when intrusive thoughts take over

OCD counseling in overland park, KS, Cambridge, MA, & psypact states

it can feel like your brain is working against you.

A distressing thought or image pops into your mind, and no matter how hard you try, you can’t shake it. You know it probably doesn’t make sense, but it feels real, and the anxiety is overwhelming.

You find yourself checking, counting, replaying, or mentally reviewing things to make sure you didn’t miss something. You avoid certain places, people, or situations just to keep the anxiety manageable. For a moment, you might feel better, but the relief never lasts for long.

“Why do I keep having these thoughts?”

“Does this mean something it wrong with me?”

“Why can’t I just stop and move on?”

you might be wondering…

when ocd takes hold, you might notice…

  • Intrusive thoughts that feel disturbing, scary, or completely out of character

  • Repetitive behaviors or mental rituals that temporarily make you feel better

  • Excessive checking, reassurance seeking, or avoidance

  • Feeling trapped in your own head, unsure what’s “real” or what’s OCD

  • Guilt, shame, or exhaustion from the mental effort it takes to cope

evidence-based therapy for ocd in Overland park, KS & Cambridge, MA

Effective treatment for OCD goes beyond talking about the thoughts—it helps you change your relationship with them.

  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD: A gold-standard treatment for OCD that helps you face fears gradually, reduce compulsions, and reclaim your time and mental energy.

  • Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT) for OCD: A specialized approach for OCD that targets the faulty reasoning behind obsessions and intrusive thoughts.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helps you relate differently to anxiety and intrusive thoughts, focusing on living your values rather than fighting mental discomfort.

Together, we’ll create a plan that feels supportive and manageable, helping you break free from the OCD cycle and reclaim the parts of life that matter most.

related concerns we can address

Many people with OCD also experience anxiety, perfectionism, depression, or burnout. These can all be woven into our work together to support your long-term well-being.

ready to break the cycle of ocd?

You don’t have to stay stuck in loops of fear and doubt. I offer online OCD therapy for adults in Missouri, Massachusetts, and PSYPACT states.

Book a free consultation to see if we’re a good fit and take the first step toward relief and lasting change.

FAQS FOR OCD therapy in overland park, ks & cambridge, ma

  • I work with adults experiencing a wide range of obsessive-compulsive symptoms: intrusive thoughts, perfectionism, checking, reassurance-seeking, taboo fears, overthinking “what-if” cycles, and the compulsive rituals that follow. My approach is grounded in evidence-based treatments: I use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT) tailored to your unique pattern. We collaborate to gently but consistently face triggers, reduce compulsive behaviors, and reconnect with certainty and values rather than get stuck in “what-if/never enough” loops.

  • In our first session, we’ll take time to connect, hear about what’s been most difficult, what kinds of obsessions or compulsions you’re experiencing, and what you hope will shift. I’ll ask background questions to understand your history, patterns, and values. Together, we’ll clarify the goals for therapy and begin mapping a tailored plan for your OCD—this inspection and clarity provide a foundation for the work ahead.

  • It depends, but probably. I am authorized to see clients in PSYPACT states:

    Active PSYPACT Members (as of late 2025): 

    • Southeastern: AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV

    • Mid-Atlantic/Northeast: CT, DE, DC, ME, NH, NJ, PA, RI

    • Midwest: IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, WI

    • West/Southwest: AZ, CO, ID, NV, OK, TX, UT

    • Territories: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) 

  • Typically, most clients start meeting weekly to build momentum and shift patterns. Each person’s experience with OCD is different so we’ll come up with a plan that’s best for you. We’ll check in on progress regularly and adjust pacing depending on how you’re responding, your life schedule, and your goals.

  • I’m not credentialed directly with insurance plans, Medicaid, or Medicare, but I’m happy to provide you with a superbill. You can submit the superbill to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement if you have out-of-network benefits. If you’re unsure what that means, I can walk you through the process.

  • The simplest next step is to reach out through my contact page so we can schedule a consultation and determine whether we’re a good fit. You can share what you’re looking for, ask questions, and I’ll guide you through what to expect.