OCD & Anxiety

Life Solutions Counseling Services

OCD & Anxiety


Providing Professional Help To Adults In The Chicago Area

What is OCD?

OCD stands for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, a condition marked by distressing intrusive thoughts that lead to intense anxiety. To alleviate this anxiety, individuals with OCD engage in specific behaviors known as compulsions. Despite providing temporary relief, these compulsions are often repeated as the anxiety returns. In some cases, individuals may spend prolonged periods performing these compulsive behaviors, leading to significant disruptions in their daily lives. Common OCD behaviors include excessive hand or body washing, repetitive checking of doors and locks, and an insistence on things being arranged in a specific manner, such as straight angles or particular numerical sequences.


Is there a Treatment?

The treatment approach for OCD and anxiety follows a Cognitive Behavioral model, incorporating Exposure with Response Prevention. In this process, we analyze the underlying thought patterns associated with behavior to distinguish between "realistic" thinking and "anxiety" thinking. Exposure therapy is a key component, involving the systematic confrontation of behaviors intended to alleviate anxiety.

Working collaboratively, we develop a list of "experimental" behaviors designed to challenge and modify anxious responses. It's essential to note that you will never be caught off guard or manipulated, and you will never be urged to undertake something you're not prepared for. The treatment is founded on a collaborative and cooperative framework, ensuring that progress is made at a pace that aligns with your readiness and comfort.

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