Common signs and symptoms may include:

• Repeated, distressing thoughts or images that feel uncontrollable

• Urges to perform rituals, routines, or checking behaviors to reduce anxiety

• Excessive cleaning, handwashing, or fear of germs

• Repeatedly checking locks, appliances, or personal items

• Counting, arranging, or repeating actions in a specific way

• Mental rituals, like silently repeating words or prayers to prevent “bad things”

• Significant time spent on obsessions or compulsions, interfering with work, school, or relationships

In therapy, we use evidence-based approaches like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to help you reduce painful obsessional thoughts, decrease compulsive responses, and regain control of your life.