What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition marked by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that the person feels compelled to perform in order to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared outcome. These rituals can consume hours each day, interfere with work, relationships, and quality of life. For many individuals, the sensation is like being trapped in a cycle of “What if?” thoughts and “Just one more time” repetitions.

While many people casually say “I’m so OCD about my desk,” clinical OCD is far more intense, persistent, and distressing. It often involves themes such as contamination, unwanted aggressive or sexual thoughts, symmetry and ordering, hoarding, health-related fears, checking, or perfectionism. Without effective treatment, OCD can lead to exhaustion, avoidance of otherwise meaningful activities, and a diminished sense of control.

How can Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) help?

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard cognitive-behavioral treatment for OCD. In ERP:

• The “exposure” component means intentionally confronting the feared thought, image or situation (for example, touching a potentially “contaminated” object) rather than avoiding it.

• The “response prevention” component means deliberately refraining from performing the compulsive ritual (for example, not washing hands immediately or counting).
  By gradually and safely facing fears and resisting the urge to perform compulsions, the brain learns that the feared outcome either doesn’t happen—or is tolerable without the ritual. Over time, anxiety diminishes, compulsions decrease, and the person regains freedom.

ERP is challenging but highly effective, especially when conducted by a therapist who is specially trained in OCD and with structured planning, collaboration, and expert guidance. The process rewires habitual patterns of avoidance and ritual – enabling clients to live with more ease, clarity and choice.

Why work with Kayden Costello at Compassionate Voice Counseling?

At Compassionate Voice Counseling, our queer and neurodivergent affirming clinician Kayden Costello brings a specialized focus on OCD treatment, leveraging his intensive training and partnership with the Greater Hope Center for OCD. He utilizes ERP and other proven OCD-treatment methods, and is experienced at working with anxiety, neurodivergence, and clients pursuing deeper relief from OCD patterns. Kayden accepts insurance, and we are committed to offering high-quality, collaborative, queer affirming, compassionate care for adults navigating OCD, trauma, burnout, and neurodivergence.

If you’re ready to break the cycle of obsession and compulsion, you can reach out to Kayden and begin with a dedicated evaluation, tailored ERP plan, and ongoing support.

A trusted partner for OCD care

We’re proud to partner with the Greater Hope Center for OCD, a North Carolina-based specialized clinic offering expert, evidence-based intensive outpatient treatment for OCD, hoarding and BFRBs. Their expertise informs our work, ensuring that your care is grounded in the most current, effective strategies. You can discover more about their approach and services at Greater Hope Center for OCD.