OCD Therapists in Marin County
Specializing in ERP
Reframe CBT provides evidence-based Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) , the gold-standard treatment for OCD, for children, teens, and adults in San Rafael and throughout California via telehealth.
What Is OCD, And Why Does It Feel So Hard to Stop?
OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) is a neurobiological anxiety disorder driven by a cycle of obsessions (intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce distress).
The compulsions provide temporary relief, but they actually strengthen OCD over time by teaching the brain that the only way to feel safe is to perform the ritual. This is why willpower alone rarely works.
OCD affects approximately 1 in 40 adults and 1 in 100 children in the United States. It is highly treatable with the right approach, and ERP is that approach.
Trigger
A situation, thought, or sensation activates anxiety.
Obsession
An intrusive, distressing thought takes hold.
Anxiety
Distress spikes, the urge to 'fix it' becomes overwhelming.
Compulsion
A ritual is performed to reduce the anxiety.
Temporary Relief
Relief is short-lived, and the cycle repeats, stronger.
ERP breaks this cycle by teaching your brain that anxiety decreases on its own — without compulsions.
OCD Presentations We Treat
OCD presents differently in every person. Our therapists are trained to treat all subtypes and presentations of OCD using evidence-based ERP.
Contamination OCD
Fear of germs, illness, or spreading contamination to others.
Harm OCD
Intrusive thoughts about accidentally or intentionally hurting oneself or others.
Religious / Scrupulosity OCD
Excessive worry about sin, blasphemy, or moral wrongdoing.
Relationship OCD (ROCD)
Obsessive doubts about one's relationship or partner's feelings.
Pure-O (Primarily Obsessional)
Predominantly mental obsessions with less visible compulsions.
Symmetry & Ordering OCD
Intense need for objects to be arranged 'just right' or perfectly symmetrical.
Somatic OCD
Hyper-awareness of bodily sensations such as breathing, blinking, or swallowing.
OCD in Children & Teens
Age-appropriate ERP with parent coaching for younger clients.
How ERP Therapy Works
ERP is a structured, collaborative process. Here's what to expect when working with us at Reframe CBT in San Rafael, CA.
Assessment & Psychoeducation
We conduct a thorough assessment to understand your OCD themes, triggers, and compulsions. You'll learn exactly how OCD works and why ERP is the most effective treatment.
Build Your Fear Hierarchy
Together, you'll create a personalized hierarchy of feared situations and thoughts, ranked from least to most distressing. This becomes your roadmap for treatment.
Graduated Exposures
Starting with manageable challenges, you'll face feared situations while resisting compulsions. Each successful exposure weakens OCD's grip and builds confidence.
Response Prevention Practice
You'll learn to tolerate uncertainty and anxiety without performing rituals, the core skill that breaks the OCD cycle and creates lasting change.
Relapse Prevention
As treatment concludes, You'll be equipped with tools to maintain your gains, recognize early warning signs, and handle future OCD flare-ups independently.
OCD & ERP Therapy in Marin County
Evidence-Based, IOCDF-Informed
Our approach to OCD treatment follows the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) guidelines, ERP is the primary tool, not just one option among many.
All OCD Subtypes & Presentations
From contamination OCD to Pure-O to ROCD, Our therapists have experience treating the full spectrum of OCD presentations in clients of all ages.
Children, Teens & Adults
Reframe CBT treats OCD across all life stages, with child-adapted ERP and parent coaching for younger clients, and adult-focused ERP for teens and adults.
Verified on Psychology Today
Julie Hingsbergen is a verified therapist on Psychology Today and a volunteer therapist at the Fear of Flying Clinic at SFO, demonstrating her commitment to evidence-based exposure work.
Julie H., LMFT
Nicole S., AMFT
Reframe CBT · San Rafael, CA
OCD & ERP Questions Answered
Have more questions about OCD treatment or ERP therapy in Marin County? Reach out directly.
Ready to Break Free from OCD?
Reframe CBT offers a consultation to discuss your concerns and answer any questions about ERP therapy. In-person in San Rafael, Marin County, or telehealth anywhere in California.
Serving San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, Tiburon, Sausalito, Fairfax, Corte Madera & all of Marin County.
Telehealth available throughout California.