Harm OCD, like all the other domains of obsessive-compulsive disorder, is very disruptive. The harm domain involves any intrusive thoughts that involve hurting yourself or someone else, either purposefully or accidentally. It is important to note that OCD intrusive thoughts are not connected to desire. Someone suffering from harm OCD has absolutely no desire to harm anyone. At first clients are often confused and even terrified by these thoughts or images. Because the thoughts and images become so persistent, they will take them very seriously and question their own safety. I’ve often have pe ..read more

Depression, which can be experienced as depressed or low mood, loss of concentration, loss of pleasure in activities, loss of energy, insomnia or hypersomnia, change in appetite (rapid weight loss/gain), feeling worthless, tearfulness and even suicidal thoughts, is unfortunately not uncommon in today’s world. As such, mental health counselors, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and other mental health treatment providers are well versed in treating depression. The following is a brief window into one clinician’s experience in treating depression.  First and foremost, it is neve ..read more

Grief can be caused by the death of a loved one, a breakup/divorce, loss of job, friendship ending, or any other loss that the individual finds painful. Grief feels all consuming and is sometimes confusing because there’s a broad spectrum of symptoms that seem to shift over time. While counseling cannot rid one of the heartache experienced from grieving, it can help someone receive the necessary support while going through the grieving process.  Avoiding the grief process might cause more pain Some people might try to avoid the grief process altogether by using various avoidance behavior ..read more

Living with some uncertainty can be difficult for anyone especially related to death. However, when someone has health obsessions, the uncertainty about the state of their health is almost unbearable. Someone who struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder typically takes a seed of truth about their health and then catastrophizes the possible outcomes. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) OCD is categorized by unwanted thoughts (obsessions) followed by behaviors (compulsions ) to neutralize the anxiety felt as a result of the thought. There are various domains of OCD including contamination ..read more

There are various domains of OCD and the sexually intrusive thoughts domain is one of the more common ones. It’s easily misunderstood and I hope this blog post can provide some eduction as to what this form of OCD really is. It’s important to keep in mind that regardless of the domain of OCD, OCD is simply the fear of uncertainty. OCD wants to rob people of joy and it can best do this by having people doubt who they are. Thoughts are not the same as desire! The more common sexually intrusive thoughts involve sexual orientation. Those struggling with this form of OCD will develop doubt about w ..read more

Dating is exciting. I work with a lot of people who come up with all kinds of creative excuses to not date. You got to call it for what it is, dating anxiety. It’s ok to own it! Dating is presented as this complicated thing when teenagers start to date. I’m not quite sure why, but regardless of the reasons, I love working with people who want help with dating! Dating doesn’t just have to be about finding a partner. Every person you meet has a different story. You will learn from each date about who you are, your preferences, different types of careers, cultures, hobbies, etc. Even if you end u ..read more

People are stressed! Conversations with clients have shifted since March. We have a new focus on helping clients choose fun and spontaneity during what seems like a really mundane time. It’s important to still prioritize your mental health during the pandemic. We know! You have kids at home whom you’re assisting with e-learning. You are working from home and barely see people socially. Your college classes are now virtual. Your spouse is more fearful of the pandemic than you are or vice versa. You’ve been challenged with impossible decisions. You are fatigued by current events. We get it! The ..read more

Postpartum Depression/Anxiety Postpartum depression affects so many women! However, I find that the anxiety component is often not spoken about or not understood. Even if you don’t have a diagnosable anxiety disorder, postpartum anxiety can be severe and debilitating. But adding postpartum depression/anxiety to someone who already struggles with OCD or an anxiety disorder can feel unbearable. But, don’t lose hope! You just need to engage in behavioral therapy and your loved ones will need to learn how to support you until symptoms subside. Symptoms Symptoms commonly reported to me by patients ..read more

Phobias are often misunderstood. Most people do not like certain things: spiders, standing on the edge of a cliff, getting poked with needles, etc. Vomiting is one of those things that people typically dislike. However, it is important to keep in mind that not liking something is not the same as having a phobia.  Phobias are an anxiety disorder. An individual who experiences a phobia has an extreme reaction to the trigger. Often times they panic. Their brain goes in the flight or fight response. The person affected will have physiological responses such as sweating, rapid heart rate, shak ..read more

Love and support is not the same as accommodating a fear. Like all anxiety disorders, family members of those afflicted must learn how to approach their loved one without accommodating their fear. Their support can still be compassionate and loving, but they cannot say that the feared outcome won’t happen or is unlikely. Family accommodation is reduced overtime and not removed abruptly. I have family members join for at least one session for each client who allows a family session. I prefer active involvement by those who live with the loved one who is afflicted, but it is not mandatory. Resea ..read more