OCD is about as common as it is misunderstood.

Often called “the doubting disorder,” OCD can lead you to question your senses, your memories, your intentions, and even who you are.

Many people spend years in therapy without realizing they have OCD, and some studies suggest it takes 7-10 years to get properly diagnosed. Additionally, about 50% of cases are initially misdiagnosed. That’s because OCD is tricky and highly individualized. That’s also why you need a therapist trained in OCD treatment, not just general talk therapy.

If you’ve found yourself stuck in endless loops of anxiety, rituals, or “what if” thinking, you’re not alone, and you're not broken. At MWC, we provide specialized, evidence-based OCD therapy in Maryland and Pennsylvania to help you break the cycle and reclaim your life.

What OCD looks like:

“I know it’s silly, but I feel like I have to do it”

“It’s like I’m playing tug of war with my mind”

“Rationally I know it doesn’t make any sense, but…”

“I can’t stop thinking about it”

These aren’t just thoughts. They’re part of a pattern involving obsessions (distressing, intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (mental or physical actions done to feel safer or more certain).

OCD doesn’t always look like excessive cleaning or neatness. It can show up in subtle, confusing ways.

OCD may involve:

• checking to make sure something bad didn’t or won’t happen “Am I sure I locked the door?”, “Am I sure the hair straightener is unplugged?”

• engaging in repetitive behaviors (to prevent something bad from happening, or until it feels “right”)

• constantly Googling things such as symptoms

• replaying events or memories over and over in your head “Did I say something stupid?”, “Did I offend someone?”

• intrusive thoughts about a loved one dying

• “what if” thoughts about doing something you don’t want to do “What if I lose control and hurt my dog/baby/self?”

• seeking reassurance from others

• trying to “stop” a thought

• an avalanche of thoughts that you don’t want to have

• a sense of responsibility to prevent bad things from happening

• hyperfocusing on parts of your body

• doubting your intentions and desires “Does the thought mean I want to do that?”, your relationships “How do I know they’re the one?”, doubting yourself “Am I real?”

Note: many compulsions are invisible, mental acts that others can’t see. This is one reason OCD is so often misdiagnosed.

What OCD is not:

a love for organization a la The Home Edit

• washing your hands a lot

• an adjective “I’m so OCD about this”

• being “obsessed” with something (like a new song or guacamole)

• able to be “talked out of”

• responsive to suggestions to “just relax” or “stop worrying” (man, I hate these)

Note: while OCD can contain some elements of the above, none of these behaviors alone constitute OCD.

Our Approach

I use a combination of evidence-based models including:

• I-CBT (Inference-Based Cognitive Therapy)

• ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention)

• ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)

This integrative model helps you:

• Understand how OCD functions in your life

• Change your relationship to uncertainty

• Respond differently to intrusive thoughts

• Disengage from compulsive loops

• Live life according to your values, not your fears