Intrusive thoughts don’t have to dictate how you live.

When I was first introduced to ERP, it clicked with me almost immediately.

I think part of that connection came from my own experiences with intrusive thoughts, perfectionism, and anxiety.

I love that this work isn't about helping someone create a life completely free from uncomfortable thoughts or feelings. It's about helping them get back to living the life they want even when those experiences show up.

Many of the people I meet initially feel like OCD has taken over significant parts of their lives.

They may feel limited in what they can do, disconnected from the things that matter to them, or exhausted from spending so much time trying to prevent their fears and gain certainty.

One of the most meaningful parts of this work for me is getting to walk alongside someone as they gradually reconnect with valued parts of their life and realize that intrusive thoughts don't have to dictate how they live.

OCD is also still frequently misunderstood and misdiagnosed, particularly when someone's intrusive thoughts involve themes that feel frightening, taboo, or shameful.

I feel incredibly fortunate to work with a population that needs and deserves clinicians who truly understand the disorder and aren't afraid of the content of someone's thoughts.

I also have personal experience with trichotillomania. I struggled with hair pulling for many years as a teenager and benefited greatly from therapy and learning how to manage it.

Today, I no longer pull my hair.

I'm comfortable sharing that part of my own experience when it can be helpful therapeutically because I know firsthand how much shame and embarrassment can accompany BFRBs.

I want clients to know that therapy is a place where they can talk openly about what they're experiencing without judgment.