Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Treatment
break free from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions
OCD can feel overwhelming. Many individuals describe being trapped in a loop of unwanted thoughts and behaviors that they can’t escape—even when they know those thoughts don’t make sense. It's far more than a preference for neatness. In OCD, obsessions and compulsions become so intense that they interfere with daily life, relationships, and emotional wellbeing. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, these symptoms often take up more than an hour per day and cause significant distress.
At Lightway Counseling, our team offers compassionate, evidence-based treatment to help clients better understand OCD, reduce symptoms, and regain a sense of peace. Whether you’re recently recognizing your symptoms or have struggled for years, we’re here to support you on your healing journey.
What is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition involving intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) that feel necessary to perform, often in an attempt to reduce anxiety or prevent something bad from happening.
These symptoms go beyond typical habits or preferences. What sets OCD apart is that the behaviors:
Take up a significant amount of time (often more than an hour per day)
Cause intense anxiety or distress
Interfere with everyday life, school, work, or relationships
Although OCD can appear at any age, symptoms commonly begin in late adolescence or early adulthood. The average age of onset is around 19 years old.
Common Symptoms of OCD
OCD symptoms fall into two main categories:
Obsessions may include:
Fear of contamination or germs
Unwanted, intrusive thoughts about harm, taboo topics, or religious ideas
Intense need for things to feel “just right”
Excessive doubt or worry that something terrible will happen
Compulsions may include:
Excessive cleaning or handwashing
Repeated checking (doors, stoves, locks)
Counting or repeating actions
Mental reviewing or seeking reassurance
These behaviors are often performed in response to anxiety, but they rarely bring lasting relief—often making anxiety worse over time.
Five Common Subtypes of OCD
While every person’s experience is different, OCD symptoms typically fall into these common themes:
Contamination – fear of germs, illness, or bodily fluids
Checking – fear of harm, leading to repeated checking of locks, appliances, or safety
Symmetry/Ordering – need for balance, alignment, or perfection
Intrusive Thoughts – unwanted thoughts that are violent, sexual, blasphemous, or disturbing
Hoarding – difficulty discarding items due to fear of needing them later or emotional attachment
What OCD Feels Like
People living with OCD often describe their experience as exhausting and isolating. The internal pressure to relieve distress through rituals can be all-consuming. Many struggle silently, feeling ashamed, afraid of judgment, or uncertain about whether their symptoms are “bad enough” for therapy.
Here’s the truth: If your thoughts or behaviors are causing significant distress or impacting your quality of life, you deserve support. OCD is not your fault—and help is available.
How Therapy Helps
At Lightway , our therapists use research-backed approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—the gold standard for OCD treatment. These methods help clients:
Learn how OCD operates in the brain and body
Recognize the patterns of obsessions and compulsions
Practice facing fears gradually, without relying on rituals
Build emotional resilience and healthy coping tools
Reduce avoidance and regain control over their thoughts and lives
If desired, we also incorporate a faith-based perspective into therapy, allowing space for clients to explore how their spiritual values relate to their healing process.
You’re not alone. OCD is treatable, and recovery is possible.
If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, we’re here to help. Therapy can help you break free from the cycle and begin living with greater clarity and calm.
Ready to start OCD treatment in Orange County or via telehealth? Reach out today for a phone consultation.
References
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocdInternational OCD Foundation (IOCDF) – What is OCD?
https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/American Psychiatric Association (APA) – What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ocd/what-is-obsessive-compulsive-disorderPsychCentral – What It’s Like to Live With OCD
PsychCentral-OCD