Marcio Guzman

When I was in graduate school, I did a master's degree in biomedical sciences. At a friend's encouragement, I jumped into a PsyD program. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I personally have struggled with subclinical OCD symptoms, like 'just right.' A close family member has struggled with generalized anxiety and OCD.

When I was working on my PsyD degree, I learned about ERP. I was fascinated. It is so hands-on, so creative. So I trained in OCD and anxiety disorders, and working with that population has been a really wonderful experience. After seeing the effectiveness of the treatment, and how quickly some people can make changes, I was hooked. It is so fulfilling and meaningful to see people who were impaired by OCD become able to live a full life.

I started out working with OCD and anxiety disorders. I've worked as an anxiety disorder specialist at an eating disorder treatment center. Right before joining NOCD, I was working primarily with substance abuse disorders, trauma, and anxiety disorders.

The treatment for OCD is very effective. It does feel uncomfortable before it gets better. But it has the potential to make symptoms manageable and really improve the quality of your life. That's a major focus of my work as a therapist—are we improving the quality of your life, and if not, what's missing?

I'd ask, what are you afraid would happen if you shared that with me? Usually, there's a fear of rejection, judgment, or criticism. That's normal. I'm not here to judge or criticize. I might let you know what I've done in the past when somebody shares something vulnerable with me. Often, that helps people relax.