Counselling for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts or anxieties – called obsessions, which trigger certain coping mechanisms and specific behaviours – known as compulsions. If you find yourself engaging in repeated and unexplainable patterns of behaviour to cope with your anxiety – such as repeatedly checking locks, hoarding, or arranging and rearranging your environment – then you might have OCD.

Obsessions

Obsessions are unwanted intrusive thoughts that can trigger distressing feelings or emotions. Examples of common obsessions that have been observed include excessive germaphobia, recurring “call of the void” thoughts, intrusive and unpleasant sexual thoughts.

Compulsions

Compulsions are unhealthy coping mechanisms that are employed to manage obsessions and the mental distress they can cause. Some examples of compulsive behaviours include checking locks, ritualistic tapping, repeating words or counting.

Kinds of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

People with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can develop unique obsessions and compulsions. Although OCD does not have official subtypes, psychologists and researchers observed that most people with OCD fall into one of the following categories.

Contamination and Cleaning

Some people experience anxious and intrusive thoughts about dirt and germs which causes anxiety that can only be relieved by the compulsion to clean or re-clean their environment.

Superstitious and Religious

Some people may develop obsessions surrounding religious beliefs or superstitions. In some cases, the person may pray or engage in rituals to relieve the fear that something bad will happen.

Intrusive and Taboo Thoughts

A person may experience intrusive and taboo thoughts that can be violent or sexual in nature. Knowing the distressing nature of these thoughts, the individual may keep them to themselves and internalize the compulsions.

Symmetry and Organization

Individuals may engage in compulsions involving the arranging and rearranging of their environment in order to make it appear more symmetrical or organized.

Worrying and Checking

Sometimes, the person may engage in obsessive worrying which causes them to check and re-check - such as checking if the stove is on or that the door is locked.

Compulsive Hoarding Issues

Hoarders have a tendency to excessively collect and stockpile objects or items, while also finding it incredibly difficult to let go of them, even if they’re no longer useful or safe to keep around.

Treatment for OCD

Counsellors employ a variety of approaches to help manage OCD and other anxiety disorders. One approach that has been shown to be effective is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)which involves identifying and confronting the irrational beliefs and obsessions underlying OCD, which within this framework are called “cognitive distortions.” For OCD specifically, CBT is applied in two steps: first through what’s called exposure therapy, then through response prevention therapy.

Exposure Therapy

Firstly, Exposure Therapy consists of exposing those with OCD to their triggers in a controlled and counsellor-supervised environment.

Response Prevention

Once comfortable, the counsellor and the individual will begin working on developing the necessary skills to resist the urge to give in to the compulsions.

OCD Therapists

Cara Hason

Cara Hason

Provisional Psychologist
$180-200 per hour
Cara has over 10 years of experience in helping individuals living with anxiety, depression, trauma, panic attacks, stress, OCD, intrusive thoughts, PTSD, relationship issues, and perinatal issues.
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Diana Izard

Diana Izard

RSW (Adults Only)
$190-200 per hour
Diana supports children, youths, families and individuals with anxiety, stress, burn out, developmental disabilities, ASD, eating disorders, relationship problems, ADHD, self-esteem and more.
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Gavin Leslie

Gavin Leslie

Provisional Psychologist
$180-200 per hour
*Direct billing to Alberta Blue Cross and ASEBP* Gavin works with individuals (13+) living with anxiety, depression, trauma (PTSD), low self esteem, disordered eating, grief, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), work concerns and chronic health issues.
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Joel Zimmerman

Joel Zimmerman

Registered Psychologist
$200 per hour
Joel works with individuals who need support for anxiety, depression, personal growth, and trauma (PTSD); as well as couples and families who want to improve communication, conflict management, and trust.
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Julie Munch

Julie Munch

Occupational Therapist
$170 per hour
Julie is a skilled OT who offers counselling for anxiety, OCD, stress, relationship issues, and work/school issues, as well as cognitive assessments, exposure therapy, functional assessments, and more.
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Rameen Kargger

Rameen Kargger

Registered Psychologist
$200 per hour
Rameen offers assessments and counselling for couples and individuals with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, phobias, OCD, and much more.
Not accepting new patients
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Natalya Austin

Natalya Austin

Reg. Clinical Social Worker
$200 per hour
Natalya has 16 years of experience helping individuals with a variety of issues anxiety, depression, relationship issues, loss, parenting, stress, OCD, self-esteem, insomnia, life transitions and more.
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Steve Slopek

Steve Slopek

Registered Psychologist
$220 per hour
Steve provides counselling for individuals living with trauma, anxiety, substance issues, relationships issues & more; as well as, assessments to diagnose ADHD and autism.
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Get Matched To The Right Therapist

Not sure who can help you? You can either fill out the form to be matched to a therapist that specializes in your unique situation or give us a call at (403) 588-7639.

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