Do you replay scenarios in your head, beating yourself up for things you said or did in the past?
Are you afraid of being negatively judged by others, so you avoid certain situations?
Do you find yourself paralyzed by constant worry?
Does anxiety prevent you from achieving your goals?
OCD and Anxiety Therapist Online
ANXIETy
Seeing an OCD and anxiety therapist can put you back in control!
Anxiety is your internal alarm system when there’s a perceived threat. Anxiety tells you to fight, flight, or freeze. But what if those “threats” aren’t accurate? What if your fears are being exaggerated by your thoughts
It’s not always events themselves that trigger stress and anxiety, but rather how you perceive those situations.
Anxiety, itself, may not be the issue. Anxiety becomes a problem when your perceptions of threats are inaccurate, but you still respond as if the danger is real. You avoid, self-sabotage, distract with substances, fight with loved ones, obsess over control, etc.
You have a picture of how you want your life to be, but it doesn’t match up with your reality.
Anxiety gets in the way of you having the health, the confidence, the career, the meaningful relationships, the freedom, and the true happiness that you want. You don’t step into your power because you’re afraid to take action. You see your goals as too big or just out of reach. You don’t believe you’re worthy of having the life you desire, so you accept your current status because it’s “comfortable”.
Your thoughts leave you feeling lost and overwhelmed, unsure of what to do. But guess what, with the right guidance, you are capable of drastically changing your mindset and ultimately your life.
Through a Cognitive Behavioral Model, I empower you to learn concrete skills and tools to help manage your worries and take control of your behaviors.
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common mental health issue marked by ongoing and intense worry about different areas of life. This persistent anxiety can disrupt everyday activities and cause considerable distress. Individuals with GAD may face symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, trouble focusing, muscle tension, and sleep problems.
GAD VS OCD
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to alleviate the anxiety caused by these thoughts. People with OCD often feel trapped in a cycle where their distressing thoughts lead them to engage in compulsive rituals, which only temporarily relieve their anxiety and reinforce the cycle.
Obsessions might include fears of contamination, harming others, or doubts about safety, while compulsions could involve excessive washing, checking, or mental counting. This condition can significantly impact daily life, making it difficult to focus, maintain relationships, or engage in regular activities.
Do anxiety and OCD go together?
While GAD is distinct from OCD, both disorders share anxiety as a central feature. Individuals with OCD experience specific, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsion) and fears around imagined possibilities). In contrast, GAD involves more generalized and diffuse worry around real life situations without the specific obsessions and compulsions seen in OCD.
If you’re struggling with GAD or OCD and looking for support, working with an OCD and anxiety therapist can be beneficial. Whether through in-person sessions or online therapy, a specialized therapist can help address both generalized anxiety and OCD symptoms. Finding a therapist for OCD and anxiety near you can provide targeted treatment. For the best results, seek out a therapist who offers OCD and anxiety counseling and understands the nuances of both conditions.
What to expect in an online ocd and anxiety counseling session…
During an online OCD and anxiety counseling session, the emphasis is on tackling your specific challenges in a structured and supportive setting. Sessions usually start with an initial assessment to discuss your current symptoms, history, and particular concerns, enabling the therapist to customize the approach to fit your needs. From there, you’ll collaborate to establish therapy goals, such as reducing anxiety, managing OCD symptoms, or developing effective coping strategies. Depending on your needs, various therapeutic methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may be employed to address thought patterns and behaviors. You’ll also participate in skill-building exercises aimed at symptom management, which might involve challenging irrational thoughts, practicing exposure tasks, or utilizing relaxation techniques. Between sessions, you can expect homework assignments designed to reinforce what you’ve learned and help you apply these tools in real-life situations. Throughout the session, the therapist offers continuous support and feedback, modifying your treatment plan as needed. Each session typically wraps up with a summary of your progress and a plan for the next meeting, paving the way for ongoing growth and addressing any challenges that arise.
Together, we can:
Examine and challenge worrying thinking
Learn coping skills to manage symptoms
Build your tolerance to anxiety and stress
Calm your monkey mind through mindfulness techniques
Have a better relationship with food and your body
Set boundaries and learn assertive communication strategies
Let go of perfectionism & self-sabotage
Become comfortable with vulnerability and feeling your feelings
Reframe negative judgmental self-talk
Change unhelpful thinking patterns
Change unhelpful thinking patterns
Learn to embrace and accept uncertainty
You do not have to be a slave to your anxiety!
You can learn how to better manage your thoughts and emotions, and not let them control you!
You are capable of more than you think, maybe all you need is a little support and guidance. As your OCD and anxiety therapist, I will be right there with you every step of the way. I’m ready when you are!
Meet Your OCD and Anxiety Therapist
Hi, I’m Christina
Hello! I'm Christina, a licensed therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety. With both personal and professional experience in these areas, I understand the unique challenges that come with managing obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety. I bring a compassionate and informed approach to therapy, helping you navigate your symptoms and work towards meaningful change.
My background in personal training and health coaching has deepened my understanding of the mind-body connection, reinforcing the belief that mental health is integral to physical well-being. This holistic perspective guides my practice, as I offer OCD and anxiety therapy that addresses both the cognitive and physical aspects of OCD and anxiety.
I offer online therapy for OCD and anxiety tailored to your needs, combining evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT). Whether you're struggling with obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, or generalized anxiety, I am here to provide the support and tools you need to manage your symptoms effectively.
If you're looking for a therapist who understands the complexities of OCD and anxiety, and who is dedicated to helping you find relief and resilience, I'm here to help. Let’s work together to create a path towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Ready to talk about it?
Schedule your consultation to find out more about how I can help.
I charge a $20 fee to schedule a 15-minute consultation. This fee helps protect my schedule and prevent no-shows. If we decide to move forward together, the fee will be applied toward the cost of your first session.
WHERE I CAN SERVE CLIENTS AS AN OCD AND ANXIETY THERAPIST
OCD and Anxiety Therapist Florida
OCD and Anxiety Therapist Maine
OCD and Anxiety Therapist New Hampshire
FAQs about seeing an OCD and Anxiety therapist online
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Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is widely recognized as the most effective treatment for GAD. It helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. Techniques such as cognitive restructuring and behavioral experiments can reduce excessive worry and improve coping strategies.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT focuses on accepting anxiety as a part of life rather than trying to eliminate it. It encourages mindfulness and helps individuals align their actions with their values, even in the presence of anxiety.
Therapy for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): ERP therapy is a specific type of CBT that is particularly effective for OCD. It involves gradually exposing individuals to feared situations or thoughts and helping them resist performing compulsive behaviors. This approach helps reduce the power of obsessions over time.
Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT): I-CBT addresses the underlying inferential confusion in OCD, targeting the obsessive doubts that lead to compulsions. It focuses on resolving these doubts through cognitive techniques and does not necessarily require exposure exercises. Read my full article about I-CBT vs ERP for OCD treatment.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT can also be useful for OCD by helping individuals accept their intrusive thoughts without acting on them, and instead focusing on living a values-driven life.
Ultimately, the best therapy for OCD and anxiety depends on various factors, including personal preferences, the severity of symptoms, and previous anxiety and OCD treatment experiences.
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Managing anxiety related to OCD requires a mix of strategies to alleviate symptoms. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is effective as it gradually exposes you to your fears while helping to lessen compulsive behaviors. Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT) aims to address obsessional doubts and help you stay grounded in reality. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages mindfulness and living according to your values, which can lessen the effects of anxiety. Additionally, incorporating healthy lifestyle choices, stress management techniques, and support from professionals, support groups, and loved ones can significantly boost your overall well-being. By combining these methods, you can better manage OCD-related anxiety and enhance your quality of life.
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OCD anxiety does not necessarily get worse with age, but it can vary from person to person. For some individuals, OCD symptoms may intensify over time if left untreated or if they face ongoing stressors. Others may experience fluctuations in symptom severity, with periods of improvement or worsening based on various factors, including life events, stress, and changes in treatment. Early intervention and effective OCD treatment, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT), or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), can help manage symptoms and improve long-term outcomes. Regular therapy and support can be crucial in maintaining symptom control and overall well-being as you age.
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Several factors can contribute to the worsening of anxiety and OCD symptoms. High levels of stress from work, relationships, or life changes can intensify these conditions. Additionally, avoidance of triggering situations may reinforce fears, making symptoms more severe over time. Not seeking or adhering to effective treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT), can also lead to a deterioration in symptoms.
Unresolved trauma plays a significant role, as past experiences can heighten emotional vulnerability and increase anxiety. Cognitive distortions, or negative thinking patterns, perpetuate anxiety and OCD, making it challenging to break free from compulsive behaviors. Substance abuse often exacerbates these issues, further interfering with anxiety and OCD treatment.
Poor sleep quality can heighten anxiety and worsen OCD symptoms, while feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities can trigger or amplify these feelings. Perfectionism, characterized by high standards and compulsive tendencies, can increase anxiety levels. Lastly, a lack of support or feeling isolated can make managing anxiety and OCD even more difficult.
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The root cause of OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) is complex and involves multiple factors. On a biological level, it may be associated with imbalances in brain chemicals and structural abnormalities in the brain. Genetics also play a significant role, as OCD can be hereditary. From a psychological perspective, dysfunctional thought patterns, such as excessive doubt and an inflated sense of threat, contribute to the symptoms of OCD. Environmental influences, including trauma or high levels of stress, can trigger or exacerbate the disorder, and research is ongoing regarding the effects of infections. Furthermore, early childhood experiences and developmental aspects can affect the likelihood of developing OCD. In summary, OCD arises from a blend of these biological, psychological, and environmental elements.
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Overthinking can be a symptom of both OCD and anxiety, but the underlying mechanisms and experiences differ between the two.
OCD: In OCD, overthinking typically involves persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that cause significant distress. The individual may engage in repetitive mental or physical actions (compulsions) to try to reduce the anxiety associated with these obsessions. Overthinking in OCD is often driven by a need to alleviate uncertainty and prevent perceived threats, leading to compulsive behaviors.
Anxiety: In general anxiety, overthinking is characterized by excessive worry about various aspects of life, including future events, decisions, or everyday situations. This constant rumination is driven by a fear of potential negative outcomes and can lead to chronic stress and anxiety. The focus is on the anxiety-provoking aspects of life rather than specific obsessions or compulsions.
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I am licensed to offer online anxiety therapy to clients in Florida, Maine and New Hampshire. If you are looking for online anxiety therapy in California or Utah then check out Self emBody Therapy.
Ready to talk about it?
Schedule your consultation to find out more about how I can help.
I charge a $20 fee to schedule a 15-minute consultation. This fee helps protect my schedule and prevent no-shows. If we decide to move forward together, the fee will be applied toward the cost of your first session.
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