Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Our Atlanta therapists specialize in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, an evidence-based approach designed to help individuals overcome OCD.
Welcome to Sea Change Psychotherapy in Atlanta, where we specialize in providing compassionate and effective treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, anxiety, or intrusive thoughts, you’ve come to the right place. We understand how overwhelming and isolating these experiences can be, and we’re here to help you find relief and regain control of your life.
OCD Looks Different for Everyone: Common Subtypes We Treat
One of the most important things to understand about OCD is that it is not a single, uniform condition. The content of obsessions varies widely — but the structure (unwanted thought → anxiety → compulsion → temporary relief → cycle repeats) is consistent across all subtypes. Our therapists are trained to recognize and treat all of the following:
Contamination OCD involves fear of germs, illness, chemicals, or “feeling dirty.” Compulsions typically include excessive hand-washing, cleaning rituals, or avoidance of public spaces, other people, or certain objects.
Harm OCD involves intrusive thoughts of accidentally or intentionally harming others — a loving parent horrified by sudden violent thoughts about their child, for example. These thoughts are ego-dystonic (completely at odds with the person’s values) and are distressing precisely because the person would never act on them. ERP is highly effective for Harm OCD.
Scrupulosity (Religious and Moral OCD) involves obsessions around sin, blasphemy, morality, or doing the “right” thing. Compulsions include prayer rituals, confession, seeking reassurance from clergy or loved ones, or mental reviewing of past behavior.
Relationship OCD (ROCD) produces persistent doubts about romantic relationships — “Do I really love my partner?”, “Are they the right person?”, “Am I attracted to them enough?” — or intrusive thoughts about a partner’s flaws. ROCD can devastate otherwise healthy relationships.
Pure-O (Primarily Mental Compulsions) refers to OCD where compulsions are largely internal — mental reviewing, reassurance-seeking in one’s own mind, mental neutralizing — rather than visible behavioral rituals. People with Pure-O often don’t recognize they have OCD because they don’t see themselves performing rituals. ERP for Pure-O targets these covert compulsions directly.
Symmetry, Order, and “Just Right” OCD involves the need for objects to be arranged in a precise way or actions to be performed until they feel “just right.” The drive is not always fear-based but rather an intolerable sense of incompleteness.
Health Anxiety OCD involves obsessive fear of having or developing a serious illness. Unlike general health anxiety, OCD-driven health concerns cycle through checking compulsions (examining the body, researching symptoms, seeking reassurance from doctors) that temporarily relieve anxiety before returning.
Postpartum OCD is more common than most new parents realize. Intrusive thoughts about harming a baby — thoughts the parent finds horrifying — are a hallmark symptom. These thoughts do not indicate intent or danger; they are OCD. Immediate treatment is available and effective.
Understanding OCD: The Cycle
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce the distress those obsessions cause. The temporary relief a compulsion provides is what locks the cycle in place — over time, compulsions must be performed more frequently and more elaborately to achieve the same effect. OCD is not a character flaw, and it is not your fault. With the right treatment, it is highly manageable.
Evidence-Based Treatments for OCD
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard treatment for OCD, with research showing success rates between 60% and 90%. ERP involves gradually confronting feared thoughts or situations while resisting the urge to perform compulsions — allowing anxiety to peak and naturally subside without the ritual. Our therapists have dedicated training in ERP delivery, including the counterintuitive but essential skill of helping you tolerate uncertainty without compulsing. Learn more about ERP therapy at Sea Change.
Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT) is an effective alternative or complement to ERP, particularly for presentations driven by doubt, overactive imagination, or perfectionism. Rather than focusing on exposure, I-CBT targets the faulty reasoning patterns that make obsessive thoughts feel credible and dangerous — helping you disengage from the internal logic that feeds the OCD cycle.
We do not use generic talk therapy for OCD. Both ERP and I-CBT require structured, evidence-based delivery, and our therapists are trained specifically in their application.
Our OCD Therapists in Atlanta
Melissa Velliquette, Ed.S., LPC specializes in OCD, hoarding disorder, and neurodivergent presentations of OCD and anxiety. She delivers ERP as a primary treatment modality and is trained to work with the full range of OCD subtypes, including Pure-O and postpartum OCD.
Elizabeth Ceuninck, M.Ed./Ed.S. treats OCD across the lifespan, with particular expertise in pediatric and adolescent OCD presentations. She works with both ERP and I-CBT.
Pamela Madsen, MS, LPC, ACS brings training in both ERP and RO-DBT, with particular experience treating OCD presentations that overlap with perfectionism, emotional overcontrol, and eating disorders.
What to Expect in OCD Treatment
The first one or two sessions are assessment-focused. Your therapist maps your OCD — the specific obsessions, compulsions (behavioral and mental), situations you avoid, and the impact on your daily life. This produces an exposure hierarchy: a ranked list of feared situations from least to most distressing.
Active ERP sessions then move through the hierarchy. Exposures are planned collaboratively — you and your therapist design them together. Some happen in session; others are assigned as between-session practice. Your therapist does not do the exposure for you, but provides coaching, support, and accountability throughout.
A standard course of ERP runs between 12 and 20 sessions. Many clients with focused OCD symptoms see significant improvement within the first six to eight sessions. Complex or long-standing OCD may require a longer course.
Why Choose Sea Change as Your OCD Specialist in Atlanta?
At our Atlanta-based practice, we are dedicated to providing personalized and evidence-based care for individuals with OCD and anxiety disorders. Our approach is rooted in compassion, understanding, and a deep commitment to helping you achieve lasting relief.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Expertise in OCD and Anxiety: We specialize in treating OCD and related anxiety disorders, offering a deep understanding of these conditions and the most effective treatment methods. Our team is trained in the latest evidence-based therapies, ensuring that you receive the highest standard of care.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: We recognize that each person’s experience with OCD is unique. That’s why we take the time to get to know you and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs, challenges, and goals.
- Compassionate, Non-Judgmental Care: We understand that seeking help for OCD can be difficult. Our practice is a safe, supportive space where you can express your concerns without fear of judgment. We are here to listen, support, and guide you through your journey to recovery.
- Convenient Atlanta Location and Telehealth: Our practice is conveniently located in Atlanta, making it easy for you to access the care you need. We also offer teletherapy options, allowing you to receive treatment from the comfort of your own home.
OCD Counseling in Atlanta
Sea Change Psychotherapy offers OCD treatment in person in Buckhead, Atlanta and via telehealth throughout Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, and Colorado. Don’t let OCD control your life any longer — reach out today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief.
Therapy Method Information
Below is more information on some of the types of therapy available for this condition.
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