OCD Counseling & Therapy

OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) Therapists in Westchester, NY

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a mental condition that causes an individual to experience obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. This condition can affect anybody – it is not gender or age-specific.

Westchester Therapy Match is here to help you connect with a specialist OCD therapist in your area. Finding a reputable, suitable therapist for your needs can be daunting – which is why we’re here to help you make the right choice.

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Untreated OCD – What Happens?

There are many people with OCD who may be able to adapt their lives to the demands of their condition, despite never truly resolving their symptoms. This is most commonly seen in those with mild symptoms.

However, this isn’t the case for many people. For those with more severe symptoms, they may find their obsessions and compulsions become more intrusive and demanding over time. This can lead to a breakdown in relationships, an inability to hold down a job and much more. 

Struggling with severe OCD symptoms can prevent the ability to lead a normal life. Things such as depression or anxiety can be triggered by untreated OCD, with obsessions and compulsions consuming a person’s life, impacting their overall wellbeing and happiness.

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Common Concerns Seen with OCD

For those with untreated OCD, they may feel isolated and alone in their thoughts. Distressing and intrusive urges are common. The important thing to know is that you’re not alone, and your thoughts don’t reflect who you are, or what you stand for.

Common OCD concerns include:

• Hypochondria (fears of having or contracting an illness)
• Sexual Orientation (a fear of being in denial about your sexuality)
• Relationship Obsessions (obsessive thoughts and compulsions related to love and fidelity)
• Religious Obsessions (fears of committing sins, concerns of being punished by God or a higher power)
• Contamination Fears (compulsive hand washing or a fear of becoming “contaminated” by touching certain items or people)
• Pedophilic Obsessions (a fear of inappropriate sexual thoughts towards children)

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OCD Treatment – How Long Does It Take?

Typically, the treatment for OCD is administered on a weekly or twice-weekly basis – but this is dependent on the severity of symptoms and the client’s preference. Many people with OCD see an improvement in their symptoms within six weeks of therapy. 

But OCD treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all, and for some, the treatment can take longer. Some treatments can take several months, or perhaps up to a year, before significant improvement is seen.

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OCD – Can It Come Back After Treatment?

In some cases, yes. Symptoms can flare up during periods of stress or major life transitions. If the symptoms weren’t fully eradicated during treatment, they may flare up in intensity, leading you to feel as though you’ve relapsed.

Fortunately, for many people these relapse periods are brief and will not require further therapy treatment. By practicing the skills developed during therapy, specific triggers are more easily identified, which can help ease symptoms once the source of the issue is ascertained.

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Common Forms of Therapy for OCD Treatment

There are several therapeutic treatments that have gained popularity in the treatment of OCD, some of which include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Habit Reversal Training
•  Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

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Take Our Quiz

If you’re wondering “is there OCD counseling near me?” Let us help you make an informed choice. Westchester Therapy Match wants to make sure that you’re matched with the right OCD therapist for your needs.

We have created a simple quiz that takes less than five minutes to complete. We will use your answers to understand who you are and what you’re looking for so we can match you with the most appropriate therapist. Click here to take the quiz.