Understanding OCD

What Is OCD? (Psychoeducation)

OCD can present in many ways and does not require visible rituals. Mental compulsions (rumination, reassurance seeking, checking memories) are just as significant as physical rituals.

• Common themes: contamination/washing, checking, symmetry/“just right,” harm, sexual/relationship, religious/scrupulosity, health, and existential obsessions.
• The OCD loop: trigger → obsession → anxiety/doubt → compulsion/avoidance → temporary relief → stronger loop.
• Treatment works: Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold standard. CBT, ACT, and mindfulness help relate differently to intrusive thoughts and tolerate uncertainty.

Therapy Options at Astute

Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP)

Collaboratively build a hierarchy and practice exposures while reducing or blocking compulsions—paced, supportive, and data-driven.

CBT for OCD

Identify thinking traps (inflated responsibility, over-importance of thoughts) and reduce reassurance/avoidance behaviors.

ACT & Mindfulness

Make space for intrusive thoughts and sensations without engaging; choose actions aligned with values despite uncertainty.

Family/Partner Involvement

Reduce accommodation and create a supportive, non-reassuring environment that strengthens progress.

Coordinated Care

When helpful, we collaborate with prescribers regarding medication options (e.g., SSRIs) and overall treatment planning.

Holistic Supports (Adjunct)

Stress-regulation practices like breathwork, gentle yoga, or somatic movement may complement ERP by lowering baseline arousal. These are supportive—not a substitute for ERP.

Coordinated Support

• Collaboration with psychiatry/primary care for evaluation and medication management
• School/work accommodation guidance when appropriate
• Education and coaching for families/partners to reduce accommodation

What to Expect at Astute

1. Thorough assessment: map obsessions, compulsions, avoidance, and accommodation.
2. ERP plan: build a graded hierarchy; set measurable goals; track wins.
3. Skills for uncertainty: practice response prevention, urge surfing, and acceptance.
4. Maintain & prevent relapse: booster exposures, values-led routines, and support.

Why Choose Astute

• Specialized ERP with CBT/ACT integration
• Warm, nonjudgmental care for all OCD themes (including taboo/harm/sexual/faith-related)
• Family-inclusive coaching to reduce accommodation
• In-person and telehealth options