Courtney Holbrook

When I took a psychology course in high school, I read a book about an individual who had schizophrenia but was still able to still live her life despite her diagnosis. I thought I would love to work with people who have severe mental illness because many people with those disorders don't have a voice.

I love ERP. I feel like it's very helpful for OCD, social anxiety, panic disorders, and all anxiety disorders. I find it fascinating to work with. You can see dramatic results versus traditional cognitive behavioral therapy. My family has a history of anxiety and, most likely, undiagnosed OCD on both sides. I have struggled with OCD in the past, namely contamination, harm OCD, hit-and-run OCD, and religious scrupulosity. The difference between me living in recovery, versus somebody who's not, is that I know that these are just thoughts. These things could or could not happen; I don't know. But I know I'm in control of myself right now.

Pretty much everything. I've worked in emergency room and prison settings, so I have experience working with personality disorders, addiction, psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar, depression, self-harm, suicidality, and eating disorders.

Breathe. Give yourself a break. Trust yourself to open up with your therapist. Realize that sometimes we have to go through discomfort to get to our long-term goal. Short-term discomfort is worth long-term relief, and anxiety from exposures is easier to deal with than compulsions and safety-seeking behaviors that perpetuate OCD. Why not try something different?

I always try to create a compassionate, non-judgmental environment. I personally have struggled with OCD and thoughts that are taboo in our world today. The best way for me to help you is to share how you're feeling and why the thoughts are so uncomfortable. Know that there is no judgment here at NOCD. We understand that these are not things you actually want to do, but just thoughts.