Overcome OCD With Compassion and Expertise With Dr. Karen Hawk Psychologist Arizona
Do distressing thoughts refuse to leave your mind? Do you find yourself repeating certain actions just to calm the anxiety these thoughts cause? If this sounds like your story, then you might have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
What is OCD
Contrary to popular belief, OCD is not about being extra neat or liking things in a certain way. It is a serious condition that involves unwanted thoughts, and overthinking that results in anxiety or distress. These thoughts are not meaningful worries but exaggerated fears such as falling ill by touching dirty surfaces or unknowingly hurting a loved one.
To get rid of these feelings and stresses you feel the need to do certain things repeatedly, this may include washing your hands several times taking multiple baths in a day, checking things many times, and so on. Such actions are known as “compulsions”. Simply put, actions that are meant to stop something bad from happening or to reduce your anxiety are compulsions. However, these end up taking control over your life! The toughest part is, that you know that these thoughts and actions aren’t not required, but you feel helpless and unable to stop them.
As an experienced OCD therapist, Dr. Karen Hawk is here to provide the guidance and support you need to overcome your anxiety and take hold of your life.
SERVICES BY DR KAREN HAWK
Some of the most common signs of OCD
When dealing with OCD, you are performing unimportant tasks that are taking over your life. These tasks might give you short-term relief, but soon, new anxieties arise, sometimes even stronger. The more you rely on actions to ease your anxiety, the more anxiety builds up in your mind. Eventually, you add more tasks to your routine to manage this anxiety, creating a vicious cycle in your life.
Washing your hands too often
Grooming yourself too much
Constantly organizing and arranging things
Checking things over and over again
Overthinking and worrying too much
Repeating actions like counting, tapping, or saying phrases and many more
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)- An Effective Treatment For OCD
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that is extremely effective in the treatment of OCD. The key aspect of this approach is to identify the factors that are causing the problem. It’s because, OCD is a strong fear of uncertainty and the unknown that arises a need to feel in control, safe, and sure about things.
ERP is specifically designed to address your fears effectively. In this therapy, you are gradually exposed to the things that trigger your anxiety, but without using the usual tasks or rituals you rely on for relief. The goal is to help you accept your fears without depending on these coping methods. This approach enables you to take control of your life and lessen the intensity of your fears. Over time, you will experience a significant reduction in anxiety and gain greater self-control.
Understanding and Overcoming OCD: Expert Help from Dr Karen Hawk OCD Therapist Arizona!
I, Dr. Karen Hawk Psychologist, understand how daunting it can get to live life with OCD. Each day becomes a challenge and it takes a toll on both- your personal as well as professional life. This struggle doesn’t just affect the person experiencing it, it also negatively impacts those who live with and care about them.
With many years of experience, evidence-based practices, and scientifically proven methods, I am dedicated to helping you manage and overcome OCD to improve your quality of life!
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