Why I specialize in OCD

I have anxiety, and it has taken over my life and infiltrated a lot of my relationships. I know what it's like to have these feelings and thoughts, and to have this need to react and respond to them, and I think that helps me connect with people because I understand the frustration of knowing that you don't care about this thing, but for whatever reason, there's this part of your brain that is telling you that it matters.

How I create a safe, supportive environment in therapy

I allow times where you just need to talk about some very hard things that are not ERP, but have to do with your stress level. If you are overly stressed, that can impact your OCD and can increase symptoms. So I think it's important that we allow some space for just regular good old talking.

Why my members say they feel comfortable with me

Even though we are focusing on exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, I always allow some time for them just to tell me about their week, what's been going on, and how they're feeling. I also provide compassion, because I know how it feels to be in your head and think that you're going to be judged for opening up about your thoughts.

My message for you if you're struggling right now

Your therapist is supposed to meet you halfway. The point of this is for you to feel supported and for you to feel safe. I became a therapist to connect with others-not to tell them what to do, but to let them know that you have somebody running this race alongside you, and at the same pace as you.