Not at all. Intrusive thoughts are a core symptom of OCD, not a reflection of your character, desires, or true self. OCD intentionally targets what you value most—which is why these thoughts feel so upsetting and foreign to who you are (what therapists call ego-dystonic).In our sessions, there is nothing you can say that will shock or scare me. I am specifically trained in OCD and hear taboo, violent, sexual, or morally distressing thoughts every day. Speaking them out loud in a safe, confidential environment is often the very first step toward stripping away the shame and fear that keeps OCD alive.

Never. You are always in the driver’s seat. Therapy is a partnership, not an endurance test, and I will never throw you into the deep end or force you to do anything that horrifies you.Think of ERP like building muscle at the gym: we don't start by lifting the heaviest weight in the room. We start small and create a "ladder" of your fears together. We only take the next step when you feel ready. The point of ERP isn't to put you in danger—it’s to show your brain that you are far tougher than your anxiety gives you credit for, and that you don't have to perform exhausting rituals just to feel safe.

That doubt is the signature of OCD—often called the "doubting disease." The fact that these thoughts bring you so much distress, guilt, or fear is the strongest evidence that they run counter to your values.In therapy, we don't try to debate or "fix" the thoughts; instead, we help you change your relationship to them so they lose their power over your life.

ERP is an active, skills-based approach, and many clients begin noticing shifts in their relationship with anxiety within the first few weeks of consistent practice. While everyone's journey looks a little different depending on how long OCD has been running the show, ERP isn't meant to keep you in therapy forever. The goal is to teach you how to become your own therapist so you have a roadmap for relief for the rest of your life.