At RESILIENT FLOW THERAPY, I specialize in helping individuals overcome the challenges of OCD, anxiety, and trauma.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
OCD can create exhausting cycles of intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, making it hard to feel in control. Evidence-based therapies are designed to help you break free from these patterns, regain your sense of agency, and rediscover peace of mind.
Anxiety Disorders:
Anxiety can show up as persistent worry, social discomfort, panic attacks, or fears that limit your life. I offer compassionate support and practical, proven strategies that empower you to manage anxiety, build confidence, and engage more fully in the things that matter most to you.
Trauma:
Trauma can leave lasting emotional and physical impacts, affecting your relationships, self-esteem, and overall wellbeing. I provide a safe, nurturing environment where you can process painful memories, restore a sense of safety, and build resilience for a brighter future.
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OCD, Anxiety, &Trauma
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Therapy
Respond differently to obsessions and rumination
What are obsessions and compulsive behaviors?
If you're struggling with intrusive thoughts and compulsions, it's easy to feel isolated and misunderstood. Understanding the facts about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is the first step toward recognizing that you are not alone and that effective help is available.
OCD is a serious and often debilitating neurobiological disorder that involves a cycle of unwanted obsessions and compulsive behaviors.
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Obsessions: These are not simple worries. They are repeated, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety and distress.
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Compulsions: These are repetitive behaviors (physical or mental) that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession. The goal is to reduce the anxiety or prevent a feared outcome, but the relief is only temporary, strengthening the cycle.
One of the most frustrating parts of OCD is that you may be fully aware that your obsessive thoughts are illogical. However, the disorder creates such intense feelings of doubt and anxiety that you feel compelled to perform the compulsion "just in case." I
Obsessions Can Be About Anything. While fear of germs (Contamination OCD) is well-known, obsessions can latch onto any theme. Common subtypes include:
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Harm OCD: Fear of harming yourself or others.
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Relationship OCD (ROCD): Doubts about your relationship or partner.
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Scrupulosity: Fear of being immoral or blasphemous.
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"Just Right" OCD: An intense feeling that something is incomplete or not done perfectly.
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Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD): Obsessive doubts about your sexual identity.
Compulsions Can Be Invisible. Not all compulsions are obvious actions like hand-washing or checking. Many are silent, mental rituals that no one else can see, such as:
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Mental Review: Repeatedly replaying a memory to check for "bad" thoughts or actions.
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Reassurance Seeking: Constantly asking others if everything is okay.
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Counting or Repeating Phrases: Silently repeating words or numbers to neutralize a bad thought.
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Avoidance: Steering clear of people, places, or things that trigger obsessions.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Respond differently to anxious thoughts and sensations
What does constant anxiety feel like?
Imagine waking up each day with a sense of unease, as if something bad might happen—even when everything seems fine. For many people, anxiety is not just occasional worry; it’s a constant companion that lingers in the background, making it hard to relax or enjoy the present moment.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed before a big event or worrying about a deadline. It’s persistent, excessive, and difficult to control. You might find yourself worrying about finances, health, family, work, or even small details like being on time. The worry often feels out of proportion to the situation and can last for months, leaving you mentally and physically drained.
Common Signs of Ongoing Anxiety:
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Feeling on edge or restless most days
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Racing thoughts or constant worry
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Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares
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Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
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Physical symptoms like muscle tension, headaches, or stomach upset
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Avoiding situations that might trigger anxiety
Living with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) can feel like you’re always bracing for something to go wrong. It’s like carrying a heavy backpack you can’t put down, making it difficult to find peace in the moment.
When Anxiety Turns Into Panic
If GAD is a constant hum, a panic attack is a sudden, blaring alarm. Panic attacks are intense waves of fear or discomfort that peak within minutes. They can strike unexpectedly or be triggered by specific situations. During an attack, you might experience:
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Rapid heartbeat or chest pain
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Shortness of breath
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Dizziness or feeling faint
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Sweating or chills
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Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
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Feeling like you’re having a heart attack or dying
If you recognize yourself in these words, please know that support is available and healing is possible. Therapy can help you understand your anxiety, develop effective coping strategies, and reclaim your life. My approach combines evidence-based therapies tailored to your unique needs, offering a safe space for you to begin your journey toward calm and confidence.
What is Trauma: When overwhelm never stops
Respond differently in face of overwhelm and trauma triggers
What is Trauma?
Trauma is a psychological and emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope. Traumatic experiences may involve actual or threatened harm to one’s body, mind, or emotional well-being. These events can include accidents, loss, abuse, violence, or any situation that causes feelings of powerlessness, fear, or insecurity. Trauma can affect anyone, and each person’s experience is unique.
Trauma may result from a single incident—such as an accident or natural disaster—or develop over time due to ongoing circumstances like repeated abuse or chronic stress. The effects of trauma are not limited to the mind; they can also impact the body, emotions, and relationships.
Common Effects of Trauma:
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Persistent anxiety, feeling on edge, or being easily startled
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Sleep disturbances or nightmares
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Difficulty trusting others or feeling safe
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Flashbacks or intrusive memories
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Emotional numbness, disconnection, or hopelessness
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Mood changes, including sadness or anger
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Ruminations and intrusive thoughts
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Hypervigilance and difficulty concentrating
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Physical disengagement and emotional withdrawal
The effects of trauma may manifest immediately or emerge months or even years after the event. Healing is possible, and you do not have to face it alone. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), combined with Somatic Psychotherapy, can support you in processing painful experiences, reconnecting with your authentic self, and engaging more fully with what matters to you—guided by your own values.
If you have questions about trauma or are interested in learning how therapy can help, please reach out. I am here to support you.