Kari Wolsky

I wanted to combine my purpose and passion with my work. I've been volunteering and giving back my entire life. After many years working in media, I decided to return to school to fulfill a dream I’d had for many years to become a psychotherapist. I have lived with OCD myself since the age of 10. I know firsthand how difficult it is to find the right treatment and how much courage it takes to get help. The good news is that OCD responds very well to treatment, and you have done the hardest part by looking at this page and taking the first step toward wellness.

Part of my reason for becoming a therapist was the desire to work with those affected by OCD—those suffering with it, as well as their families and loved ones. I know firsthand how difficult this journey can be. I wanted to use my own life experience to help those who are also traveling this path. To me, the point of our struggles is to grow and use our difficulties to help others.

I also have experience providing trauma-informed care and am trained in several models and techniques, such as EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, and Trauma Incident Reduction. In addition, I have training in and use Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, mindfulness, and Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, among others. I have worked with people of all ages. I have extensive experience working with children and teens with behavioral issues ranging from ADHD and autism to ODD. A theme that runs through my work is helping those with anxiety-related disorders. I have a passion for working with young adults, helping them navigate life transitions and live according to their purpose and dreams.

It’s not as scary as it seems, and you can do it! With ERP, our obsessions and fears can be unwound and discharged more quickly than you'd imagine. Your brain is trying too hard to protect you, and our brains can be taught quickly that our OCD fears are not truly dangerous. When the pain of living with and being stuck in our OCD outweighs the fear of doing the work, that’s when we're ready to get the help we need to make lasting changes.

Know that there is probably not much I haven't already heard, and you are in a completely judgment-free and unbiased space. All humans have unusual thoughts. Neurotypical people can brush them off and let them pass more easily, while those with OCD may experience fear, shame, and guilt. Thoughts are not reality, but OCD doesn't respond to logic. Since OCD hits us where it hurts the most, it can be particularly painful. The people I've worked with who have OCD are some of the most conscientious and good people I have ever met.