Maryland Telehealth Support
OCD
I am Christina Thompson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland. I have spent about six years in practice helping people look at the patterns of intrusive thoughts. Living with OCD often involves experiencing loud thoughts about potential risks while you try to find balance through rituals or repetitive actions. My approach is grounded and relational, focusing on exploring your daily habits through telehealth sessions. Together, we look at the cycles that appear in your life and practice skills for your daily routine. Whether you notice checking, counting, or repetitive worry, I offer a warm space where we look at these experiences as a team. I work with adults and couples across Maryland from Monday to Friday, providing a virtual environment where you can be yourself while we do this work together.
Understanding The Loop
OCD often feels like an alarm that goes off even when you are not in immediate danger. You might find yourself returning to the front door several times to check the lock even though you remember turning the key. These intrusive thoughts feel urgent and often suggest that a specific action is necessary. In our work, we look at how these loops start and how they feel in the moment. I use a mix of CBT and DBT to help you notice these patterns without following the immediate urge. We talk about the everyday reality of these cycles, like how they impact your morning schedule or your focus at work. The goal is to observe these thoughts as they occur rather than responding to them as facts.
Practical Skill Building
Addressing OCD involves active strategies for responding to distress. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help you face specific situations without relying on your usual rituals. We might practice noticing the feeling of an untidy desk or a missed double check while focusing on your breathing. By using mindfulness based practices and somatic techniques, we connect with what is happening in your body when you feel a sense of urgency. This helps you stay present in the room instead of focusing on what if scenarios. We focus on physical awareness so you can make choices based on your personal values. We work together to explore new ways of being in your space and your mind.
Navigating Daily Rituals
Rituals can take up a lot of time in your day. You might spend time every night organizing a shelf in a specific way or replaying a conversation in your head to check for mistakes. These behaviors are often tiring and can lead to a sense of isolation. In our sessions, we break down these rituals into smaller parts. We look at the specific moments that lead to these actions, such as stress at your job or tension in your personal life. By using a relational approach, I help you explore new ways to be present that do not involve repetitive cycles. We work on building a routine where you decide your actions. This process is about exploring how you spend your time so you can participate in your hobbies.
Relational Support For Couples
When one person in a relationship experiences OCD, it impacts the dynamic of the home. Partners often get involved in rituals, like being asked for constant reassurance or following specific rules about how the kitchen is organized. I utilize Gottman Method concepts to help couples communicate about these challenges. We talk about how to support each other while noticing the OCD cycle. It is helpful for both of you to be heard and to understand the difference between the person you love and the patterns they are experiencing. We work on setting boundaries that allow for connection even during difficult weeks. Telehealth makes it easy for both of you to join from a spot at home where we can discuss real world observations for your relationship.
Practical Focus
What We Can Work On
- Intrusive thoughts and loops
- Compulsive checking or cleaning
- Relationship strain from OCD
- Physical tension and anxiety
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Related Pages
Your Next Step
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