My personal connection to OCD and mental health

I had anxiety and depression in response to losing a parent when I was 15 and had to learn how to respond to those feelings. I think we all know how it feels to be overwhelmed and afraid at times, and I feel like all therapists have experienced some kind of trauma that they learned to heal from.

The most rewarding part of treating OCD

Helping people live fuller, less fear-driven lives gives my work deep meaning. That sense of purpose drives me to give my best. I believe in the ripple effect, too-when you make progress in therapy, it can positively impact your relationships and can extend to your broader community. Knowing that my work has the potential to create such a ripple of positive change motivates me.

My message to you if you're struggling right now

ERP is about embracing the fear that we feel. Fear is how we rationalize our anxiety, and that anxiety is that response to the unknown, toward what is the best response to avoid being uncomfortable. ERP is a great method to not only teach the skills of managing OCD, but also for strengthening your muscles to be comfortable with the uncomfortable.

How I create a safe, supportive environment in therapy

I will try to understand and feel your experiences as best that I can through my body language and the attention and respect that I give you, as well as the humor that I use to balance our interactions.