OCD
better is possible
If you’re here, you might be feeling stuck in an exhausting loop of intrusive thoughts, fears, and rituals to get through the day.
We understand how OCD shows up in persistent ways, and we specialize in helping you break out of those cycles with therapy that supports relief, confidence, and meaningful change.
Are you experiencing:
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Obsessions
Fear of contamination, losing control, forgetting. Unwanted thoughts about harming yourself or others, sex, and religion. The thoughts may also center around a need for order or excessive responsibility for a lack of harm to others. The key to obsessive thoughts are that they are unwanted, intrusive and cause significant distress.
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Compulsions
Examples are: excessive hand washing, checking on things like doors or appliances, arranging/ordering items, seeking reassurance, repeating words or phrases internally, or conducting rituals like touching or tapping in repeat patterns. These activities are repetitive, disruptive and unwanted, but meant to ease the distress that the obsessions cause.
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Avoidance
Often, with OCD, there is a desire to avoid situations or stimuli that could trigger anxious reactions, hoping to manage the distress, though this often results in a worsening of symptoms. OCD obsessions are convincing in that they make us believe constant vigilance is the only way to reduce threat and restore peace, leaving clients isolated in their distress.
This is OCD.
getting it right
Living with OCD
Living with OCD often feels like being caught in a cycle of fear and relief. Intrusive thoughts can show up unexpectedly and feel so real and alarming that they take over a person’s attention.
These thoughts are usually unwanted and upsetting, but they come with a strong sense of urgency—like if the person doesn’t do something (a compulsion), something bad will happen. This fear activates the body’s fight-or-flight response, increasing the urge to act. Compulsions may bring brief relief initially, but the anxiety usually returns, keeping the cycle going. Even when it’s not obvious to others, OCD can feel overwhelming and exhausting on the inside.
OCD is often misdiagnosed as ADHD or anxiety. Additionally, OCD has been popularized in our culture to represent a type of perfectionist. We know that those who manage OCD on a daily basis experience significant suffering and we want to get it right.
How We Work with OCD
Our approach utilizes ERP, I-CBT, and trauma-informed care to support you in understanding your patterns, reconnecting with your body, and finding practical ways to feel more grounded and in control.
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Exposure and Response Prevention
ERP helps people build tolerance for discomfort by gradually exposing individuals to feared thoughts or situations, while practicing new ways of responding instead of turning to compulsions. Over time, this helps break the cycle and reduce the power of the fear. It’s a structured, evidence-based approach that empowers people to face what they fear with increasing confidence and self-trust.
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Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
I-CBT is based on the central idea that obsessions are abnormal doubts about what “could be”, or “might be”. With this approach, obsessional doubts do not come out of the blue, but arise as the result mistrust of the senses and an over-reliance on the imagination. I-CBT aims to encourage clients to trust their senses, leaving no room for obsessional doubts.
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Trauma-Informed Counseling
Trauma-informed counseling is an approach that acknowledges the widespread impact of trauma and prioritizes safety, trust, and respect in the healing process. A trauma-informed therapist will not push the survivor to talk about their trauma until they’re ready, and will focus on creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment where healing can take place.
Meet Your Specialists
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Meet Your Specialists ⚘
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Alicia Boone, PCLC
I have a deep passion for supporting young women navigate life, pregnancy, miscarriage, and motherhood. Helping women understand and manage the unique challenges of ADHD is also a specialty, and I provide tools to improve emotional regulation, focus, and self-esteem.
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Becky Johnston, LCSW
Together with my therapy dog-in-training, Benny, we create a relaxed and casual space for women and teens (16+) navigating anxiety, depression, OCD, burnout, or big life changes. If you're feeling stuck, I’m here to help you feel more like you and create the path to a future that looks bright.
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Ellie Jorgensen, LCPC
I help individuals and families navigate life’s twists, turns, and roller coaster moments. I specialize in working with children, perinatal women, and family systems, focusing on challenges like childhood behavioral concerns, attachment, big life transitions, trauma, anxiety, and OCD.
“someone who is truly listening…”
“I feel like I am able to share openly with someone who is truly listening. I appreciate that sometimes you offer help with situations, but sometimes it’s just an opportunity for me to say things aloud.”
— ILLUMINATE CLIENT
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you’re seeking clarity, healing, or growth, our team is here to support you in finding what you need.