Why choose an OCD Specialist

It is often said that courage is not the absence of fear, it is the strength to act despite it. We believe this sentiment to be very true, especially in regards to seeking treatment for OCD and specific phobias. It can be challenging in general for anyone to seek therapy for the first time and with anxiety disorders, at baseline you’re likely already anxious let alone when reaching out for help and trying something new and potentially nerve-racking.

So why Lux Behavioral Health? And why seek a specialist for OCD treatment? I’d like to share a personal story as I believe it to fully encompass why choosing a specialist and why choosing Lux Behavioral Health may be the right decision for you.

In my mid 20’s I was diagnosed with OCD. At the time I was experiencing disturbing intrusive thoughts every 20-30 seconds. The only time I was relieved of this constant intrusion was when I was helping my clients. However, the job I had at the time was very stressful and so although it was an escape from the intrusive pattern, it also perpetuated the stress that heightened these symptoms.

I sought treatment with someone who claimed to know OCD well. They had been in the field for 20+ years and so, as a newbie therapist myself, I trusted this guidance. Unfortunately, decades of experience did not equate to expert care for this disorder. The intrusive thoughts I shared with this therapist were minimized, acted out in front of me (wildly triggering at the time), and I was told that having these thoughts was like, “indulging in chocolate”. As if I invited these intrusive thoughts and images and the distress that came with them.

I went back for one more session thinking, This person has been a therapist for so long, there must be a method to this madness. I had spent the entire evening after that first session with the image of them acting out my intrusive thought on constant repeat. Despite the distress I thought, There must be a reason for this. The second session was a little better however the suggestions from the therapist were to repeat positive words in my head every time I had the intrusive thoughts. At the time, with little understanding of this disorder myself, I trusted this advice.

Unfortunately these two sessions had not been helpful because the therapist had triggered my symptoms when they were already severe and I was barely making it through the work day as is. Additionally the “coping skills” suggested were really compulsions to push the thoughts away and actually made my OCD symptoms much worse.

So why do I share this story? Its anecdotal, sure. I believe this to be a common experience however. There are many providers with a genuine want to help but with suggestions to cope that are actually compulsive and will worsen symptoms. The worst part for me was the lack of understanding of what was a truly distressing thought pattern that I was begging to put an end to. I don’t think any person with OCD would express that their symptoms are indulgent like eating a decadent dessert.

Since this experience in my mid 20’s I’ve learned a great deal about OCD for my own healing and treatment. I then furthered my research to help others. I took courses to learn evidence based treatment to help clients and sought consultation with experts to provide the best care I possibly could. I consider myself an expert in this area though I am always learning more and always excited to add to my toolbox.

Lux Behavioral Health might be the right path forward for you if you’re looking for thoughtful, evidence-based effective care from a clinician who is passionate about providing effective care and truly understands. I share my story in hopes that even if you seek treatment elsewhere, that you have understanding to verify the person offering guidance is truly equipped to provide the expert care you need and deserve.