“It’s Not About Handwashing, Cleaning and being “Neat.”
Does worry feel like it’s taken over your daily life?
Do intrusive thoughts feel overwhelming, making you act in ways you’d rather not—but feel compelled to, just to quiet the fear?
Do you sometimes wonder if your thoughts are “wrong” or “out of place” because they seem so irrational or disturbing?
Do you feel like no matter how hard you try to ignore or fight these thoughts, you only feel more stuck?
You’re not alone, and you’re not overreacting.
OCD isn’t just a matter of “chilling out” or learning to relax—it’s much more complex than that.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that create
intense worry, fear, or discomfort, paired with behaviors (compulsions) performed to ease the
distress. These compulsions aren’t something you want to do—they’re something you feel you
must do to find temporary relief.
You’re Not Alone
OCD is more common than you may think. It affects approximately 1 in 40 adults. Many people
suffer for years before seeking help–that does not have to be you.
Here at Ruby House, we treat anxiety and related conditions, including OCD. This means we’ve seen it all before, and we’ve helped people like you break free from the cycles of obsession and compulsion using evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy, and IFS for OCD.
OCD often follows a recurring cycle:
Trigger → Intrusive Thought → Catastrophic Interpretation → Obsession → Distress →
Compulsion
This cycle can happen so quickly it feels instantaneous. While not everyone experiences every step—or might even add unique steps—it can still feel exhausting and endless.
Here are examples of Intrusive Thoughts people with OCD might experience:
Examples of Compulsions might include:
We Can Help You Take Back Control
Intrusive thoughts don’t have to run your life, and compulsions don’t have to feel like your only
option. At Ruby House, we’ll work together to understand your thoughts and fears, process
them, and build practical coping skills.
Our goal is to help you reduce the need for compulsive behaviors and find effective, lasting
relief. We understand how exhausting this can feel and how hard you’ve likely worked to
manage it on your own.
We know talking about intrusive thoughts can feel intimidating—but our space is judgment-free, safe, and built to help you. Here, you’ll find empathy, understanding, and real, evidence-based tools to feel better.
There is help. Book an appointment today and take the first step toward regaining control of your life.