💫 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

🌿 Breaking Free from Intrusive Thoughts and Cycles of Anxiety

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can feel like being trapped in a loop — intrusive thoughts that won’t stop, followed by repetitive actions meant to calm the fear. But relief is temporary, and the cycle begins again.

At Mara’s Lighthouse, we understand that OCD is not about being “overly clean” or “particular.” It’s about anxiety, uncertainty, and the brain’s attempt to find control in an uncontrollable world. Through therapy, we help individuals of all ages recognize these patterns, reduce anxiety, and regain freedom from compulsive cycles.

💭 What Is OCD?

OCD is a mental health condition involving two key components:

• Obsessions: Intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that trigger anxiety or distress.

• Compulsions: Repetitive actions or mental rituals performed to neutralize or reduce anxiety caused by those obsessions.

These cycles can take up significant time, disrupt routines, and cause shame or isolation. But OCD is highly treatable with the right support and therapeutic approach.

🌱 Common Types of OCD

OCD can take many forms — it’s not always about cleanliness or order. Some of the most common subtypes include:

• Contamination OCD: Fear of germs, illness, or dirt leading to excessive cleaning or avoidance.

• Checking OCD: Repeatedly checking locks, appliances, or safety measures.

• Symmetry/Ordering OCD: A need for things to feel “just right” or arranged perfectly.

• Harm OCD: Intrusive fears of hurting oneself or others, even without intent.

• Religious or Moral (Scrupulosity) OCD: Excessive guilt or fear of moral wrongdoing.

• Relationship OCD: Doubting one’s feelings or the trustworthiness of a partner.

• Pure O (“Pure Obsessional”): Intrusive thoughts or images without visible compulsions, but with mental rituals like reassurance-seeking or self-checking.

No matter the form, the underlying theme is the same — anxiety and uncertainty driving repetitive thought patterns that feel impossible to stop.

⚡ What OCD Feels Like

People with OCD often describe feeling “stuck in their head,” aware that their fears may not make sense but unable to stop the mental or behavioral response.

You might notice:

• Intrusive thoughts that feel distressing or unwanted

• Compulsions that must be performed to relieve anxiety

• A sense of dread if routines are interrupted

• Fear of losing control or being responsible for harm

• Reassurance-seeking from others (“Are you sure I didn’t?”)

• Mental exhaustion from constant worry and checking

Over time, OCD can cause anxiety, depression, or strained relationships — but effective treatment can break the cycle and restore peace of mind.

🌿 How Therapy Helps

Therapy for OCD focuses on reducing anxiety and regaining confidence in your ability to tolerate uncertainty. At Mara’s Lighthouse, we use evidence-based approaches proven to help clients reclaim their lives.

Our therapy may include:

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): Gradually facing feared situations while resisting compulsions — the gold standard treatment for OCD.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying and challenging distorted thoughts that fuel anxiety.

• Mindfulness-Based Techniques: Learning to observe thoughts without reacting to them.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Developing flexibility and values-based living despite anxiety.

• Medication Collaboration: Working with our in-house prescriber or external psychiatrists when appropriate for comprehensive care.

Through these approaches, clients learn that thoughts do not define them — and that safety and calm can come from within.

👨‍👩‍👧 OCD Across Ages

OCD can appear in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. It often evolves differently depending on age and life stage.

• Children & Teens: May show rituals around counting, washing, or reassurance-seeking; often misunderstood as “stubbornness” or “bad habits.”

• Adults: Tend to internalize compulsions (mental checking or overthinking) and may feel ashamed or exhausted by the secrecy.

• Families: Often become part of the pattern by accommodating or helping with rituals — unknowingly reinforcing the cycle.

We provide therapy that meets each person where they are, and family education to promote understanding and recovery.

🤝 Integrated, Whole-Person Care

Because OCD often overlaps with anxiety, depression, or trauma, our treatment model integrates emotional, biological, and relational wellbeing.

Your plan may include:

• Individual therapy

• Family or couples sessions to reduce accommodation

• Medication management through our in-house prescriber

• Mindfulness and stress regulation skills

• Coordination with medical or school supports when needed

Our goal is to bring the whole system into alignment — so healing feels connected and sustainable.

🌼 Steps Toward Healing

Recovery from OCD takes patience and courage, but change is always possible.

Small steps that make a big difference:
1️⃣ Label, don’t fight, the thought. “That’s an OCD thought” helps separate you from it.
2️⃣ Delay compulsions. Even a short pause helps weaken the habit loop.
3️⃣ Practice uncertainty. Peace doesn’t come from control — it comes from trust.
4️⃣ Reach out. You are not alone; therapy works best with support.
5️⃣ Celebrate progress. Every small act of courage counts.

💙 At Mara’s Lighthouse, we help you move from fear to freedom, from ritual to relaxation, and from anxiety to calm.

💖 You Can Find Relief

OCD doesn’t define you — it’s something you experience, and something that can improve with care and understanding. Healing begins with one small step toward support.

👉 Click below to schedule your session and take your next step toward peace, clarity, and control.