The results I achieved with CBT was unimaginable. I started as a skeptic, now I am a convert, after reaping the benefits of CBT. Thank you!
Start Feeling Better Now – Call (650) 461-9026 or Text (650) 461-9026
Obsessive Compulsive Therapy: Relief from Intrusive Thoughts & Compulsions
Are you or your child feeling overwhelmed by persistent thoughts or rituals? Obsessive Compulsive Disorder OCD therapy may provide relief if you or your child is experiencing:
- Avoidance of “dirty” objects or excessive cleaning routines
- A need to repeatedly check doors, count items, or perform actions to “prevent” something bad
- Intrusive thoughts, like fears of harming others, despite no desire to act on them
- A strong urge to have things arranged in a particular way
Living with OCD can be challenging, but effective treatments can help. At Palo Alto Therapy, we’re here to support you or your child in breaking free from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions.
There is Help for OCD at Palo Alto Therapy
Call us (650) 461-9026 or Text us (650) 461-9026 today to get started, or book online – in-person and video appointments available!
Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is an anxiety disorder with two main components: obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are distressing, repetitive thoughts or urges, while compulsions are actions done to relieve the anxiety caused by these obsessions. For example, a child with OCD contamination may constantly worry about germs, leading them to wash their hands excessively to feel “safe.” Without therapy, these behaviors can intensify, disrupting daily life.
Our goal in OCD therapy is to help reduce or even eliminate these symptoms, so individuals can regain control of their lives.
Different Types of OCD
While many associate OCD with hand-washing, it can take many forms, including:
- Just Right OCD: A need for things to feel “just right” or symmetrical, leading to repetitive rearranging or checking.
- Relationship OCD (ROCD): Persistent doubts about a relationship’s “rightness,” leading to compulsive reassurance-seeking or analyzing thoughts and feelings.
- Checking OCD: Compulsive checking, such as repeatedly verifying locked doors or turned-off appliances, out of a fear of harm.
- Health Anxiety OCD (Hypochondriasis): Excessive worry about health, often involving frequent symptom-checking or researching health information.
- Sensorimotor OCD: A heightened focus on bodily functions (like breathing or blinking), resulting in compulsive monitoring of these natural processes.
Regardless of how OCD appears, obsessions and compulsions are at its core. Our experienced therapists at Palo Alto Therapy are trained to treat all forms of OCD, helping clients find relief and regain their lives.
Our Approach to OCD Therapy
At Palo Alto Therapy, we use evidence-based techniques that are effective in reducing OCD symptoms. The primary approach we use is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), where clients are gradually exposed to the source of their obsessions while learning to resist performing compulsions. For instance, someone with OCD contamination may practice tolerating “dirty” hands without washing, gradually reducing the anxiety response. ERP is often most effective when combined with other therapeutic approaches.
Take the First Step Toward Relief from OCD
If OCD is affecting you or your child’s quality of life, there is hope for change. Our compassionate, skilled therapists are committed to helping individuals of all ages break free from OCD and lead balanced, fulfilling lives.
– Weekday, Evening, & Saturday Appointments Available –
At Palo Alto Therapy, we help kids through adults overcome challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. Our compassionate, highly-trained therapists use evidence-based techniques to create meaningful, lasting results—often without long-term counseling.
With convenient office locations in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and San Jose, we proudly serve the entire Silicon Valley community – from Stanford University and the Peninsula to the South Bay, offering easy access for tech professionals, students, and families.
Frequently Asked Questions About OCD Therapy
It’s natural to worry that exposure therapy might increase distress initially. However, ERP is done with a licensed therapist in a safe, controlled environment to ensure the process is manageable, allowing clients to build resilience against their obsessive thoughts.
If you or your child often engage in repetitive behaviors or feel intense distress from intrusive thoughts, these could be signs of OCD. Our therapists can assess your or your child’s symptoms and recommend the best options for support.
The length of OCD therapy varies depending on each individual’s symptoms and response to treatment. Some see improvements within a few sessions, while others may need more time for lasting change. Consistent practice outside of therapy and parental involvement for children can enhance progress.
OCD likely results from a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. It can run in families, and research suggests that certain brain functions may differ in people with OCD. Regardless of the cause, therapy can effectively manage symptoms.
OCD is typically considered a manageable condition rather than one that is fully curable. With effective therapy, many people experience significant relief and can lead fulfilling lives. Techniques like ACT equip clients with long-term skills to manage symptoms, enabling them to reduce distress over time.
Choose from three locations:
- Palo Alto: Convenient for downtown professionals and Stanford area.
- Menlo Park: Accessible to Sand Hill Road and Meta campuses.
- San Jose: Ideal for South Bay residents.
All locations offer free parking and are easily accessible from major highways and Caltrain.
Recognizing Good Therapy
Evidence-Based
Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, we provide effective & caring counseling. Our therapists are passionate in delivering high-quality therapy & enhance their skills through the latest trainings.
Strong Relationships
Our relationship with you is valued & of highest importance. We are compassionate, respectful, & honest. Our professional counseling includes working side by side with you towards YOUR goals.
Short-Term & Focused
Our active therapists use tailored homework exercises to help you find relief in a timely manner. By keeping our meetings on track & targeting specific concerns we help you enjoy life again, usually in a matter of months not years.
Client Convenience
Appointments after 5pm & Saturdays, friendly administrative staff, & three locations: Palo Alto, Menlo Park, & San Jose. We help children, teens & adults, couples, & families. Video therapy available!
What Our Clients Are Saying…
Palo Alto Therapy does not just provide talk therapy, but focuses on teaching skills to maintain therapy. You have a genuine interest in the client’s well-being and you offered a new way of thinking about or means of addressing my issues.
What Our Clients Are Saying…
I found the homework exercises to be very helpful to me. I’ve been able to use techniques I have learned from those exercises to slow down my thoughts when problems arise and work through whatever the issue may be, OCD or otherwise.
What Our Clients Are Saying…
I liked the emphasis on doing concrete things to get results-writing down negative thoughts, trying to say things to counter those thoughts…Thank you for helping me make my life better.
What Our Clients Are Saying…
I’ve been able to use techniques I have learned from the exercises to slow down my thoughts when problems arise and work through whatever the issue may be, OCD or otherwise.
Meet Our Team of CBT OCD Therapists in San Jose & Palo Alto
Location: Palo Alto, Video Therapy
Ages: 13+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Teen Counseling
Click Here for Video Profile
Location: Palo Alto, San Jose, Video Therapy
Ages: 4+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Sarah Chelew, AMFT
Cognitive Behavioral and ERP Therapist, AMFT, Under Licensed Supervision
Learn MoreLocation: Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Video Therapy
Ages: 4+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Location: Palo Alto, Video Therapy
Ages: 11+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Teen Counseling
Kitte Anderson, AMFT
Cognitive Behavioral and ERP Therapist, AMFT, Under Licensed Supervision
Learn MoreLocation: Menlo Park, San Jose, Video Therapy
Ages: 10+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Location: Palo Alto, San Jose, Video Therapy
Ages: 11+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Teen Counseling
Location: Palo Alto, Video Therapy
Ages: 18+
Type of Therapy: Individual
Location: Video Therapy
Ages: 8+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Click Here for Video Profile
Location: Video Therapy
Ages: 11+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Click Here for Video Profile
Location: Palo Alto, San Jose, Video Therapy
Ages: 4+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Location: Video Therapy
Ages: 13+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Teen Counseling
Location: Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Video Therapy
Ages: 4+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Click Here for Video Profile
Location: Video Therapy
Ages: 15+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Teen Counseling
Deborah Brewer, LCSW – Clinic Director
Cognitive Behavioral and ERP Therapist, ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider
Learn MoreLocation: Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Video Therapy
Ages: 6+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Location: Palo Alto, Video Therapy
Ages: 18+
Type of Therapy: Individual