Helping People Gain freedom from
Unwanted, Intrusive Obsessions and Compulsions

Obsessions and Compulsions can wreak havoc on your state of mind, sometimes even making you question whether or not you can even trust your own thoughts. Honestly, it’s quite impressive and amazing that you have been able to function and get through life as well as you have, despite the constant torture of your intrusive thoughts and the tedious behaviors that follow.

Obsessions (repetitive, unwanted, intrusive thoughts, ideas, or images) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors or activities that aim to decrease anxiety) can become quite debilitating and taxing on your life. Sometimes people just experience the obsessions and not any subsequent behaviors, this is sometimes called Pure-O OCD and can be just as troubling.

You might be confused as to why this is happening, frustrated that you can’t seem to shake it, and powerless over your own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. You might question your own sanity at times, constantly fighting with yourself about what is true and how you really feel. You might feel embarrassed to open up about what you’re really going through, even to family and friends. Getting help from a therapist at North Star can help you talk freely about what’s bothering you, and help you get to a place where you are no longer bogged down by your anxiety.

What are some specific challenges that OCD Therapy can help me with?

As someone experiencing symptoms of obsessions and/or compulsions you may be feeling:

  • Distressed because you recognize your thoughts or behaviors are excessive, irrational, or inappropriate
  • Ashamed and embarrassed of your symptoms, and how time-consuming and pervasive they can be
  • Mentally fatigued, because as much as you try to attain certainty, you seem to always talk yourself out of it
  • Anxious or worried all of the time, always trying to figure something out or do something to relieve your mental angst
  • Self-doubt, like you can’t trust your own thoughts and can’t seem to find a way make it stop for any significant amount of time

Even if you are feeling overwhelmed with feelings like these, OCD Therapy on Long Island can help.

Is it even possible to stop the thoughts and compulsions?

When it comes to OCD, it is imperative that you get treatment from therapists who specialize in this area. OCD is one of the most misunderstood problems that people struggle with, and only certain types of therapy are significantly effective in treating it. Some types of therapy can actually make it worse, so it is that much more important to get the right help from the right professionals. The good news is that OCD is very treatable, utilizing a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Mindfulness or other types of meditation can also be used as a supplement that many people find helpful to treat OCD as well.

We know that the symptoms involved with OCD can often become embarrassing and shameful, causing people to isolate or become very secretive about their problem. This can further become a source of depression, anger, and confusion. At North Star Counseling Services, we are OCD experts, and know firsthand the work involved with overcoming these torturous symptoms. You are invited to bring whatever you are experiencing to our office, where you will be welcomed without judgment, and shown how to regain control of your thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

What goals will we work towards in OCD therapy on Long Island?

Psychotherapy can provide the support you need to help you find your way towards a better life. Even if you’re feeling lost now, we can help guide you in making lasting, positive changes in your life. OCD Therapy on Long Island can help you:

  • Learn how OCD works in the brain, and how to implement effective techniques that will stop it in its tracks
  • Experience how to relate to your thoughts and feelings in healthy ways
  • Experience and sustain relief from your OCD symptoms
  • No longer feel ashamed and tormented by your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
  • Gain control over overwhelming urges
  • Find peace within your own mind

It’s possible to feel better. We have the experience to help you.

Do I even have OCD? Isn’t that just when you wash your hands 100 times per day or need to have everything perfectly neat and organized?

Many people assume that OCD is either excessive hand-washing, compulsively checking door locks, or being an extreme perfectionist. While these problems can certainly qualify as OCD, there are numerous other types of OCD. Many people suffering with OCD do not even realize that they are experiencing it. While nobody likes learning that they have a diagnosis such as OCD and while we aren’t huge fans of slapping labels on people, many of our clients are quite relieved to find out that they aren’t just “crazy” or “weird” or “freaks” but what they are experiencing is actually a problem that many other people experience too. Furthermore, obsessive-compulsive tendencies and behaviors have been extensively studied and can be treated effectively with the proper interventions.

Types of OCD

Here are some specific types of OCD or variations of obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders that you may be experiencing (yet these are not the only types):

Pure O OCD – Pure O stands for Purely Obsessional OCD, and up until recently, this was thought to be a type of OCD that did not have any compulsions, just t repetitive unwanted, intrusive thoughts, ideas, or images. We have come to learn though that Pure O is actually a misnomer, and that compulsions do take place. They are just what is called covert compulsions, meaning the compulsions take place within your mind. An example of a covert compulsion would be to incessantly research or seek reassurance (sometimes from others or the internet and sometimes just within your own mind or body) about the validity of your own thoughts. With Pure O, you may spend a lot of time thinking how you should not be thinking certain things and analyzing why you keep getting certain thoughts, some of which may be quite at odds with your actual lifestyle.

Relationship OCD – experiencing unwanted, intrusive, and distressing thoughts about the quality or truthfulness of one’s love for your partner, constantly questioning if they are the right one

Harm OCD – experiencing unwanted, intrusive, and distressing images or thoughts of causing oneself or other people harm, even though these thoughts are totally against one’s desires, beliefs, and values

Gay OCD / HOCD / Sexual Orientation OCD – Experiencing a pre-occupation with questioning whether you are gay (or questioning whether you are straight if you are homosexual), as well as experiencing intrusive, repetitive thoughts about what your “true” sexual orientation may or may not be. You may constantly ask yourself the question, “Am I gay?” or “Am I a repressed homosexual who just hasn’t come out yet?”

Perinatal / Postpartum OCD – Experiencing unwanted, terrifying, intrusive thoughts about stabbing or suffocating a newborn child, accidentally harming a child, accidentally exposing a fetus or child to toxins, chemicals that will be damaging, molesting a child, and/or fear of making a wrong decision that can lead to a serious or fatal outcome

Scrupulosity OCD / Religious OCD – Experiencing intense fear, anxiety, and guilt, about not living up to one’s faith or religious ideals or morals, and that by not living up to these values, you are violating God and committing sin.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) – Experiencing a preoccupation with what you feel is a defect in your physical appearance, which can lead to avoidance, anxiety, and impaired personal or professional functioning

Hypochondria / Health Anxiety – obsessive or irrational fear of having a serious medical condition

Pedophilia OCD (pOCD) – experiencing obsessions relating to whether or not you are sexually attracted to children or if you will molest a child. You may constantly ask yourself “Am I a pedophile” as well as over-examine your reactions to children.

Phobias – Experiencing an intense, recurrent fear of a specific situation or object. Having to encounter or think about this situation or object causes immense anxiety, and will often cause you to go to great lengths to avoid having to encounter this fear. This can cause much psychological and emotional distress and sometimes interfere with daily functioning. Some common examples of phobias include: claustrophobia (enclosed spaces), spiders, heights, choking, elevators, thunder and lightning, rats or mice, snakes, and needles.

This makes sense and I could really use some help with what I’m going through. How soon can I get in for an appointment?

Excellent! We can generally get new clients in within 48 hours, sometimes even the same day. Call or text us at (631) 533-0315 or e-mail us at hello@northstarlongisland.com to book an appointment or set up a free 15 minute phone consultation. All it takes is one moment to start the process of transforming your life. We’re here for you.

FAQ on OCD Therapy

OCD therapy is a purposeful journey towards understanding, empowerment, and freedom from the confines of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). When you engage in OCD therapy, you embark on a collaborative partnership with a skilled therapist, dedicated to helping you navigate the labyrinth of obsessions and compulsions that have been impacting your life.

Comprehensive Exploration: At the core of OCD therapy is a comprehensive exploration of the intricate landscape of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Your therapist provides a safe and empathetic space where you can openly discuss your obsessions—those intrusive, distressing thoughts—and the corresponding compulsions—repetitive actions or mental rituals undertaken to alleviate the anxiety.

Unraveling the Complex Web: OCD therapy is about more than just symptom management; it’s about understanding the triggers that set off the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. With your therapist’s guidance, you’ll delve into the underlying causes that fuel these patterns, unveiling the roots of your anxiety and gradually dismantling the power they hold over you.

Strategies for Management: A cornerstone of OCD therapy is the development of strategies to manage symptoms effectively. Your therapist equips you with a toolbox of evidence-based techniques tailored to your unique challenges. These techniques range from exposure and response prevention (ERP), where you confront your fears in a controlled manner, to cognitive restructuring that helps you challenge and reframe irrational thoughts.

Facing Fears Gradually: Exposure and response prevention is a hallmark of OCD therapy. Through this technique, you systematically confront the situations, thoughts, or triggers that provoke anxiety. Your therapist guides you in this gradual exposure, helping you build resilience and tolerance to the distressing stimuli, ultimately reducing the compulsion to perform rituals.

Thought Restructuring: OCD therapy also involves thought restructuring, which focuses on identifying and reframing distorted thoughts that feed into obsessions. By challenging irrational beliefs and replacing them with more rational alternatives, you gain a greater sense of control over your mind and reduce the power of obsessive thoughts.

Empowerment and Resilience: As you progress through OCD therapy, you’ll discover a newfound sense of empowerment. You’ll develop the skills to confront fears, manage anxiety, and make conscious choices about whether to engage in compulsions. This process nurtures emotional resilience, empowering you to navigate life’s challenges with greater poise.

Transformative Possibilities: OCD therapy isn’t solely about alleviating symptoms; it’s about transforming your relationship with anxiety and uncertainty. Through this process, you’ll gain insights into your triggers, learn to manage them more effectively, and build a foundation for long-term emotional well-being.

Embracing Freedom: Ultimately, OCD therapy is a journey towards embracing freedom from the confines of obsessive-compulsive disorder. It’s a process that invites you to reclaim your identity, discover your innate strength, and rewrite the narrative that has been dominated by obsessions and compulsions.

By expanding your understanding of OCD therapy, you’re opening a door to transformation—a journey that involves unveiling the intricate mechanisms of your mind, developing strategies for resilience, and stepping into a future where anxiety no longer dictates your thoughts, actions, and potential.

Therapy for OCD primarily involves a specialized approach called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). This method focuses on gradually exposing you to the situations or thoughts that trigger your obsessions, in a controlled and methodical manner. The goal of ERP is to help you build tolerance to the anxiety these triggers cause and learn not to engage in the compulsive behaviors that follow.

It’s important to note that the exposure process is not intended to be overwhelming or scary. Instead, it’s done in a structured and gradual way, working collaboratively with your therapist to develop a hierarchy of triggers. You’ll start with less distressing triggers and gradually progress to more challenging ones. The controlled nature of this process ensures that you’re never pushed beyond what you can handle, and you’ll always have the support of your therapist as you navigate these exposures.

Over time, as you engage in these exposures and resist the urge to perform compulsions, you’ll find that your anxiety decreases naturally. This process empowers you to break free from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions, leading to a reduction in your overall anxiety levels and an improved quality of life.

Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) becomes highly beneficial when the impact of intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors extends beyond occasional concerns and begins to significantly affect your daily life. If you find that these obsessions and compulsions are causing distress, interfering with your ability to perform everyday tasks, and limiting your overall enjoyment of life, it’s an indication that therapy could be incredibly valuable.

OCD can manifest in various ways, and its symptoms might include persistent and distressing thoughts that feel out of your control, leading to rituals or actions performed to alleviate the anxiety these thoughts cause. If these rituals become time-consuming, repetitive, or prevent you from engaging in typical activities, seeking therapy becomes crucial. Therapy provides you with a supportive environment to explore these thoughts and behaviors, understand their underlying causes, and develop strategies to manage and eventually overcome them.

It’s important to remember that reaching out for help isn’t a sign of weakness but rather a proactive step towards regaining control over your life. Therapy for OCD is designed to empower you by equipping you with skills to manage distressing thoughts and resist the urge to engage in compulsions. By addressing these challenges head-on, you can reclaim your quality of life and experience a sense of relief from the anxiety that OCD can bring.

At our practice, we understand that seeking therapy is an important investment in your well-being. We accept almost all insurance plans, and your out-of-pocket costs will generally be in the form of your copay. For those without insurance coverage or with plans we don’t accept, we offer a sliding scale fee structure. Depending on your income, you could access services for as low as $80 per session. Additionally, if you’re concerned about high copays, deductibles, or private pay fees,, we provide the option of every-other-week sessions, weekly sessions, or twice-per-week sessions, to help manage costs while still receiving valuable support.

The duration of OCD therapy can vary based on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms, your commitment to the therapeutic process, and how quickly you respond to the techniques. Generally, therapy for OCD is not a one-size-fits-all approach; rather, it’s a personalized journey tailored to your unique needs and progress.

Therapy for OCD often takes place over several months, with regular sessions scheduled weekly or bi-weekly. It’s important to note that noticeable improvements may begin within a few weeks, but the full benefits of therapy might unfold over the course of several months. Your therapist will work closely with you to monitor your progress, adjust techniques as needed, and ensure that you’re on track to achieve your goals.

The goal of OCD therapy isn’t just symptom reduction; it’s about equipping you with strategies to manage your symptoms independently and enhancing your quality of life. As you engage in therapy, you’ll experience a gradual shift in how you respond to obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Over time, you’ll gain a greater sense of control and empowerment, allowing you to step into a future where OCD no longer dictates your thoughts and actions.

If you find yourself entangled in a cycle of distressing obsessions and compulsions that impact your daily life and overall well-being, OCD therapy can be a transformative path forward. Seeking therapy is a courageous step toward gaining control over the consuming grip of obsessive-compulsive disorder and rekindling your ability to experience life more fully.

Persistent Obsessions and Compulsions: If intrusive thoughts and the subsequent need to perform compulsive behaviors have become a constant presence, affecting your thoughts, emotions, and activities, therapy offers techniques to break free from these patterns. Whether your obsessions involve fears, doubts, or worries, therapy provides a supportive space to explore their origins and develop strategies to manage them.

Interference with Daily Life: When obsessions and compulsions start to interfere with your ability to concentrate, work, maintain relationships, or engage in enjoyable activities, therapy becomes a crucial ally. The disruptions caused by OCD can be distressing, but therapy equips you with tools to regain focus, rebuild relationships, and reconnect with what brings you joy.

Quality of Life Enhancement: OCD therapy is not just about managing symptoms; it’s about enhancing your overall quality of life. If OCD is impeding your ability to lead a fulfilling life, therapy provides strategies to liberate you from its constraints and enable you to engage with life’s opportunities more freely.

Hope and Empowerment: Embarking on OCD therapy signifies your commitment to change and growth. It’s a journey that offers hope, empowerment, and a renewed sense of possibility. By working with a skilled therapist, you’ll learn to challenge the irrational fears and behaviors that fuel OCD, ultimately gaining the upper hand over the disorder.

Transforming Fear into Freedom: Choosing OCD therapy is a declaration of your intention to transform fear into freedom. It’s an investment in your well-being, allowing you to transcend the limitations of obsessive-compulsive disorder and embark on a path towards a life that is not overshadowed by anxiety. Through therapy, you’ll develop skills, insights, and resilience, all of which will pave the way towards a future where OCD no longer defines your identity or dictates your actions.