OCD Therapy
Breaking Free From the Cycle of OCD
OCD is more than just wanting things organized or clean. It's a debilitating cycle of intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that can consume hours of your day and drain your peace of mind.
If you've been stuck in this exhausting loop—feeling controlled by your thoughts and unable to "just stop"—I want you to know there is a way forward.
I specialize in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for OCD. ERP is an evidence-based therapy that has been proven through extensive research to reduce OCD symptoms, helping you break free from the patterns that feel impossible to escape. For those with co-occurring trauma, I also integrate trauma-focused approaches to provide comprehensive care.
How OCD Shows Up
OCD can take many different forms. Here are some of the most common themes I work with:
Contamination fears
Excessive handwashing, cleaning, or avoiding places for fear of germs
Intrusive harm thoughts
Unwanted, scary thoughts of hurting yourself or others, often leading to checking behaviors or avoidance
"Just right" compulsions
Needing things to feel perfectly even, ordered, or balanced, and feeling distressed until they are
Religious or moral scrupulosity
Overwhelming fears of being sinful, impure, or "bad," leading to excessive praying, confessing, or reassurance-seeking
Relationship OCD (ROCD)
Constant doubts about whether your relationship is "right" or whether you truly love your partner
Sexual or taboo intrusive thoughts
Disturbing, unwanted images or urges that go against your values, causing shame or avoidance
Somatic obsessions
Becoming overly focused on normal body functions like blinking, swallowing, or breathing
Existential OCD
Spiraling questions about life, death, or reality that feel impossible to stop thinking about
Hoarding
Extreme anxiety and difficulty with throwing things away, leading to excessive clutter that overwhelms living spaces and causes significant distress.
Why ERP Works
ERP is the most effective treatment for OCD because it directly targets the cycle that keeps you stuck.
How I Work With You
Collaborative
We go at a pace that feels safe but challenging
Compassionate
You'll never be judged for your thoughts or fears
Practical
Skills and strategies are tailored to your real-world situations
Healing Is Possible
OCD may feel overwhelming, but it doesn't define who you are.
With the right support, you can break free from fear and reclaim peace of mind.
Why Choose A New Day Psychology
Licensed Across States
Licensed in Missouri and New Jersey via PSYPACT
Evidence-Based Treatment
Specialized training in gold-standard ERP therapy
Flexible Telehealth
Convenient online sessions that fit your schedule
Insurance Accepted
We work with major insurance providers
OCD Therapy in Missouri, New Jersey & Beyond
Professional OCD treatment is now accessible through secure telehealth sessions. Whether you're in Kansas City, St. Louis, Newark, Jersey City, or anywhere in Missouri or New Jersey, specialized ERP therapy is available to help you break free from OCD.
Serving Missouri
Providing expert OCD therapy and ERP treatment throughout Missouri, including Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, and surrounding areas.
Learn About Missouri ServicesServing New Jersey
Offering compassionate OCD treatment to clients across New Jersey, including Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and the entire state.
Learn About New Jersey ServicesThrough secure telehealth technology, you can access specialized OCD treatment from the comfort of your home, anywhere in Missouri or New Jersey.
View All Service LocationsReady to Break Free from OCD?
Take the first step toward freedom from intrusive thoughts and compulsions. Book your free consultation today.
Get Help Today - Free ConsultationOCD Therapy FAQ
How do I know if I have OCD or just anxiety?
OCD is characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that cause significant anxiety, followed by repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) performed to reduce that anxiety. Unlike general anxiety, OCD involves this specific obsession-compulsion cycle. If you find yourself stuck in repetitive thought patterns or behaviors that you know are excessive but can't stop, it may be OCD. A professional evaluation can provide clarity.
Can OCD be cured?
While OCD is a chronic condition, it is highly treatable with ERP therapy. Many people achieve full remission of symptoms or reduce them to manageable levels where OCD no longer interferes with daily life. The goal of treatment isn't to eliminate all anxiety, but to break the OCD cycle so you can live freely without compulsions controlling your life.
What types of OCD do you treat?
We treat all subtypes of OCD, including contamination fears, harm obsessions, relationship OCD (ROCD), sexual orientation OCD (SO-OCD), pedophilia OCD (POCD), scrupulosity/religious OCD, pure-O (primarily mental compulsions), checking and reassurance-seeking, perfectionism, and hoarding. All forms of OCD respond to the same evidence-based treatment approach using ERP therapy.
How is OCD therapy different from regular therapy?
OCD therapy requires specialized training in ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention), the gold-standard treatment. Unlike traditional talk therapy which can sometimes reinforce OCD patterns, ERP actively breaks the obsession-compulsion cycle through structured exposure exercises. Treating OCD without ERP is often ineffective and can even make symptoms worse, which is why working with an OCD specialist is crucial.
Will I have to face my worst fears in OCD treatment?
ERP involves gradual exposure, not sudden confrontation with your worst fears. We create a personalized hierarchy together, starting with less distressing situations and building up slowly. You're in control of the pace, and we work collaboratively. Most clients find that facing fears gradually in a supportive environment is much easier than continuing to live under OCD's control.
Learn More About This Topic
Helpful articles from Dr. Pottenger on related topics
Understanding OCD vs. Anxiety: What's the Difference?
Many people wonder if they have OCD or just anxiety. Learn the key differences between OCD and generalized anxiety, and why accurate diagnosis matters for effective treatment.
Relationship OCD (ROCD): When Love Feels Like Anxiety
Constant doubts about your relationship or partner? Learn how ROCD differs from normal relationship concerns and how ERP therapy can help.
Moral Scrupulosity OCD: When Your Conscience Becomes Your Captor
Overwhelming fear of being a bad person or sinning? Learn about scrupulosity OCD and how specialized treatment can bring relief.
Related Services
Explore other areas where I can support you
ERP Therapy
Gold-standard exposure and response prevention treatment specifically designed to break the OCD cycle.
Trauma Therapy
Healing from PTSD, childhood trauma, and traumatic experiences that may co-occur with OCD.
Spirituality Counseling
Support for religious OCD (scrupulosity), religious trauma, and faith-related anxiety.