Aviva Psychology Services
Therapy for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
(OCD) in Massachusetts
Empowering those who struggle with intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviors to build courage and confidence and get their freedom back.
I can't handle it!
OCD is a cycle that helps in the short-term but only gets worse over time. Our brain gives us all sorts of ideas all day, and some of them are terrifying - so terrifying that we feel like we have to do something about them. So we over-think them, try to “solve” them, or neutralize them with some other thought or behavior. But they come back and the fear gets worse. It’s an exhausting and terrifying process that can control us if we don’t help ourselves out of it.
OCD is a bad friend. It threatens you, tells you, “it’ll be okay if you just x, y, or z”, then threatens you again.
- You feel overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts and fears
- Hours of your life are lost to obsessing or compulsing
- You feel out of control, or you’re desperate to feel in control
- You’re frustrated by a repetitive urge to do things you don’t want to do
At Aviva, we have psychologists who specialize in helping people who want to stop this cycle. We specialize in treating OCD with evidence based approaches that are grounded in research and built on strong therapeutic relationships. We can help you with tools and experience to build motivation to face fears and stop doing things that bring temporary relief and fuel more anxiety.
What is OCD?
OCD includes having obsessions and compulsions that are time-consuming or negatively affect your well-being or functioning. People with OCD often have some insight that what they’re doing isn’t necessary or helpful, but feel so fearful that they do it anyway.
Obsessions:
- You have thoughts, urges or images that are unwanted, repetitive, and stressful.
- You try to ignore, suppress, or get rid of them.
Compulsions:
- You feel driven to do behaviors (e.g., researching, washing, checking, reassurance-seeking) or mental acts (e.g., counting, comparing, praying, planning) in response to obsessions.
- You want the compulsions to reduce distress or prevent negative outcomes, but they’re excessive or not realistic.
OCD often focuses on specific themes, but it can change over time depending on context. Some themes include:
- Contamination OCD: Fear of germs, illness, or dirt
- Harm OCD: Fear of causing harm to oneself or others
- Sexual or Religious OCD: Intrusive taboo thoughts
- Checking OCD: Repeatedly checking appliances, doors, or personal mistakes
- Symmetry and Ordering OCD: Needing things to be “just right”
- Scrupulosity: Religious or moral obsessions
- Relationship OCD: Obsessive doubts about relationships
Evidence Based Treatment for OCD
Our psychologists at Aviva Psychology Services have specialized training and expertise in working with people with OCD. The first-line treatment for OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Therapy may also include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Therapy for OCD starts with building a relationship that helps you feel understood and supported. You and your therapist will gather background information that may help understand how and why OCD is happening, and what might help. Together you will identify your fears, obsessions, compulsions, and goals. Clarifying goals, values, and motivation is an important part of treatment for OCD, because it will help you to face your fears in a meaningful, purposeful way. You may also learn skills to help you take care of yourself during the process, such as relaxation skills and cognitive skills. Then, you and your therapist will collaboratively create a plan for exposure and response prevention, which you will use to face your fears without engaging in compulsions. This plan will help you to learn that your fears are less likely and less terrifying than you think, your anxiety will pass on its own, and you can do hard things.
Through practice and with support from your therapist, you will learn that you can face your fears and feel confident.
What's next?
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but we keep the process simple and supportive. Here’s what to expect:
Request an Appointment
Once you complete the form, we will reach out. If we have a fitting opening, we schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to assess fit further together.
Assessment and Planning
The first 2-4 sessions involve assessing your history, symptoms, and goals. Together, you and your psychologist will establish a treatment plan and discuss next steps.
Ongoing Weekly Sessions
Sessions are typically weekly for 55 minutes at a consistent time. You and your psychologist will focus on your treatment needs and goals.
Get your life back
Imagine living your whole day without compulsions: everything you do is intentional, values-based, and mindful. Scary thoughts and urges might pop up, but you can notice them non-judgmentally and they don’t make you panic or overwhelmed. You can be flexible with your routine and behavior, and you can let things go. You feel confident and brave because you’ve faced challenging situations before and been resilient. You feel more connected to your relationships, work, and life and less preoccupied by anxiety and control. This is possible.
Evidence-based therapists like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based interventions have been clinically tested and shown to significantly reduce symptoms of OCD and improve quality of life. With the right treatment, individuals can experience lasting changes in how they think, feel, and function— regaining a sense of agency and psychological flexibility in their daily lives.
Benefits of therapy for OCD
More confidence
Build bravery and trust in yourself.
More flexibility
Improve functioning and reduce strict adherence to rules, compulsions, and urges.
More tolerance for uncertainty
Accept uncertainty as a normal part of life instead of always needing reassurance or answers.
FAQs about OCD treatment
How do I know if I need therapy for my OCD?
If symptoms of OCD are interfering with your daily life, whether it’s your work, relationships, or sense of well-being, therapy can help. You don’t have to wait until things feel unbearable to get help.
How long does treatment for OCD take?
Everyone’s process is different, but many people start to feel relief within 4-6 sessions. Treating OCD is about overcoming avoidance and building long-term skills. The process moves at your own pace and you will engage in onoging discussion with your psychologist about your pogress and goals.
Can therapy help if I’ve had OCD since I was a kid?e?
Yes. OCD is treatable at any age. No matter how long you’ve struggled, you can learn new ways to cope and feel better.
