OCD Therapy Online in New York

At Marsh Psychotherapy, we provide specialized therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and specialize in therapy for obsessive thinking. Our approach integrates Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) with Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) to address both the behavioral and emotional aspects of OCD. Our goal is to help clients reduce symptoms, regain control over their lives, and build healthier relationships. Based in Glendale, Queens, we offer online OCD therapy to all New York residents.

While OCD manifests in various ways, we most often work with:

• Obsessive Thinking & Rumination: Persistent, distressing thoughts about past interactions, future anxieties, or fears of making mistakes.
• Perfectionism: A need for things to be “just right,” leading to procrastination or excessive rechecking.
• Compulsive Rituals: Checking behaviors (e.g., locks, stoves, lights) and skin-picking.
• Reassurance-Seeking: A reliance on others to confirm safety, correctness, or morality.

OCD is influenced by biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Differences in brain structure and serotonin imbalances contribute to intrusive thoughts and compulsions. A strong hereditary component increases the likelihood of OCD in families. Cognitive distortions, such as an exaggerated sense of responsibility, intolerance of uncertainty, and perfectionism, fuel obsessive thinking. Stress, trauma, and learned behaviors can initiate or worsen symptoms.

We use a combined approach that includes Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Sullivan-style Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) to address both the behavioral and emotional aspects of OCD.

ERP involves gradual, structured exposure to fears while resisting compulsions, helping to break the OCD cycle.

IPT focuses on interpersonal distress as a trigger for OCD, reducing the need for reassurance and dependency, strengthening social support, and reducing isolation. This approach also helps with OCD-related guilt and shame, addresses comorbid depression and anxiety, and enhances emotional awareness and communication.

Interpersonal difficulties can often contribute to or worsen OCD. IPT helps by:

• Identifying how interpersonal stressors (e.g., criticism, conflict) trigger compulsions.
• Reducing reassurance-seeking behaviors that reinforce OCD.
• Strengthening social support and reducing isolation.
• Addressing OCD-related guilt, shame, and comorbid depression.

• Work & Productivity – Difficulty concentrating, excessive checking, and procrastination can reduce efficiency and job performance.
• Relationships – OCD can strain personal relationships due to reassurance-seeking, avoidance, or compulsive behaviors.
• Mental Health – Anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem often accompany OCD.
• Daily Routines – Time-consuming rituals, hygiene-related fears, and financial strain from OCD-related expenses can disrupt everyday life.

Therapy provides numerous benefits, including:

1. Check-In & Symptom Review: Discussing recent triggers and how interpersonal stressors may be influencing OCD symptoms.
2. Cognitive Restructuring: Challenging distorted thoughts related to both OCD and interpersonal interactions.
3. Homework & Goal Setting: Assigning ERP exercises and interpersonal skill-building tasks for continued progress.
4. Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) Work: Exploring relational patterns, reassurance-seeking, and emotional responses.
5. Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) Exercises: Gradual exposure to feared situations while resisting compulsions.