Breaking Free From The OCD Cycle
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Therapy In Alberta
If you feel trapped by repetitive thoughts or find yourself doing the same thing over and over to feel “safe”, you aren’t alone. I provide virtual OCD therapy for adults across Alberta, from Calgary and Edmonton to our rural communities.
By having sessions online, you can access specialized care from the comfort of your own home – the very place where OCD symptoms often show up the most.
What Is OCD?
OCD usually follows a specific cycle of:
Obsessions
These are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that pop into your head and make you feel anxious, scared, or uncomfortable.
Compulsions
These are actions or “mental rituals” you do to try and get rid of the anxiety or prevent something bad from happening.
While rituals might help in the moment, they can keep the OCD cycle going.
How Does The OCD Cycle Work?
The OCD cycle begins with an intrusive thought (obsession) that triggers intense anxiety. To find relief, you perform a ritual or repetitive action (compulsion). While this ritual lowers your distress temporarily, it actually reinforces the brain's fear, causing the intrusive thoughts to return and the cycle to repeat.
How Does Therapy Help OCD?
I use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which is widely considered the “gold standard” for OCD by the International OCD Foundation. Instead of just talking about your fears, we work together to:
Understand how your specific OCD cycle works.
Slowly face the thoughts that scare you without giving in to compulsions.
Increase your tolerance for uncertainty, so you can live a full life, even when thoughts are uncomfortable.
In addition to ERP, I incorporate Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to make sure your treatment is a perfect fit for your personality and goals.
What Are Common OCD Themes?
OCD can attach itself to anything you value, creating intrusive thoughts about different themes. I help individuals struggling with many different subtypes, including:
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Fears regarding germs, chemicals, or illness - anything that makes you feel “contaminated.”
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Worries about accidentally or unintentionally hurting yourself or others.
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Distressing intrusive thoughts about sex, morality, or religion (often called Scrupulosity).
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Being hyperaware of breathing, blinking, or other body functions.
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Constant doubting of your feelings for a partner, or their feelings for you. May include fears about infidelity.
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When your compulsions happen mostly inside your mind (like mental reviewing, checking, or praying).
What If I Am Not Sure I Have OCD?
You don’t need a formal diagnosis to get help. Many people experience sticky intrusive thoughts, overthinking, or a constant need for reassurance without having full-blown OCD. If your thoughts are making it hard to enjoy life, therapy can help.
Have A Question
About OCD Therapy?
Living with intrusive thoughts and compulsions can feel isolating, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Whether you’re ready to start ERP or just want to see if we’re a good fit, send a message below. I'm here to help you find some clarity.
Please note. Messages sent through this form are for information purposes only and are not monitored 24/7. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. For 24/7 support in Alberta, you can contact the Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642.