarily. We can discuss your concerns at a level that feels manageable, and you can ask questions about the treatment process at any time. The goal is to understand the patterns that are keeping OCD going and develop effective ways of responding.
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Treatment is collaborative, and we’ll first make sure you understand the approach and feel prepared to begin. When ERP is appropriate, exposures are developed together and introduced gradually.
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Yes. I offer virtual OCD therapy to adults across Alberta, as well as in-person appointments in Calgary.
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A free 15-minute consultation is a chance to ask questions, describe what you’re experiencing, and learn more about my approach. We can then discuss whether working together may be a good fit.
Looking for OCD Therapy in Calgary?
If you’re looking for support with OCD, intrusive thoughts, compulsions, or anxiety around uncertainty, I invite you to book a free 15-minute consultation. It’s an opportunity to ask questions, learn more about OCD therapy, and see whether we might be a good fit.