Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Therapy

You Deserve Relief From Repetitive Thoughts And Behaviors That Feel Hard To Control

OCD Is Not About Wanting Control. It Is About Trying To Feel Safe When Anxiety Feels Overwhelming

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, can make everyday life feel exhausting and restrictive. You may find yourself caught in cycles of unwanted thoughts, fears, or urges that drive repetitive behaviors meant to reduce anxiety or prevent something bad from happening.

These patterns are not a personal flaw or lack of willpower. They are attempts by the mind to manage distress. Psychotherapy offers a way to understand OCD with compassion and begin loosening its grip over time.

Mitchel Eisenstein, LCSW provides psychotherapy for OCD through secure telehealth for adults throughout New York State.

How to Understand Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

OCD is a mental health condition characterized by obsessions and compulsions.

Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause distress.

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental rituals performed in an attempt to reduce anxiety or prevent feared outcomes.

While some routines or preferences are common, OCD goes beyond habits. When thoughts or behaviors begin to interfere with daily functioning, relationships, or emotional well-being, support can help.

Common Symptoms Of OCD

OCD can present in many different ways. Symptoms may include:

Repetitive behaviors or mental rituals
Intrusive or distressing thoughts
Excessive fear of contamination, harm, or mistakes
Repeated checking, such as locks or appliances
Compulsive cleaning or handwashing
Needing things arranged in a specific way
Avoiding certain objects, places, or situations
Anxiety or panic when rituals are interrupted
Ongoing stress or emotional exhaustion
Depression or shame related to symptoms

Many people with OCD are aware that their thoughts or behaviors feel unreasonable, yet still feel unable to stop them without support.

Factors That May Contribute To OCD

The exact cause of OCD is not fully understood. It often develops through a combination of factors, such as:

Family history of OCD
Brain chemistry or neurological factors
Learned behavior patterns
Anxiety or mood disorders
Chronic stress or major life transitions
Traumatic or highly stressful experiences
Tic disorders or related conditions

Stress can intensify OCD symptoms, but stress reduction alone is often not enough to resolve them completely.

How is OCD Identified In Therapy?

OCD is identified through a thoughtful clinical evaluation that explores your thoughts, behaviors, emotional patterns, and daily functioning.

Diagnosis is not about labeling you. It is about understanding how OCD may be affecting your life and determining supportive ways to address it.

Therapy moves at your pace, and you are never required to share more than you are ready to share.

How Psychotherapy Helps With OCD

Psychotherapy for OCD focuses on reducing the intensity and frequency of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors while building tolerance for uncertainty and emotional discomfort.

Treatment is collaborative and tailored to your needs. Depending on your situation, therapy may include:

Cognitive-behavioral strategies
Exposure and response prevention (ERP)
Mindfulness and grounding practices
Stress management and emotional regulation
Psychodynamic therapy
Voice dialogue or other supportive approaches

When appropriate, referrals for psychiatric evaluation, medication support, or other specialized interventions can be discussed as part of a comprehensive care plan.

A Patient, Supportive Approach

OCD affects each person differently. Some people seek therapy when symptoms begin interfering with daily routines. Others come after years of managing quietly on their own.

Therapy is shaped around your goals, values, and readiness for change. Progress is gradual and respectful, emphasizing understanding rather than force.

You do not need to eliminate every thought to regain a sense of peace and agency.

Online OCD Therapy In New York

Mitchel Eisenstein, LCSW provides OCD therapy through secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth. Based in East Setauket, New York, he works with adults throughout New York State.

Telehealth allows therapy to take place from your home or another comfortable environment while maintaining privacy, flexibility, and continuity of care.

If obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors have been affecting your quality of life, support is available when you feel ready.