OCD Therapy in North and south Carolina: Understanding and Treating Obsessions and Compulsions
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often misunderstood as simply being “extra neat” or “a perfectionist.” In reality, OCD is a mental health condition that can feel overwhelming and isolating. The good news? OCD is highly treatable, and with the right support, you can break free from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. See Mayo Clinic’s definition of OCD here.
At Stafford & Associates Counseling Group, we specialize in evidence-based OCD therapy in North Carolina and South Carolina, offering in-person and telehealth sessions to help you find lasting relief.
OCD picture
What is OCD?
OCD is defined by two main components:
Obsessions: Unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety.
Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors or mental rituals aimed at reducing anxiety or preventing something bad from happening.
This cycle can take up hours of the day, disrupting relationships, work, and overall well-being.
Common Obsessions and Compulsions
Obsessions may include:
Fear of contamination or germs
Fear of harming yourself or others
Intrusive religious, moral, or sexual thoughts
Needing things to feel “just right”
Compulsions may include:
Excessive cleaning or handwashing
Checking locks, appliances, or health symptoms
Repeating phrases or actions
Mental rituals such as reviewing events or silently praying
The Hidden Side: Internal Obsessions
Not all OCD symptoms are visible. Many people experience internal obsessions (sometimes called “Pure O”), which involve distressing thoughts without outward behaviors.
Examples include:
Harm obsessions: “What if I lose control and hurt someone?”
Relationship obsessions: “Do I really love my partner enough?”
Religious or moral obsessions: “What if I’ve sinned or done something unforgivable?”
Sexual obsessions: intrusive and disturbing thoughts that conflict with personal values
Even without visible compulsions, many people engage in mental rituals like self-reassurance, replaying past events, or trying to suppress thoughts. These internal patterns can be just as exhausting as outward behaviors.
Evidence-Based OCD Treatment in North Carolina
Our therapists use proven approaches to help clients manage OCD and reclaim peace of mind:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps reframe unhelpful thoughts and reduce compulsions.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): The gold-standard treatment for OCD. ERP helps you face intrusive thoughts while resisting compulsions.
Schema Therapy: Addresses deeper emotional patterns that fuel OCD symptoms, such as defectiveness or abandonment fears.
Medication support: When appropriate, combined with therapy for best outcomes.
🌿 Ready to Break Free From OCD?
Swipe to take the first step ➡️
👉 Schedule OCD therapy in North Carolina today with Stafford & Associates Counseling Group. We offer in-person sessions in Mooresville and secure telehealth across NC & SC.
📞 Text us at 704-534-5997
🌐 Visit www.staffordgroupnc.com
💬 Or send us a message to get started
Your healing journey doesn’t have to wait—you can start today.
