Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

With a deep understanding of the underlying mechanisms of OCD, I guide individuals through a structured and evidence-based approach to confronting their fears and breaking free from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. Through systematic exposure to anxiety-provoking stimuli and prevention of ritualistic behaviors, I help clients gradually build tolerance to their distress and learn more adaptive ways of coping.

OCD is treatable and it is our goal to get OCD into full remission. We specialize exclusively in the treatment of OCD in adult women, and treat all subtypes of OCD. We provide you with expert, high-quality and personalized treatment. Sessions will be conducted with a PhD-level psychologist, trained in highly-ranked programs with over 15 years of experience. Dr. Fine will be a speaker at the 2022 International OCD Foundation conference.

As always, when constructing self-compassion coping statements, try to think about the most honest description of what’s happening. It isn’t necessarily the happiest, but it also should be void of criticism. Acknowledge that you are having the thoughts and feelings that you’re having. Recognize that others do (or at least would) find these thoughts and feelings difficult to contend with. Then invite yourself to recognize your strengths and your ability to exert those strengths against the OCD.

In working with OCD, I do a deep assessment related to the onset of your obsessive rumination and compulsive behaviors or mental rituals to break the cycle of feeling like you are on a constant hamster wheel you can't exit. I utilize a blend of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Exposure Response Prevention collaborating with you to treat your OCD. You will likely be working on constructing a hierarchy of feared events so we can develop exposure activities to help you overcome your anxiety.

OCD is exhausting and depletes individuals of the energy they need for the important areas of their life. Exposure and response prevention is the gold standard for OCD

I aim to help clients with OCD understand their experiences, develop effective coping strategies, and work towards managing their symptoms in a meaningful way.

To disrupt the OCD cycle I use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a specialized form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). ERP has more scientific evidence behind it than any other approach for OCD and is therefore considered the “gold standard”.

Have you worked with other providers who are not familiar with OCD? Would you like to talk with someone who has received specialized training and consultation in this area? If so, please e-mail me to learn more about my specialty treatment groups.

I take a biodyne view of OCD to help you uncover the often unconscious motivations fueling OCD personality dynamics.

When I begin working with a client who is experiencing anxiety, part of my assessment is determining whether or not the client may meet criteria for OCD. If necessary, I will complete a Y-BOCS assessment with the client to determine if they meet the criteria for an OCD diagnosis. When a client is diagnosed with OCD, we will discuss treatment options including medication, Cognitive-behavioral therapy, and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can be a disabling condition and, sadly, there is a dearth of providers adequately trained to manage the problems it causes. I've learned from both personal and professional experience that generic talk therapy doesn't help OCD. In contrast, I'm trained in evidence-based treatments for it, including Inference-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.

If you're someone struggling with, suspecting of, or supporting someone you love living with OCD, I encourage you to reach out! My experience working with individuals afflicted with this condition draws from a multi-theoretical approach grounded in cognitive-behavioral theory, psychodynamic, and dialectical-therapy skills-based approaches in an effort to better understand and cope with individually-determined symptoms as a reflection of your life experience.

I help clients understand the particular changes in brain physiology that trigger OCD, and help them develop habits that reduce OCD symptoms over time without feeling like they are in a brute-force struggle with their obsessions and compulsions.

Dr. Vivyan specializes in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) through evidence-based therapeutic approaches, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). She also has training in Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) for teens and young adults, which is another evidence-based treatment option.

Recurrent thoughts and mental images can cause significant anxiety, leading you to engage in an endless cycle of behaviors that reduce your distress temporarily. I can support you in breaking free from this cycle and gaining back control in your life. I utilize exposure and response prevention (ERP), in which you will gradually confront fears in a supportive and encouraging setting.