Frequently Asked Questions

Do you only do exposure therapy?

No.  Many clients with anxiety and OCD also have comorbid conditions that we address as part of therapy, including ADHD, depression, PMDD (women), or past trauma.  When more specialized trauma work is needed, some clients choose to work with a trauma-focused therapist while continuing exposure therapy here.  In many cases, clients are referred by their existing therapist for exposure-based work specifically to address anxiety, OCD, and phobias. 

What if I’m too anxious to start exposure therapy? 

That’s one of the biggest concerns people have, and it’s a sign that you’re in the right place. Many people don’t feel ready to start therapy, especially exposure therapy, which can sound intimidating because it’s often associated with facing your biggest fears. In reality, it’s about changing your relationship with those fears.

Exposure therapy is not about being pushed into the hardest situation right away. It’s a collaborative process where we move step by step at a pace that feels manageable. You always have a say in what you are willing to do, and nothing is forced. Feeling ready doesn’t come before starting — it develops through taking action.

What if I’m not sure if I have OCD?  

That’s very common.  Many people aren’t sure whether what they’re experiencing is OCD, anxiety, or something else, and we can sort that out together.  

The focus isn’t on having the “right” label – especially since anxiety often creates doubt – but on understanding the patterns that are keeping you stuck.  OCD can show up in ways that aren’t always obvious, which means it can sometimes be overlooked.  If previous therapy hasn’t felt helpful, it may be because it didn’t directly target those patterns in the way exposure-based treatment does.  

Regardless of the exact label, exposure therapy can be helpful if you’re feeling stuck in patterns of anxiety, overthinking, or avoidance.