cognitive behavior therapy
Obsessive Compulsive
DISORDER
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is best understood as a cycle: unwanted thoughts or images (obsessions) create anxiety and distress and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) are meant to neutralize or relieve the anxiety.
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The compulsion might relieve anxiety in the short term but ultimately lead to more intrusive thoughts and uncertainty.
In CBT we will work together to break that cycle and get you back to living your life.
STIGMA & STEREOTYPES around OCD
The stereotypical idea of OCD is that it is related to cleanliness, liking things organized and fear of germs. While it's true that some people with OCD have these types of thoughts, people with OCD may also worry about causing harm to someone they love, being responsible for something terrible happening, or making a huge mistake in their life.
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Intrusive thoughts are difficult to talk about. Your thoughts feel taboo and you may worry that having these thoughts means something bad about you as a person. You may be afraid of backlash if you share these thoughts with anyone. The truth is, intrusive thoughts are incredibly common and an OCD specialist can tell the difference between actual risk and intrusive, unwanted thoughts.
I've worked with people who've experienced all types of obsessive thoughts, including some not listed below. Treatment can work no matter how upsetting your thoughts are.
OCD Subtypes
Contamination
fears around germs, dirt, bodily fluids or getting sick
Just Right
hyper focus on orderliness, exactness, symmetry
Harm
thoughts about causing harm to yourself or to someone else
Postpartum
thoughts about the health and safety of your baby
Relationship
excessive questioning of your relationships
Scrupulocity
fear that you will or have done something to violate your religion or moral code
Health
focus on physical symptoms and fear of having a terrible illness
Sexual Orientation
intrusive doubts and fears regarding your sexual orientation
Safety Checking
fears related to safety or making mistakes that causes something terrible
"Pure" - O
intrusive thoughts with primarily mental compulsions
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 fit 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 $320 per 60 minute initial assessment session and $240 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.
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 fit 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 $320 per 60 minute initial assessment session and $240 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.
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.
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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.
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I have been working primarily with clients struggling with anxiety since 2012. ​Read more about my speciality training here.
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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.
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Ready to get started or have more questions?
