Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, involves having obsessive thinking patterns that can include unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that make a person feel anxious or distressed. Those with OCD also have compulsive behaviors, which are an attempt to reverse the obsessive thoughts or urges by performing some sort of action.
At Connect Cognitive Therapy, we provide compassionate, evidence-based OCD therapy for adults and adolescents living with obsessive-compulsive disorder in Mississauga, Ontario. Our team includes experienced psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers who work collaboratively to help individuals better understand and manage their symptoms. Using a tailored approach and practical strategies, we create lasting change.
Understanding OCD and How It Can Affect a Person
Therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder begins with understanding how OCD shows up in your life. OCD is more than just being neat or organized—it involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental rituals (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety. Common signs of OCD, according to the Mayo Clinic, are:
- Intrusive thoughts
- Constant checking
- Constant counting
- The repeated cleaning of one or more items
- Constantly checking the stove or door locks
- Fear of contamination
- Hoarding
- Thoughts that you might be harmed
- Thoughts that you might cause others harm
Symptoms might include excessive checking, cleaning, counting, or needing things to feel “just right.” These patterns can become distressing and time-consuming, interfering with relationships, work, and daily functioning. If one or more of the above symptoms resonates with you, we encourage you to look into OCD therapy. Research shows that the most effective treatments for OCD are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and/or medication.
Answering Your Questions About Therapy for OCD
Therapy for OCD at Connect Cognitive Therapy is highly individualistic, but we’ll try our best to answer any questions you may have in advance of treatment. If your question isn’t answered here, give us a call!
Q: What Does Therapy for OCD Involve?
A: Therapy for OCD helps individuals understand patterns involving obsessions, anxiety, and compulsions while developing healthier ways of responding to them. Treatment is tailored to each person’s symptoms, experiences, and goals.
Q: What Are Obsessions and Compulsions?
A: Obsessions are unwanted, recurring thoughts, images, urges, or doubts that can cause significant distress. Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed in response to obsessions, often in an attempt to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared outcome. OCD therapy can help you change how you respond in these situations.
Q: What Types of Therapy Are Best for OCD?
A: Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for OCD is often the best treatment option. Treatment for OCD may also incorporate exposure and response prevention (ERP), a form of behavioural therapy that involves gradually facing triggers while learning to resist or reduce compulsive responses.
Q: Can Therapy Help With Different OCD Symptoms?
A: Yes. An OCD therapist can provide individualized treatment based on how obsessions and compulsions are affecting your life.
Q: Is Online OCD therapy Available?
A: Connect Cognitive Therapy provides both in-person appointments in Mississauga and virtual therapy. Online therapy for OCD can provide greater flexibility while allowing clients to receive professional support from a private location that works for them.