Online & In-Person
OCD Therapy
Are You Struggling with Intrusive Thoughts or Compulsive Behaviors?
- Do persistent, unwanted thoughts cause you anxiety or distress?
- Are you trapped in repetitive behaviors such as checking, cleaning, or counting? Do these behaviors feel impossible to resist?
- Do you try to suppress or neutralize certain thoughts with rituals, rules, or routines?
- Are you afraid of what might happen if you don’t act on your compulsions — even if you know, logically, that the fear is irrational?
- Do these symptoms interfere with your relationships, work, or ability to enjoy life?
Living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can feel exhausting, isolating, and confusing. Many people with OCD know these thoughts or behaviors are irrational, yet feel compelled to use rituals to relieve intense anxiety or prevent perceived harm. Others may feel overwhelmed by mental compulsions like reassurance-seeking, overthinking or avoidance.
Better Life Therapy specializes in helping people all over the Denver, CO area learn to manage their OCD symptoms, reduce distress, and regain control of their lives. Whether your OCD symptoms are new or have been around for years, you’re not alone! Better Life’s OCD therapists have treated many others just like you and know how to treat OCD compassionately and effectively.
Better Life therapists provide OCD counseling both in-person at our Denver area offices or virtually over video, from the safety and comfort of your own home.
OCD is More Complex Than You May Think – but It’s Also Highly Treatable
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a chronic condition with two main components:
- Obsessions: Recurrent, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety or discomfort
- Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors or mental acts intended to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions or prevent a feared event
OCD has common themes, including:
- Contamination fears (e.g., germs, illness, chemicals)
- Harm obsessions (e.g., fear of causing accidents or injuring someone)
- Symmetry or ordering needs (e.g., items needing to be “just right”)
- Religious or moral purity
- Sexual or violent intrusive thoughts
OCD affects approximately 2–3% of adults worldwide and often begins in childhood or adolescence. Without treatment, it can become more entrenched over time. But the good news is that with targeted, structured OCD therapy, your symptoms can become much more manageable.
At Better Life Therapy, we specialize in modern, evidence-based techniques that help you move beyond the OCD cycle and reclaim your life.
Have any questions? Send us a message!
How OCD Therapy at Better Life Therapy Can Help
Our specialized OCD therapists tailor each treatment plan to your specific needs, experiences, and goals. We draw from multiple well-researched therapy models, often integrating them to better shape your therapy. While we practice a wide variety of modalities, the examples below are some common methods of treating OCD.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
ERP is widely considered the gold standard for OCD therapy. ERP therapy involves gradually and intentionally exposing yourself to feared thoughts, images, or situations — without engaging in the corresponding compulsion. Over time, this reduces anxiety and weakens the link between the obsession and the behavior. ERP is highly effective for treating OCD, and many of Better Life’s OCD counselors practice it! ERP isn’t right for everyone, and your therapist will work with you to make sure you’re ready before beginning.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
An ACT therapist can help you relate to your thoughts and feelings with more flexibility. Instead of trying to eliminate your intrusive thoughts, ACT encourages the acceptance of their presence without judgment and emphasizes living in alignment with your values, even when discomfort arises. ACT is especially helpful for those with OCD who experience mental compulsions or high sensitivity to uncertainty.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is useful for helping you to identify and reframe distorted thoughts or beliefs associated with your OCD. It’s often combined with ERP to challenge impulses like perfectionism, catastrophizing, and rigid thinking that fuel the OCD cycle. CBT also supports the development of healthier cognitive and behavioral habits.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
MBCT combines traditional CBT techniques with one of our favorite toolsets – mindfulness skills! The MBCT approach teaches clients to observe their thoughts without getting too caught up in them, thus reducing reactivity and rumination. MBCT can be particularly useful for those who experience something called “pure O” OCD (primarily obsessional OCD) or frequent thought spirals.
We don’t always practice these modalities on their own. Better Life therapists are experienced at blending methods to support your unique journey and to help you make meaningful progress, step by step.
OCD is More Complex Than You May Think – but It’s Also Highly Treatable
Your Therapy Will be Structured, Collaborative, and Compassionate
At Better Life Therapy, your treatment will begin with a thorough assessment of your symptoms, goals, and how ready you are for treatment. Above all, though, we begin by listening – listening so we can better understand your story, your pain, and what you hope to get out of your therapy. From there, we’ll map out a personalized plan that will help you both better manage your symptoms and live a better, healthier life.
A few other specific things you can expect when in therapy from OCD:
- Psychoeducation about OCD and the treatment process
- A sensitive identification of your obsessions, compulsions, and triggers
- Gradual exposure to feared thoughts or situations (ERP), with support and guidance
- Tools for tolerating uncertainty and resisting compulsive urges
- Techniques to build mindfulness, self-awareness, and flexibility
We understand that OCD therapy might sound intimidating, especially when it involves confronting your fears. That’s why we approach all of our clients with empathy, patience, and respect. You’ll never be pushed to do anything you’re not ready for. Instead, we’ll collaborate with you on every step to make sure your treatment is effective, safe, and custom-tailored to you.
Why Better Life for OCD Therapy?
Better Life Therapists are Specialized and Experienced with OCD
Treating OCD requires special experience and skills, and not all Better Life therapists provide OCD therapy. Those that do, however, have experience working with more complex mental health challenges and have training in the types of modalities needed for treating OCD. We understand the nuances of the disorder, and our OCD counselors use modern, evidence-based techniques to support you on your journey.
We Value an Inclusive, Affirming Environment
OCD can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or identity. Our practice affirms the dignity, identity, and lived experiences of each person who walks through our doors. Many of our therapists come from diverse backgrounds and have non-traditional identities themselves, and you’ll never be asked to minimize your story to fit a formula.
In-Person and Telehealth Options
Our therapists provide both in-person therapy at our offices in Denver, Lakewood, and Westminster, and virtual telehealth therapy for those who prefer the comfort of their own home.
Common Questions About OCD Therapy
Isn’t OCD just about being too neat or organized?
No. Despite the cliches we know all too well, OCD is actually a complex, difficult condition that involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. It’s not a personality trait or preference, and it often causes significant emotional pain and disruption in daily life.
Will my therapist make me to do things that terrify me?
We use a safe, gradual, and collaborative approach to treating OCD. You’ll never be forced into exposures you’re not ready for. Our goal is to help you confront fears at a pace that builds your confidence and prevents backsliding, rather than one that traumatizes or overwhelms you.
Can my OCD be cured?
People with OCD process uncertainty and intrusive or upsetting thoughts in a different way from those without OCD. In most cases, this automatic thought process doesn’t completely go away. It is absolutely manageable, though. With therapy, many patients experience a significant reduction in their symptoms and can live full, meaningful lives. Ongoing maintenance strategies and coping skills can also help prevent relapse and support long-term wellness.
Is telehealth effective for OCD therapy?
Yes. ERP and other OCD treatments, for instance, are highly adaptable to telehealth. All of our therapists are experienced in delivering high quality virtual care, and will provide you with all the tools and support you need to engage fully from home.
Our Commitment to Your Healing
We know how exhausting it can be to live with OCD, and just how disheartening it can feel when symptoms get in the way of your goals, your relationships, or simple peace of mind. Better Life Therapy is committed to helping you face those challenges with proven tools, compassionate care, and a belief in your capacity to grow.
The goal of OCD therapy is not about eliminating every intrusive thought. It’s about helping you to live a normal life, even when pain and discomfort are present. Your therapist will work with you to build skills you can use on your own, outside of the therapy space, to manage your OCD – even when your therapist isn’t there to talk you through it.
You’ve taken the first big step just by coming here. Now let’s get you the help you need.
Fill out our contact form or give us a call. Our expert scheduling team can connect you with a Better Life therapist best suited for your particular concerns, and we’re able to schedule most folks for their first session within a week or two.
Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm MT. If you don’t get us on the first try, please know that we respond to every single inquiry we receive, and almost always within one business day.
Click below to fill out our form and get in touch, or give us a call at (720) 445-9979
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