Therapy
Psychotherapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder
For private patients and self-payers
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most distressing mental health problems. Many people are caught in a cycle of troubling thoughts and an urge to repeat certain actions. Even when they recognize their fears as exaggerated, they often cannot stop the compulsions on their own.
At Psymondo, I offer you a protected space and evidence-based methods to break this cycle step by step and regain quality of life.
Obsessive thoughts vs. compulsive actions: what is the difference?
OCD has two main components, which often occur together.
Obsessive thoughts
Intrusive, recurring thoughts, impulses or images that feel very distressing. Examples are fear of contamination, worry about having failed to prevent something bad, or aggressive or immoral thoughts. They trigger strong anxiety, restlessness or guilt.
Compulsive actions
Repeated behaviors or mental rituals, such as checking, washing hands, counting, keeping things in order or silently repeating words. They are carried out to briefly reduce the anxiety caused by the obsessive thoughts or to prevent a perceived danger.
The pillars of my treatment for OCD
Successful therapy is based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the best-researched method for OCD.
1. Psychoeducation & understanding the model
Together, we look at how your compulsions are structured and how the cycle of thoughts, anxiety and compulsive behavior keeps itself going.
- Education: Why trying to suppress obsessive thoughts usually makes them stronger.
- Relief: Understanding that thoughts are not actions (thought-action fusion) and that compulsions are a treatable anxiety response.
2. Cognitive restructuring
We examine the patterns of appraisal behind the obsessive thoughts, such as an excessive sense of responsibility, catastrophic thinking or difficulty tolerating uncertainty.
3. Exposure and response prevention (ERP)
ERP is the most effective element of behavioral therapy for OCD. With professional guidance, you gradually face situations that trigger anxiety or obsessive thoughts, without carrying out the usual compulsion.
- Learning effect: You experience directly that the anxiety subsides on its own after a while (habituation), and that the feared catastrophe does not happen.
Not sure which option fits your concern? Feel free to contact me for a personal first appointment.
My goals for your therapy at Psymondo
Goals are individual and can be very varied. Possible areas include:
- Everyday life & freedom: Gaining time and relief by gradually reducing compulsions and checking.
- Anxiety & uncertainty: Building tolerance for uncertainty and experiencing how anxiety fades over time.
- Thoughts & appraisal: Creating distance from intrusive thoughts and reducing feelings of guilt and responsibility.
- Relationships: Relieving partners and family members who have been drawn into reassurance or rituals.
- Potential & quality of life: Returning to the personal values, hobbies and goals that the compulsions have restricted.
My therapeutic approach at Psymondo
I offer you a trusting setting free of judgment, in which you can talk openly about your compulsions. Breaking compulsive patterns takes courage. We work step by step and at your own pace, so that you can take back control of your life.
Would you like to break the cycle of compulsions, or do you have questions about treatment? Feel free to get in touch for a personal first appointment.
Sessions are available in German and English.