OCD Therapy for Teens and Adults in Philadelphia

You don’t have to face obsessive-compulsive disorder alone. OCD can be very distressing. It traps your mind in a loop of intrusive thoughts and repetitive actions. Whether you’re constantly seeking reassurance, checking things repeatedly, or trying to silence unwanted thoughts, the cycle of obsession and compulsion can feel exhausting. The good news is that OCD is treatable, and you can learn how to break that cycle for good.

Understanding OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is more than just perfectionism or being “overly neat.” It involves unwanted thoughts or urges (obsessions) and repetitive actions or mental rituals (compulsions) that aim to reduce anxiety.

Common obsessions include:

Fear of contamination or illness

Worrying about harm coming to yourself or others

Intrusive thoughts about morality, religion, or sexuality

Fear of making a mistake or doing something wrong

Common compulsions may involve:

Excessive washing or cleaning

Repeated checking (locks, appliances, emails, etc.)

Counting, praying, or repeating phrases to “neutralize” thoughts

Seeking reassurance from others

Avoiding triggers altogether

Most people with OCD recognize that their fears aren’t completely rational. However, the anxiety feels very real, making it hard to resist compulsions. Over time, this can disrupt relationships, work, school, and your overall quality of life. If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. OCD impacts millions of teens and adults. With the right treatment, it can improve.

My Approach to Treating OCD

In my practice, I use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These methods help you retrain your brain, reduce anxiety, and regain control over your life.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) helps you confront your fears in a gradual and supportive way. Instead of giving in to compulsions, we work together to confront the anxiety and learn that it decreases over time—without engaging in rituals. For example: - If you fear contamination, we might gradually introduce “unclean” situations and practice resisting the urge to wash. - If you have checking behaviors, we might create small challenges to help your brain tolerate uncertainty. Over time, ERP builds your confidence, reduces fear, and weakens OCD’s grip on your life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) CBT complements ERP by helping you understand and reframe anxious thinking. You’ll learn to identify distorted beliefs, challenge them using logic and evidence, and replace them with more balanced perspectives. Together, these methods can help you feel more grounded, resilient, and in control.

Support for OCD in Teens, Adolescents, and Adults

OCD can look different at every stage of life. Teens and adolescents may deal with school-related anxiety, perfectionism, or contamination fears.

Adults might experience intrusive thoughts, checking rituals, or obsessive fears about responsibility, safety, or morality. Regardless of your age, therapy is tailored to your needs.

I create a safe, nonjudgmental space where we can explore your experiences and work at a pace that feels comfortable.

Telehealth Therapy in Philadelphia and 40 States

I offer OCD therapy exclusively through secure telehealth sessions. This lets you access specialized OCD treatment from the comfort and privacy of your home.

Whether you’re in the Philadelphia area or not, online sessions are flexible, convenient, and proven to be just as effective as in-person therapy for OCD.

Take the First Step Toward Freedom from OCD

Living with OCD can feel isolating, but you don’t have to face it alone. With the right guidance and tools, you can break the cycle of obsessions and compulsions and start finding more peace and control in your life.

If you’re ready to begin, I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. This will help you get started. We’ll discuss your goals, answer your questions, and determine if therapy feels like the right fit.

With support, patience, and effective strategies, you can move past OCD and begin living the life you want.