Pure O(CD)--When Your Mind Will Not Stop: A Guide to Understanding OCD and Specialized Care

By Courtney Worley, Ph.D., ABPP, DBSM, M.P.H.

Posted: June 14, 2026

Mental compulsions are one of the most misunderstood and under-diagnosed features of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Often individuals with mental rituals are misdiagnosed, undertreated, or told that what they are doing — trying to think their way out of anxiety — is actually the right approach. The skill of learning to challenge thoughts is standard practice in many therapies and is effective in many disorders. In OCD, it is not. And understanding why is the first step toward real relief.

Understanding OCD: Intrusive Thoughts About Violence, Pedophilia, and Suicide

By Misti Norton, Ph.D., DBSM

OCD

Treatment

Posted: June 7, 2026

OCD is a chronic mental health condition characterized by persistent, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) performed to alleviate anxiety. While many people associate OCD with cleanliness or checking behaviors, the disorder often presents with a wide range of obsessions, some of which can be deeply distressing and misunderstood, such as those involving causing harm to others, pedophilia, and suicide.

Aging With OCD: Understanding Symptoms, Finding Support, and Reclaiming Your Life

By Misti Norton, Ph.D., DBSM

OCD

Posted: April 15, 2026

OCD doesn’t fade with age, and it doesn’t always look the same from one decade to the next. Many older adults find that symptoms shift as life circumstances change—retirement, health concerns, caregiving roles, and the loss of loved ones can all create new openings for OCD to take hold. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward getting the right support and building a life guided by values rather than fear.

Understanding Avoidance: A Barrier to Mental Health and Healing

By Susan Rathmell, Ph.D.

PTSD Insomnia OCD Anxiety Depression

Posted: December 5, 2025

Avoidance is a significant barrier to mental health and well-being. Often misunderstood, avoidance is not merely a sign of laziness or a lack of motivation; it is a complex clinical symptom deeply rooted in various mental health issues. Many individuals use avoidance as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions, fears, and stressors. Initially, it may provide immediate relief; however, this coping strategy often sabotages long-term recovery and growth. Avoidance is best understood as both a short-term coping mechanism and as a hallmark symptom of numerous mental health conditions such as insomnia, OCD, depression, and PTSD.