OCD Treatment &
ERP Therapy
in Ann Arbor, Detroit, and throughout Michigan
You have to repeat a simple task over and over again.
Your thoughts are irrational but you can’t stop or else the dread and panic will take over.
The discomfort feels like it’s going to last forever.
Your mind tells you that the rituals you do, no matter how irrational, will keep you and others safe. You tell yourself, just one more time, and the anxiety will go away. The belief that you should be able to control your thoughts consumes you. The shame you feel for not being able to control them confirms the belief that there is something wrong with you. On the one hand, there is a drive for reassurance while on the other, the intrusive thoughts feel too shameful to speak. All you want is certainty, it feels painful to feel uncertain of the future, what will happen, and all of the “what ifs.”
What is OCD?
OCD is a mental health disorder where an individual has persistent obsessions and compulsions. These obsessions are thoughts, urges, or impulses that are disturbing, intrusive, and unwanted. People with OCD attempt to ignore, or suppress these obsessions with a thought or action (which we call a compulsion). Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that a person feels like they have to do in response to the obsession. The compulsions are directly aimed at reducing the anxiety or distress of the obsession but are obsessive and are not logical or realistic.
Common Obsessions in OCD
Generally, obsessive thoughts come in themes. These themes include but are not limited to, losing control, harm, need for symmetry “just right OCD”, unwanted sexual thoughts, saving/hoarding, and religious obsessions.
Specific examples of obsessions:
Fear of blurting out a swear word or something inappropriate in public
Fear of hurting a parent or loved one
“What if I left my curling iron on?”
“If I don’t eat snacks in pairs, someone will get hurt.”
“If I am not perfect, God will be mad at me.”
Repetitive sexual thoughts or images
Common Compulsions in OCD
There are many common OCD compulsions. Common ideas include hand washing, checking, repeating, and mental compulsions.
Specific examples of OCD compulsions:
Saying the swear word over and over again, despite fighting the urge.
Avoiding the person you fear you will hurt.
Setting an alarm to go off every 15 minutes through the day to check if you turned off the curling iron.
Only eating goldfish in sets of twos.
Making a list of things you are not “perfect” at and trying to find ways to make yourself “perfect.”
Confessing your sexual thoughts and images due to the need for reassurance.
Is OCD an Anxiety Disorder?
Although OCD can cause significant anxiety, distress, and worry it is not an anxiety disorder. The term “Anxiety Disorder” is an umbrella term that covers many anxiety-related diagnoses, 11 to be exact! Examples of anxiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Phobias, and Panic Disorder. Anxiety disorders also cause similar levels of distress and worry. The difference is that these symptoms are the consequences of obsessions and compulsions in OCD. Individuals with an anxiety disorder will have anxiety without any compulsions. Interestingly, people can have an OCD and anxiety disorder diagnosis at the same time but not everyone with OCD has anxiety.
What is ERP Therapy?
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a specific type of Exposure Therapy that is directly for the treatment of OCD. In ERP, there are two elements: exposure and learning not to respond to obsessions. First, people are exposed to whatever distresses them and then they learn techniques to prevent normal compulsion. Let’s use an example of someone who has intrusive thoughts about blurting something inappropriate out loud in class or at work (obsession). They then ask for reassurance from people they love and trust that they would never do that (compulsion). With the help of their OCD therapist, they will create a hierarchy of stimuli related to the fear of blurting something inappropriate out loud from least stressful to most stressful. Starting with the least stressful, they will begin to be exposed to this. This could look like a person thinking about saying something inappropriate in front of their teacher or boss and not asking for reassurance they would never do this.
Does ERP Therapy Work?
There are different types of exposure therapy but ERP therapy, specifically, “is one of the most efficacious and effective forms of treatment for OCD.” ERP is a powerful treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. There is evidence that adult patients whose symptoms did not improve with OCD medication saw significant improvement in symptoms when provided with ERP Therapy. It is also important to remember, as with any treatment approach, that one size never fits all.
Start OCD Treatment and ERP Therapy in Michigan
Step 1: Free Consultation
Click here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation! You will speak with the clinical director who will learn more about you, answer any questions you have and match you with a therapist who we think will be a great fit!
Step 2: Begin OCD Treatment
At the consultation, we will schedule your first appointment. Then you will sign up for a free online portal, complete the required documents, and log on to meet your OCD therapist!
Step 3: Start Feeling Better
Together with your therapist, you will come up with a treatment plan to meet your needs. This includes how often you will see your therapist, what your goals are, and the best types of therapy that will help you start feeling better.
Due to Michigan state licensing requirements, all patients must reside in Michigan at the time of service to participate in our teletherapy services.
We only offer online counseling and do not have in-person options.
We are in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and Blue Care Network plans. Otherwise, we are an out-of-network provider and can provide superbills for reimbursement from your insurance. Our private pay fees start at 170+ depending on the therapist.
OCD and ERP Therapists in Michigan
OCD and ERP Blogs:
Exploring the Seen and Unseen: Compulsions & Mental Rituals in OCD
Exploring the Seen and Unseen: Compulsions & Mental Rituals in OCD
Are you interested in reading more blogs? Check out our mental health blog for the most recently updated blog posts!
Other Services Offered at Embodied Wellness in Detroit, MI
In addition to traditional OCD treatment and ERP therapy approaches at Embodied Wellness, PLLC, our OCD and ERP therapists are here to help you regain control of your life. We offer holistic therapies including EMDR, Somatic therapy, Internal Family Systems, therapy for empaths, and DBT. We also offer Teen and Adolescent Counseling, Trauma and PTSD treatment, and depression treatment. You no longer have to experience being alone in your struggle with OCD. We are here to support you, every step of the way. Contact us at our Detroit-based practice today!
