cognitive behavior therapy
OCD Specialist Near Me:
Effective Therapy for Harm OCD
If you're seeking an expert in OCD therapy, you're in the right place.
With over a decade of experience as a licensed therapist, I specialize in helping individuals navigate the complexities of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). While many are familiar with common OCD themes like cleanliness and orderliness, other concerns—such as intrusive fears about harming yourself or others—are less recognized outside the OCD community.
I've worked with many individuals struggling with these distressing thoughts and understand the unique challenges they pose, as well as how isolating these experiences can feel. The good news is that with the right support and therapeutic techniques, relief is possible, and you can regain control over your life.
Understanding Harm OCD
Harm OCD is characterized by overwhelming fears of causing harm to yourself or others, either intentionally or unintentionally. People with this type of OCD often experience intrusive thoughts or images about violent or harmful actions, which can feel distressing and terrifying, even though they are completely out of alignment with their true intentions.
Common fears include:
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Hurting yourself or others, either on purpose or by accident
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Acting out violent or aggressive behaviors
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Losing control and causing harm
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Fearing that your thoughts or actions could lead to catastrophic consequences
Individuals with harm OCD may respond to these obsessive thoughts with compulsive behaviors such as seeking reassurance, avoiding certain situations, or mentally “neutralizing” the feared action. While these responses provide temporary relief, they ultimately reinforce the cycle of anxiety and obsession.
Therapy can offer significant relief from the cycle of distressing thoughts and behaviors associated with harm OCD. I use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to help clients confront their intrusive thoughts, reduce compulsive actions, and regain a sense of control and peace.
How Can I Tell if I Really Have Harm OCD?
Many individuals with harm OCD worry that their intrusive thoughts may not be a sign of OCD at all, but instead reflect a deeper, more dangerous part of themselves. This uncertainty can be especially distressing, as they fear that their thoughts may be an indication of true violent tendencies or intentions. However, it's important to understand that harm OCD is a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder, and the intrusive thoughts experienced are often completely out of character and unwanted. Here are some of the ways that an OCD expert can identify Harm OCD:
Intrusive vs. Intentional Thoughts:
Harm OCD involves distressing, intrusive thoughts about harming others that are unwanted and out of alignment with the person’s values. These individuals typically feel horrified by the thoughts. In contrast, someone who is a genuine threat may have consistent, intentional thoughts or plans about causing harm.
Level of Distress and Anxiety
Individuals with harm OCD experience significant anxiety, guilt, and distress about the intrusive thoughts. They often engage in compulsions or avoidance behaviors to prevent harm. Someone who is a real threat is less likely to experience this level of distress or anxiety regarding their thoughts or actions.
Empathy and Moral Concerns
People with harm OCD generally have strong moral values and empathy. They are deeply troubled by the mere possibility of harming others, which drives them to seek help. A person who poses a real threat may lack empathy or show little concern for the consequences of their actions.
Response to Therapy
Individuals with harm OCD tend to respond well to evidence-based treatments, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which help reduce the anxiety and compulsive behaviors associated with the obsessions. A person with harmful intentions may not show the same willingness or response to treatment.
Recovery from OCD
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1 / How do I make an appointment?Complete the Potential Client Form and I will be in touch with you within 24 hours to set up a consultation call. If we are a fit, we will will book an intake session from there. After our initial meeting, most clients meet with me weekly for 45-minute sessions, ideally at the same day and a time each week. We will meet more or less depending on your needs. If you need to change your appointment time or cancel, I require 48 hours notice to avoid a full session charge.
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2 / How much does therapy cost and do you take insurance?My fees are $340 per 60 minute initial assessment session and $255 per 45-minute therapy session. I am an out-of-network provider for all insurance panels. If you have a PPO you may be eligible for out of network benefits and I will submit electronic claims on your behalf so that you may be partially reimbursed for your CBT sessions. You can contact your insurance company directly to find out more information about your out of network coverage.
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3 / Do you offer in-person/face -to-face sessions?YES! It has been so good to be back in the office! I offer both in person and online therapy. My in person office is in Campbell, CA, serving the Silicon Valley region. I can provide online therapy to residents throughout California.
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4 / Do you work with children and teens?Most of my therapy clients are adults, young adults and older teenagers. I don’t often work with children under age 11 but if you feel your child could be a good fit for me I am happy to speak with you. I also offer Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) treatment for parents seeking to help their children with anxiety disorders and OCD.
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5 / What will our sessions be like?CBT is more structured than other types of therapy. We will start by setting an agenda and intention for the session. Then the majority of our session time will be spent on discussing your problems and applying CBT interventions. We will end with an action plan for you to take into your week. CBT, is at its core, flexible and collaborative so we will tailor our sessions to your needs.
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6 / How long does therapy take?It truth is that treatment length varies a lot! The severity of your symptoms and how long you've had them , your motivation to work outside of session, and your life circumstances will all factor in to treatment length. Most clients start to feel some noticeable relief within three months and may achieve their goals by six months. For others it can take a year or more.
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7 / What is a Good Faith Estimate?You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
What to Expect
Initial Consultation
Our first meeting will be the foundation of our work together. You will get a feel for my style and perspective on OCD. I will learn everything I can about you and how OCD is impacting your life. From there we will personalize cognitive behavioral therapy to help break you out of your current patterns.
Build your Skills
A cognitive behavior therapy session will always conclude with an action plan or homework. This is especially important in ERP. Your plan for the week may consist of a personalized reading recommendation, tracking your thoughts, feelings and behaviors, practicing responding to your thoughts differently, approaching some of your fears, or trying out new coping skills.
Personalized Approach
CBT and ERP are not one size fits all. Our work together will be designed specifically for you, focusing on your goals and the unique connections between your thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Our job is to break you out of your current patterns and build a more healthy, flexible and adaptable way of coping with life.
Meet your Goals
The most important factor in overcoming any obstacle is your confidence that you can handle it. As you start meeting your goals, we will focus on strengthening your skills so that you can continue your growth, being able to apply CBT and ERP to new problems as they arise.
Why is it important to work with an OCD specialist?
Specialized Expertise: An OCD specialist has specific training in evidence-based treatments for OCD, such as Exposure and Response Prevention. Many therapies that help with other disorderes like anxiety and depression can actually make OCD worse.
Personalized Treatment: OCD specialists develop personalized treatment plans that address your unique symptoms, triggers, and goals. This individualized approach is crucial in OCD treatment, where one-size-fits-all methods may not be effective.
In-Depth Understanding: OCD specialists have a deep understanding of the complexities of OCD, including its various subtypes and how it can show up differently in individuals.
Proven Track Record: Choosing an OCD specialist means opting for a professional who has successfully helped many others overcome OCD symptoms. Effective treatment is within reach!
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1 / How do I make an appointment?Complete the Potential Client Form and I will be in touch with you within 24 hours to set up a consultation call. If we are a fit, we will will book an intake session from there. After our initial meeting, most clients meet with me weekly for 45-minute sessions, ideally at the same day and a time each week. We will meet more or less depending on your needs. If you need to change your appointment time or cancel, I require 48 hours notice to avoid a full session charge.
-
2 / How much does therapy cost and do you take insurance?My fees are $340 per 60 minute initial assessment session and $255 per 45-minute therapy session. I am an out-of-network provider for all insurance panels. If you have a PPO you may be eligible for out of network benefits and I will submit electronic claims on your behalf so that you may be partially reimbursed for your CBT sessions. You can contact your insurance company directly to find out more information about your out of network coverage.
-
3 / Do you offer in-person/face -to-face sessions?YES! It has been so good to be back in the office! I offer both in person and online therapy. My in person office is in Campbell, CA, serving the Silicon Valley region. I can provide online therapy to residents throughout California.
-
4 / Do you work with children and teens?Most of my therapy clients are adults, young adults and older teenagers. I don’t often work with children under age 11 but if you feel your child could be a good fit for me I am happy to speak with you. I also offer Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) treatment for parents seeking to help their children with anxiety disorders and OCD.
-
5 / What will our sessions be like?CBT is more structured than other types of therapy. We will start by setting an agenda and intention for the session. Then the majority of our session time will be spent on discussing your problems and applying CBT interventions. We will end with an action plan for you to take into your week. CBT, is at its core, flexible and collaborative so we will tailor our sessions to your needs.
-
6 / How long does therapy take?It truth is that treatment length varies a lot! The severity of your symptoms and how long you've had them , your motivation to work outside of session, and your life circumstances will all factor in to treatment length. Most clients start to feel some noticeable relief within three months and may achieve their goals by six months. For others it can take a year or more.
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7 / What is a Good Faith Estimate?You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
About CAITLYN
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with a master’s degree in clinical psychology. I have been working as a therapist since 2009, specializing in Cognitive Behavior Therapy for anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive disorders. Before starting my own practice in 2021 I worked at a specialty anxiety/OCD group practice for many years, as well as community mental health, and school settings.
My practice is located in Campbell, CA in the South SF Bay Area, near San Jose, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Los Altos, Mountain View, Sunnyvale and Cupertino.
I have been working primarily with clients struggling with anxiety since 2012. Read more about my speciality training here.
My approach to anxiety and OCD treatment is compassionate and personalized. This work is challenging but we will go at your pace and focus on the symptoms that are getting in the way of your life.
Ready to get started or have more questions?
