OCD Counselling In Surrey, BC

Symptoms of OCD 

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by two main components: obsessions and compulsions, each with distinct symptoms. 

Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress. These are not simply excessive worries about real-life problems but often involve fears that the sufferer recognizes as irrational. Common symptoms of obsessions include:  

• Fear of contamination or dirt  

• Needing things orderly and symmetrical  

• Aggressive or horrific thoughts about harming oneself or others  

• Unwanted thoughts, including aggression, sexual, or religious subjects  

Compulsions are behaviors that an individual feels compelled to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly. The behaviors are aimed at neutralizing, preventing or reducing distress or a feared situation; but are excessive for the situation. Symptoms of compulsions include:  

• Washing and cleaning  

• Checking  

• Counting  

• Orderliness  

• Following strict routines 

• Asking for reassurances   

These compulsive behaviors and obsessive thoughts can significantly interfere with daily functioning and are sometimes recognized by the person as excessive or unreasonable. This recognition, however, does not alleviate the compulsion to engage in them, which is a key example of the disorder’s disruptive impact on mental health. 

Types of OCD 

OCD manifests in various forms and understanding the different types can be crucial for effective treatment. Common types include: 

• Contamination Obsessions with Cleaning Compulsions: A fear of contamination from germs, viruses, or unpleasant substances, resulting in compulsive cleaning and washing behaviors. 

• Symmetry and Orderliness Obsessions with Arranging Compulsions: A compulsion to arrange objects in a precise, orderly manner, causing significant distress if items are disordered or asymmetrical. 

• Harm and Checking Compulsions: An intense fear of causing harm to oneself or others, leading to compulsive behaviors such as repeatedly checking locks, appliances, and switches. 

• Ruminative Thoughts with Ritualistic Compulsions: Involves persistent, intrusive thoughts that are often considered inappropriate or socially unacceptable. Such as thoughts that are sexual, violent, or religious in nature. Often without visible compulsions but with significant mental rituals. 

Each subtype of OCD involves a cycle of obsessions and possible compulsions that can be immensely distressing and significantly impair daily functioning.   

How Therapy Can Help 

Counselling or Therapy for OCD at Love This Therapy employs the best evidence-based interventions to help individuals regain control over their thoughts and actions. Among the most effective treatments is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). 

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) 

CBT ERP is considered the gold-standard treatment for OCD. CBT helps clients disrupt the cycle of obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions by introducing healthier coping strategies and challenging negative thought patterns. This method involves carefully exposing you to the source of your fear, such as dirt or germs, without allowing you to engage in any compulsive behaviors to neutralize the anxiety. This gradual process builds tolerance to discomfort and uncertainty, and helps you develop healthier coping mechanisms for anxiety. Although challenging, ERP can significantly enhance your quality of life by helping you manage your obsessions and compulsions more effectively. 

Our skilled psychologists guide clients through a meticulously structured process of exposure and response prevention therapy. This approach is controlled and gradual, ensuring the development of effective tools to face fears without reliance on compulsive behaviors. 

Specific OCD Symptoms and ERP 

ERP can be particularly effective for various OCD symptoms: 

• Contamination Obsessions with Cleaning Compulsions: ERP challenges these fears by gradually exposing clients to the feared contaminants in a controlled manner, helping them resist the urge to clean. 

• Symmetry and Orderliness Obsessions with Arranging Compulsions: Clients are exposed to minor asymmetries and disorder, learning to cope with the discomfort without rearranging. 

• Harm Obsessions with Checking Compulsions: ERP involves controlled exposure to leaving things unchecked, assisting clients in overcoming the fear of harm due to negligence. 

• Ruminative Thoughts Obsessions with Ritualistic Compulsions: Clients face these intrusive thoughts directly, learning strategies to avoid engaging in ritualistic behaviors. 

Other Approaches 

One of our Psychologists integrates CBT and Psychodynamic Therapy to treat symptoms of OCD. CBT helps clients disrupt the cycle of obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions by introducing healthier coping strategies and challenging negative thought patterns. Psychodynamic Therapy takes a different approach, exploring deeper emotional conflicts and unconscious processes that may fuel OCD, giving clients insight into their behaviors and inner struggles.  

Here’s how each therapy supports OCD treatment: 

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): 

• Teaches clients healthier coping strategies to manage obsessions and compulsions. 

• Helps clients identify and challenge unhelpful, intrusive thoughts. 

• Provides practical techniques for reducing anxiety associated with OCD triggers. 

• Empowers clients to gradually change behaviors that reinforce obsessive thinking. 

• Psychodynamic Therapy: 

• Explores deeper emotional conflicts that may contribute to OCD. 

• Examines unconscious processes and unresolved past experiences that might fuel obsessive behaviors. 

• Helps clients gain self-awareness and insight into their thoughts and behaviors. 

• Supports lasting change by addressing the root causes of OCD, promoting long-term well-being. 

By integrating both approaches, our psychologist provides a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the surface symptoms and the underlying dynamics of OCD.  

The Importance of a Diagnosis 

Receiving a proper diagnosis is a critical first step in the effective treatment of OCD. A thorough diagnostic evaluation ensures that the treatment plan is tailored to address the specific nuances of your condition. Furthermore, a correct diagnosis can provide access to appropriate medications, which can be an essential component of the treatment strategy, alongside therapy sessions. 

Dr. Nicole Gevaux excels in assessing and diagnosing OCD as well as treating your symptoms. She provides specialized sessions designed to help individuals understand their obsessions and develop strategies to interrupt the cycle of OCD. Her personalized approach not only aims to alleviate the symptoms but also enhances overall well-being, allowing clients to lead more productive and fulfilling lives.  

Get Help Today 

At Love This Therapy, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care that addresses both the symptoms of OCD and its underlying causes. Our experienced psychologists Dr. Nicole Gevaux and Dr. Catalina Zilveti Ostria, are here to support you on your journey toward recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, a proper diagnosis is the essential first step to a better quality of life. 

Contact us today at 604-229-4887 or email info@lovethistherapy.com to begin your path to recovery. Let us help you live a life defined not by obsessions or compulsions, but by your strengths and aspirations.