OCD Therapy & Exposure Response Prevention in NYC, NJ. & CT

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Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

For those struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), escaping the grip of intrusive thoughts and repetitive rituals can feel impossible. At Metro NY DBT Center, we provide a clear, evidence-based path forward. Our treatment is designed to empower you, giving you the practical skills to dismantle the cycle of OCD and regain control of your life.

Our clinicians provide therapy for OCD, using the gold-standard treatment, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), integrated with skills from
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help you manage anxiety and build a life defined by your values, not your fears. We offer these expert mental health services across NY, NJ, & CT.

Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is a mental health condition characterized by two core components: obsessions and compulsions. It is more than just a preference for neatness or double-checking things; it involves significant distress and interference with daily life.

What are Obsessions and Compulsions?

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Obsessions



Unwanted, intrusive, and recurring thoughts,  that cause significant anxiety or distress.

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Compulsions



These are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession.

This cycle of obsessions and compulsions can be exhausting and isolating. Our treatment is designed to interrupt this cycle and help you build new, more effective ways of responding to intrusive thoughts.

Our Approach to OCD Therapy

The most effective treatment for OCD is a specific type of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) known as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Our program is centered on this evidence-based model, enhanced with skills from DBT to provide comprehensive support.

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Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP):

  • Exposure: Gradually and systematically confronting the thoughts, images, objects, and situations that trigger your obsessions and cause anxiety.
  • Response Prevention (RP): Making a commitment to not engage in the compulsive behaviors that you would typically perform to reduce your anxiety.


ERP addresses the link influencing the intensity of symptoms of OCD. Repeated exposure leads to a reduction in automatic and emotional responses over time. ERP helps you break the link between obsessions and compulsions, weakening the power of OCD.

Why Choose Metro NY DBT to Treat Your OCD

Choosing Metro NY DBT Center means you are not just getting standard CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). You are benefiting from a sophisticated, integrated approach that addresses both the core mechanisms of OCD and the emotional struggles that come with it.

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Gold-Standard Treatment



Our program is built on Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the evidence-based therapeutic approach for OCD.

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Integrated Skills Support



We are unique in our ability to weave in skills from DBT and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) to help you manage the emotional challenges of treatment and combat the self-criticism that OCD often fuels.

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Expert Clinicians



Our therapists are highly trained in treating OCD and related anxiety disorders, providing expert guidance through every step of the ERP process.

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Collaborative & Personalized Care



We work with you to create a customized hierarchy of exposures, ensuring that treatment moves at a pace that is challenging but manageable for you.

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Schedule OCD Therapy in NYC, NJ & CT

You do not have to live by the rules of OCD. If you are ready to face your fears, reduce compulsive behaviors, and build a more flexible and fulfilling life, we are here to help. Contact Metro NY DBT Center to learn more about our OCD treatment program.

Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation.

Visit our Contact Page: Click Here

Frequently Asked Questions About Treatment for OCD

  • What is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy like?

    ERP is an active, structured therapy. With your therapist, you will create a list of your triggers and compulsions, ordered from least to most anxiety-provoking. You will then systematically work your way up the list, practicing exposures in session and as homework, while resisting the urge to perform compulsions. It is challenging work, but it is done collaboratively and at your pace.

  • How is your approach different from just talking about my anxiety?

    Traditional talk therapy is often not effective for OCD because it doesn't address the core mechanism of the disorder—the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. Simply talking about the obsessions can sometimes even act as a compulsion (reassurance seeking). ERP is a behavioral therapy that actively helps you change your relationship to your thoughts and break the compulsive cycle.

  • How long does treatment for OCD usually take?

    The duration of treatment varies depending on the severity of the OCD and individual progress. ERP is designed to be a relatively short-term, focused treatment. Many individuals see significant improvement within 12-20 sessions. Your therapist will discuss a projected timeline with you during the assessment phase.

  • Do you treat all types of OCD?

    Yes. The principles of ERP can be adapted to treat all manifestations of OCD, including themes of contamination, checking, intrusive thoughts (Pure "O"), relationship OCD (ROCD), scrupulosity (religious or moral OCD), and perfectionism.

  • What are the signs of OCD?

    OCD involves a cycle of obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are recurrent, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause distress. Common compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions, such as excessive cleaning, checking, counting, or seeking reassurance.

  • How effective is ERP for OCD?

    Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard treatment for OCD. Research shows that about 70% of individuals who complete ERP experience a significant reduction in their symptoms. The therapy involves gradually confronting feared thoughts and situations (exposure) while resisting the urge to perform compulsions (response prevention).