Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Enhancing ERP with Somatic Approaches to Address Root Causes

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Introduction: Expanding Beyond ERP for Holistic OCD Treatment

As a Certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapist and Board Certified Art Therapist, I’ve seen the value of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) through the experiences of my colleagues who have used it to treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with great success. ERP remains a highly effective method for reducing compulsions and helping individuals face their intrusive thoughts without engaging in compulsive behaviours. It plays a crucial role in empowering clients to confront the anxiety-driven rituals that dominate their lives.

However, while ERP excels at addressing the behavioural aspects of OCD, I believe there is more we can do to enhance its efficacy by integrating somatic and creative therapies that reach deeper emotional and physical layers. From my own practice working with trans* and queer clients, I’ve encountered the complex interplay between trauma, anxiety, shame, and the body’s stored memories—factors that often remain unaddressed by ERP alone.

These emotional and somatic layers are critical to understanding the root causes of obsessive-compulsive behaviours. Internalized oppression, past harm, and the body’s attempts to navigate deep-seated distress often manifest as obsessive-compulsive patterns. As therapists, we can support clients by combining ERP with body-centred approaches, such as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and art-based interventions, to widen what I call the window of capacity. This term, akin to the window of tolerance commonly referenced in trauma therapy (Drummond, 2022), reflects an individual’s ability to stay present with discomfort and emotional distress without becoming overwhelmed.

By incorporating somatic approaches either during or just after ERP, my online therapy practice offers clients the opportunity to access and release stored tension, anxiety, and trauma in a way that complements ERP. This holistic approach not only addresses the behaviours tied to OCD but also creates the space for deeper emotional healing, enabling clients to engage with their intrusive thoughts in a more grounded and compassionate way.

What is OCD? Understanding Its Deeper Layers

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often misunderstood, reduced to a surface-level definition that focuses solely on repetitive behaviours like excessive hand washing, checking locks, or seeking reassurance. But in reality, OCD goes far beyond these visible behaviours. The heart of OCD lies in the complex emotional and physical sensations that drive those behaviours. Obsessions are more than just passing thoughts; they are intrusive, distressing, and often linked to deep-rooted feelings of fear, anxiety, and shame. Compulsions, in turn, are the behaviours or mental acts that individuals perform to relieve the distress caused by these obsessions (Lakin, 2020).

To truly understand OCD, we must move beyond the notion of it being about quirks or habits. OCD can be seen as a maladaptive coping strategy—a way of managing overwhelming emotions that are difficult to process. For many, OCD functions as an attempt to control or neutralize the discomfort that arises from these intrusive thoughts, which often tap into unresolved trauma, anxiety, or shame.

For example, a client may engage in repeated checking behaviours not simply out of a desire for neatness or order, but because they are trying to mitigate the anxiety or fear that something terrible might happen if they don’t. For others, compulsions may serve as a way to manage internalized guilt or shame, particularly when the intrusive thoughts involve taboo or distressing content, such as harm or morality.

Allison Britz (2017), in Obsessed: A Memoir of My Life with OCD, vividly describes the experience of living with OCD as a constant internal battle between safety and chaos. For many individuals, OCD feels like a relentless effort to create certainty in an unpredictable world. This drive for certainty can leave individuals feeling trapped in cycles of compulsions, where the relief provided by these behaviours is only temporary, and the distress inevitably returns. Britz’s memoir is a powerful reminder that OCD is not just about managing surface-level behaviours but involves a much deeper struggle with the mind and body.

In my practice, I’ve encountered clients whose OCD behaviours are closely tied to unresolved trauma or early experiences of harm. For some trans* and queer individuals, this can include the compounded effects of societal oppression, such as transphobia or homophobia, which feed into obsessive-compulsive patterns. The need for control, safety, and certainty becomes even more urgent for those who have experienced discrimination or violence. As a result, OCD can become a coping mechanism for navigating a world that feels unsafe or unwelcoming.

Understanding OCD through this broader lens allows us to approach treatment in a more compassionate and holistic way. Rather than simply focusing on reducing compulsions, we can begin to address the underlying emotional and somatic layers—such as trauma, anxiety, and shame—that contribute to the development of obsessive-compulsive behaviours. By integrating somatic and art-based interventions alongside traditional ERP, we can offer clients a pathway to healing that acknowledges the full complexity of their experiences.

This approach is particularly important for trans* and queer clients, who often face unique stressors and challenges. In my work with these communities, I’ve seen how the intersection of identity and mental health can influence the course of OCD. It is essential to provide therapeutic care that not only reduces symptoms but also creates space for clients to explore how their gender, sexual orientation, and experiences of marginalization may shape their OCD.

When we look beyond the surface of OCD, we see a deeply personal, embodied experience that requires a compassionate and integrated approach to treatment. Addressing the root causes of obsessive-compulsive behaviours allows for more meaningful and sustainable healing, helping clients move beyond temporary relief to a greater sense of freedom and peace.

Root Causes: Anxiety, Shame, and the Body’s Role

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) doesn’t exist in isolation. It’s not simply a collection of repetitive behaviours or distressing thoughts disconnected from the larger emotional and physical landscape of a person’s life. Instead, OCD often arises from the body’s attempt to cope with unresolved emotions, such as anxiety, shame, and even trauma, that have accumulated over time. These emotions are not just psychological states; they are embodied experiences—felt deeply in the muscles, nervous system, and tissues of the body. When we begin to view OCD through this lens, it becomes clearer why traditional cognitive-behavioural treatments, while effective, may not be enough to address the full complexity of the disorder.

Anxiety is one of the most common underlying emotions tied to OCD. As Fulwood and Wilson (2022) explain, anxiety acts like fuel for obsessive thoughts, amplifying their intensity and creating a vicious cycle in which the mind and body are on constant high alert. This hyperarousal often leads to compulsions as a way to gain some sense of control over perceived threats. For instance, if someone feels anxious about contamination, the body reacts with heightened vigilance, and the individual may engage in compulsive washing as a way to soothe that anxiety. While this brings temporary relief, it doesn’t resolve the root of the anxiety—leading the cycle to begin anew, with even greater intensity.

Yet, anxiety is only part of the picture. Shame, often deeply embedded in the body’s experience, plays a critical role in the maintenance of OCD. For many individuals, particularly those who experience intrusive thoughts about harm, sexuality, or morality, shame is a constant companion. These intrusive thoughts feel like a violation of their core values or identity, leading to a profound sense of self-judgment. Shame intensifies the distress caused by intrusive thoughts, creating a feedback loop where the individual feels compelled to engage in rituals not only to relieve anxiety but also to “neutralize” the shame they feel. This is especially true for individuals whose OCD is tied to taboo topics, such as fears of causing harm to loved ones or intrusive sexual thoughts, which can be excruciatingly difficult to talk about in therapy due to the shame attached (Britz, 2017).

In my practice, I’ve seen how this shame is not just an abstract feeling—it lives in the body. Clients often describe feeling tension in their chest, tightness in their throat, or a deep sense of discomfort in their stomach when talking about their intrusive thoughts. These physical sensations are clues that the body is carrying the burden of shame, which is why it’s so important to incorporate body-centred approaches into the treatment of OCD. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, in particular, offers a powerful way to address these embodied emotions. This approach helps individuals tune into the physical sensations associated with their obsessions and compulsions, allowing them to process and release the stored tension and trauma that underlie their distress (Drummond, 2022).

For example, in a session with a client struggling with harm-related obsessions, we might focus on their physical responses when they think about their intrusive thoughts. As they recount these thoughts, I would guide them to notice where they feel tension or discomfort in their body. Often, this tension has been there for years—unacknowledged but very real. By bringing mindful awareness to these sensations, we can begin to release the tightness and allow the body to let go of the shame and fear that have been stored. This somatic work helps to create a greater sense of safety in the body, which is crucial for expanding what I call the window of capacity.

The window of capacity, similar to the window of tolerance, refers to an individual’s ability to stay present with distressing emotions or sensations without becoming overwhelmed or shutting down. For clients with OCD, their window of capacity is often very narrow, meaning that even small triggers can send them into a spiral of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. By working somatically to expand this window, we help clients increase their ability to tolerate uncertainty and discomfort, which are core challenges in OCD (Lakin, 2020).

Art therapy also offers a way to engage with these emotions in a non-verbal and embodied way. When words fail, creative expression can provide an outlet for exploring the fears and shame associated with OCD. Through the act of creating, whether through painting, drawing, or sculpture, clients can externalize their internal struggles, giving form to what has been held inside. This can be particularly helpful for trans* and queer clients who may already feel silenced or marginalized in their daily lives. Art therapy allows for a reclamation of voice and agency, which can be healing in and of itself.

When we understand OCD as more than just a cognitive or behavioural disorder—when we see it as an embodied experience rooted in anxiety, shame, and unresolved trauma—we open up new possibilities for treatment. Incorporating somatic and creative therapies alongside ERP enables us to address the full spectrum of emotions and sensations that sustain OCD, leading to deeper and more meaningful healing.

By acknowledging the body’s role in OCD, we also acknowledge the importance of creating a therapeutic environment where clients feel safe enough to explore their most distressing thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. This is especially important for trans* and queer individuals, whose experiences of marginalization can compound the shame and anxiety associated with OCD. In these cases, body-centred approaches not only help address the root causes of OCD but also provide a space for healing the broader emotional wounds of oppression and trauma.

Combining ERP and Somatic Psychotherapy: Expanding the Window of Capacity

When treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the cornerstone of therapy. ERP works by helping clients gradually confront distressing situations, thoughts, or triggers without engaging in compulsive behaviours. Over time, this process helps to weaken the connection between the intrusive thought and the compulsive response, building resilience. However, this approach is not without challenges, especially for clients whose ability to tolerate emotional distress—what I call the window of capacity—may be quite narrow.

The window of capacity refers to an individual’s ability to stay present with emotional and physical discomfort without becoming overwhelmed. Many clients, particularly those with histories of trauma or chronic anxiety, may experience significant difficulties when engaging in ERP because their capacity to remain within this window is limited. They may find themselves swinging between emotional shutdowns, where they become numb or dissociated, and extreme anxiety, where their nervous system goes into overdrive (Lakin, 2020). This can make it hard for clients to benefit fully from ERP, as their distress often exceeds what they are able to process effectively.

To address this, I often combine ERP with somatic approaches such as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and mindfulness-based interventions. These modalities help expand the window of capacity by grounding clients in their bodies, allowing them to regulate their nervous systems while confronting distressing thoughts and situations. For instance, before engaging in ERP, I guide clients through mindfulness exercises that help them connect with their breath and bodily sensations. This might involve a simple body scan—asking clients to notice where they feel tension or discomfort in their bodies and encouraging them to breathe into these areas. The goal is to help clients feel anchored in the present moment, even as they begin to engage with their OCD triggers.

One client I worked with, for example, experienced severe contamination OCD. In our sessions, before beginning any exposure to perceived contaminants, we focused on grounding techniques like pressing their feet into the floor and tuning into the sensation of the earth beneath them. By doing this, we created a sense of safety in their body—a foundation that allowed them to confront the distress of the exposure without becoming overwhelmed. Gradually, we combined this grounding work with ERP, and over time, the client’s window of capacity widened, allowing them to stay present and tolerate greater levels of discomfort.

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, in particular, emphasizes the body’s role in processing emotions and trauma. Many individuals with OCD carry not only emotional but also physical tension tied to their compulsive behaviours. For example, someone with harm-related OCD may experience tightness in their chest or shoulders when they have intrusive thoughts about causing harm. Through Sensorimotor techniques, we can help clients become aware of how their body reacts to these thoughts and learn to release the physical tension associated with them. This can be incredibly powerful, as it helps clients not only confront the thought cognitively but also work through the body’s stored response (Drummond, 2022).

In my work with trans* and queer clients, these somatic approaches are particularly valuable. Many of my clients have experienced trauma related to gender dysphoria, societal oppression, or discrimination, which has left their nervous systems highly reactive. Their window of capacity is often narrowed by past experiences of harm, making it difficult to engage in ERP without feeling completely overwhelmed. By incorporating body-centred practices, such as grounding exercises or creative expression through art therapy, we work to widen their capacity for discomfort, helping them stay present with distress without shutting down or becoming flooded with anxiety.

Mindfulness practices also play an essential role in this integrative approach. Drummond (2022) highlights the importance of body awareness in reducing compulsions. By practicing mindfulness, clients develop a more compassionate and non-reactive relationship with their thoughts. For example, a client may practice sitting with an intrusive thought without immediately reacting to it with a compulsion. Instead, they might notice the thought, acknowledge the anxiety it causes, and bring their attention back to their breath or the sensation of their feet on the ground. Over time, this practice helps to reduce the compulsive need to act on intrusive thoughts, as the client learns to tolerate the discomfort without resorting to ritualistic behaviours.

Incorporating these somatic and mindfulness practices alongside ERP enables us to address not only the cognitive aspects of OCD but also the deeper emotional and physical patterns that sustain it. As clients build resilience in their bodies, their window of capacity expands, allowing them to engage more fully with ERP and ultimately experience more profound healing. This holistic approach recognizes that OCD is not simply a cognitive disorder but one that affects the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

Addressing Shame and Self-Criticism Through Body-Centred Interventions

Shame is a profound yet often overlooked component of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). For many individuals, shame becomes entangled with the content of their intrusive thoughts, particularly when those thoughts involve taboo topics such as harm, sexuality, or morality. The fear of these thoughts being “discovered” or interpreted as reflective of one’s character can intensify feelings of unworthiness and lead to a cycle of self-criticism and secrecy. As Fulwood and Wilson (2022) explain, the weight of shame can perpetuate the very cycle of obsessions and compulsions that individuals are trying to escape. Shame leads to avoidance, and avoidance often feeds the compulsive behaviours that briefly relieve distress but ultimately reinforce the disorder.

For example, a client with intrusive thoughts about causing harm may feel deep shame not only for having the thought but for believing that these thoughts somehow reveal something dark or dangerous about their true self. This client may engage in compulsive checking behaviours to ensure they haven’t caused harm or constantly seek reassurance that they are “a good person.” Over time, these behaviours become less about neutralizing anxiety and more about managing the shame that comes with having the thought in the first place.

In my practice, I’ve seen how this shame shows up not only as an emotional response but also as a physical experience. Clients often describe a sense of constriction—tension in the chest, a tightening in the throat, or a heaviness in the gut—when they talk about their intrusive thoughts. These physical sensations are not mere by-products of anxiety; they are the body’s manifestation of shame. Recognizing this is critical because, as therapists, we cannot fully address the cognitive and emotional aspects of OCD without also working with the body’s response to shame.

Somatic approaches, such as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, provide a framework for helping clients process their shame through the body. In this modality, we focus on the physical sensations associated with shame, helping clients bring awareness to how their body holds onto these feelings. For example, a client who experiences a knot in their stomach when thinking about their intrusive thoughts might be guided to breathe into that area, to notice the sensations without judgment, and to explore what their body is trying to communicate. This practice helps the client stay grounded in the present moment and creates a non-judgmental space where the shame can be processed and released. By doing so, we are not only addressing the cognitive loop of shame and self-criticism but also helping the client reclaim their body as a place of safety, rather than a battleground for distress (Lakin, 2020).

Art-based interventions also offer a unique avenue for addressing shame. When clients struggle to verbalize their emotions, art therapy provides a creative and often less threatening way to express the shame tied to their intrusive thoughts. In my work with trans* and queer clients, I have found art therapy to be particularly valuable. Many clients have experienced marginalization, whether through transphobia, homophobia, or other forms of oppression, and this external shame can exacerbate the internal shame associated with OCD. Art allows these clients to externalize their experiences, creating a tangible representation of their shame that they can engage with, manipulate, and, ultimately, transform.

For example, a client might create a visual representation of their intrusive thoughts using abstract shapes, colours, or textures. Through this process, they can express the intensity of their emotions without needing to rely on words, which can feel limiting or unsafe. By externalizing the shame in this way, the client can begin to view it as something separate from themselves—something that can be changed, reshaped, or discarded—rather than as an intrinsic part of their identity. This creative distancing can be a powerful first step toward healing, as it allows clients to see their OCD symptoms as something they can work with, rather than something they must hide or feel ashamed of.

Lakin (2020) highlights the role of self-compassion in breaking the cycle of shame that so often fuels OCD. Many individuals with OCD struggle with harsh self-criticism, believing that their intrusive thoughts make them “bad” or “broken.” This inner dialogue of judgment often exacerbates their symptoms, making it even harder to confront their fears through traditional therapies like ERP. By integrating self-compassion practices into treatment, we encourage clients to treat themselves with the same kindness and understanding they would offer to a friend. This shift in perspective reduces the emotional intensity of their OCD symptoms and makes it easier for them to engage in ERP without feeling overwhelmed by shame or self-judgment.

One client I worked with, for example, had intrusive thoughts about religious blasphemy—a deeply distressing theme tied to their personal faith. They felt overwhelming shame, believing that their thoughts meant they were somehow sinful or unworthy of their religious community. Over time, through the integration of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and self-compassion practices, we worked to challenge the belief that their thoughts were reflective of their true character. Instead of viewing these thoughts as evidence of their “badness,” we reframed them as distress signals from the nervous system—neither good nor bad, but simply a reaction to stress. This reframing, combined with body-centred work to release the physical tension associated with their shame, helped the client engage more fully in ERP, eventually allowing them to confront and reduce their compulsions without the weight of self-condemnation.

By addressing the body’s response to shame and integrating self-compassion into OCD treatment, we create a more holistic, compassionate framework for healing. These body-centred interventions are particularly crucial for individuals who feel marginalized or who carry compounded shame from societal discrimination. In my work with trans* and queer clients, the intersection of OCD and identity-based shame requires a sensitive, thoughtful approach that honours both the individual’s unique experiences and the ways in which their body holds onto the legacy of oppression. Through somatic and creative therapies, we offer clients a way to process their shame in a safe and controlled environment, helping them move toward healing and self-acceptance.

Practical Applications: Case Studies and Techniques

When it comes to integrating Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) with somatic psychotherapy, the balance between exposing clients to distressing thoughts and grounding them in their bodies is critical. The goal is not just to challenge the intrusive thoughts but also to help clients stay present in their physical and emotional experience without becoming overwhelmed. This is especially important for clients whose past traumas, chronic anxiety, or physical tension contribute to their OCD symptoms.

A common scenario might involve using a combination of graded exposure exercises with body-centred mindfulness to help clients face their fears while remaining grounded in the present moment. For example, consider a hypothetical client who struggles with contamination fears. During ERP, this client might be gradually exposed to situations where they encounter germs or dirty objects—situations that trigger their compulsive behaviours, such as washing their hands excessively. However, without grounding techniques, the client may easily become overwhelmed by the anxiety of exposure.

Incorporating mindfulness-based somatic practices into the process might involve teaching the client to focus on their breath or notice the sensation of their feet firmly planted on the ground while touching a “contaminated” surface. This helps anchor the client in the present moment and keeps them connected to their body, preventing the panic from escalating. Over time, this approach helps the client build both cognitive and somatic resilience to their OCD triggers. Drummond (2022) shares a similar case where a client with contamination fears found relief by integrating ERP with art therapy, allowing them to explore the deeper emotional layers behind their fear through creative expression. This combination helped the client reduce compulsive behaviours in a more lasting and meaningful way.

Let’s consider another hypothetical case of a client dealing with harm-related OCD. This individual might have intrusive thoughts about causing harm to loved ones, which leads them to avoid situations that involve sharp objects or potentially dangerous scenarios. In a traditional ERP approach, the therapist would gradually expose the client to these feared situations (for example, holding a knife) without allowing them to engage in avoidance behaviours. By integrating somatic psychotherapy, the therapist could incorporate body-centred practices such as mindful breathing or body scans during these exposure sessions. These techniques would help the client become aware of and manage the physical sensations associated with their fear—such as tightness in the chest or shakiness in the hands—allowing them to confront their intrusive thoughts with greater emotional and physical stability (Lakin, 2020).

This hypothetical client could also benefit from art therapy to externalize and explore the distress associated with their thoughts. By creating visual representations of their fears, such as through abstract drawing or painting, the client can distance themselves from the emotional intensity of their obsessions, creating a safer space to process these fears. This method, as Lakin (2020) describes, helps clients view their obsessions as something they can work with and transform, rather than something they must fear or hide from.

Another key application of this integrative approach can be seen in clients who struggle with moral or religious OCD, also known as scrupulosity. These clients often experience intrusive thoughts about moral or religious failure, leading to compulsions aimed at neutralizing the fear of having sinned or offended their faith. In a hypothetical case, ERP would involve exposing the client to situations that trigger their fear of moral wrongdoing. However, without somatic grounding, the emotional distress tied to these thoughts—often experienced as physical sensations such as tightness in the throat or nausea—might make the process overwhelming.

To address this, therapists could use body-centred practices such as mindful touch or grounding exercises to help the client stay connected to their body while confronting these distressing thoughts. For example, the client could be encouraged to hold a small, comforting object, like a smooth stone, during the exposure exercise, giving them something tangible to focus on. By connecting with their physical senses, the client is able to process the exposure without being overtaken by anxiety or shame. Over time, this approach not only helps reduce compulsions but also supports the client in developing a more compassionate and balanced relationship with their thoughts (Fulwood & Wilson, 2022).

In Drummond’s (2022) work, mindfulness practices play a key role in helping clients reduce compulsions. By encouraging clients to develop a more non-reactive relationship with their intrusive thoughts—through body awareness and grounding techniques—clients learn to observe these thoughts without immediately acting on them. This mindfulness-based approach helps diminish the need for compulsions by creating space between the thought and the emotional response, allowing clients to navigate their OCD triggers with greater clarity and calmness.

In summary, combining ERP with body-centred practices such as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy or art-based interventions provides clients with the tools they need to confront their OCD in a more holistic way. By addressing not only the cognitive but also the somatic and emotional layers of OCD, therapists help clients build resilience in both mind and body. This integrative approach is particularly important for trans* and queer clients, who may face additional layers of shame, fear, or trauma related to societal oppression. For these clients, the intersection of identity and OCD requires a sensitive and holistic approach that fosters safety and healing on multiple levels.

Conclusion: A Compassionate and Holistic Path to Healing OCD

OCD is often portrayed as a disorder that primarily affects thought patterns and behaviours, but the truth is that it touches much deeper emotional and physical layers. By integrating Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) with somatic psychotherapy, we open up new possibilities for individuals struggling with OCD to experience more comprehensive and transformative healing. While ERP remains a powerful tool for reducing compulsions, it can only take clients so far when deeper issues like trauma, shame, and chronic anxiety remain unaddressed. That’s where somatic approaches come in.

Somatic interventions—whether through Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, mindfulness practices, or art-based therapies—allow clients to process their distress not just cognitively, but physically and emotionally. These approaches recognize that the body often holds onto trauma and anxiety long after the mind has developed coping strategies. By helping clients reconnect with their bodies and release the tension, shame, and fear that fuel their compulsions, we create space for genuine healing to occur. This combined approach fosters not only symptom relief but also emotional resilience, self-compassion, and a deeper sense of safety in the body.

In my work with trans* and queer clients, I have seen firsthand how these integrative techniques provide a compassionate framework for healing. These clients often navigate additional layers of societal oppression, which can compound the distress of OCD. For them, somatic therapies offer a way to reclaim their sense of safety and agency, both in their bodies and in their lives. By incorporating ERP with body-centred practices, we honour the complexity of their experience and create an approach to treatment that is both effective and deeply affirming.

Ultimately, the goal of combining ERP and somatic psychotherapy is to help individuals with OCD build not only better control over their compulsions but also a kinder, more compassionate relationship with themselves. By addressing the root causes of their distress and expanding their window of capacity, we give clients the tools they need to confront their fears, process their emotions, and move toward long-term healing.

If the ideas in this blog resonate with you, I warmly invite you to connect with me. Whether you’re a therapist seeking guidance on integrating somatic approaches with ERP, or someone navigating OCD and looking for support, I’m here to help. You may book individual therapy sessions or peer consultations online. Be sure to bookmark this blog for future insights, reflections, and updates.

References

Britz, A. (2017). Obsessed: A memoir of my life with OCD. Simon Pulse.

Drummond, L. M. (2022). Everything you need to know about OCD. Sheldon Press.

Fulwood, A., & Wilson, Z. (2022). FAQs on OCD. John Murray Press.

Lakin, J. (2020). Free yourself from OCD. Rockridge Press.

Disclaimer: This blog offers general educational information and does not constitute professional advice or establish a therapist-client relationship. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance. Any decisions based on the content are the reader’s responsibility, and Clayre Sessoms Psychotherapy assumes no liability. All case studies are hypothetical with fictional names and do not reflect actual people. We prioritize your privacy and the confidentiality of all of our clients. We are committed to maintaining a safe, supportive space for 2SLGBTQIA+ community care.

Clayre Sessoms is a trans, queer, and neurodivergent Registered Psychotherapist (RP), Certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapist, and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), offering online therapy for trans*, nonbinary, queer, and 2SLGBTQIA+ allied adults and teens across Canada. With a deep commitment to trauma-attuned gender-affirming care, Clayre integrates talk therapy, experiential collaboration, and creative expression to support clients to grow, heal, or navigate change. When not working with clients or supervising newly-licensed therapists, Clayre finds solace in nature, where she recharges her creativity and compassion.

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