The Grove
Your Therapist Isn't Going to Let You Off the Hook when it comes to OCD
If you've ever Googled "OCD treatment," you've probably seen the acronym ERP. Exposure and Response Prevention is the gold-standard, evidence-based treatment for OCD — and it works. But it also asks something of you that feels genuinely counterintuitive: stay with the discomfort instead of escaping it. So what is ERP? And what does it look like in therapy sessions?
“Just Stop Thinking About It,” Doesn’t Work for OCD
OCD involves intrusive thoughts—unwanted, disturbing thoughts that feel outside your control and trigger intense fear or disgust. You can't simply "stop thinking about it." The harder you try, the stronger the thoughts become.
Battling Perinatal OCD: Recognizing the Signs and Finding Support
Perinatal OCD is an often overlooked condition that can occur during pregnancy or the first year postpartum. It involves persistent, intrusive thoughts, usually about harming the baby, which lead to compulsive behaviors like excessive cleaning or checking. These behaviors offer only temporary relief, trapping mothers in a cycle of anxiety and stress. For example, Bethany, a new mother, obsessively monitors air quality and cleanliness, isolating herself and feeling overwhelmed. Recognizing the signs and seeking specialized help is crucial. At Roots & Branches, therapists provide support to break the cycle of perinatal OCD.