OCD & Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior Treatment

About OCD Treatment

Do you ever feel stuck in an endless cycle of intrusive thoughts or repetitive behaviors that you can’t seem to stop, no matter how hard you try? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and effective treatment is available.

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What is OCD and Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related conditions, such as trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) and excoriation (skin-picking disorder), can significantly impact daily life. Whether it’s compulsions, hair-pulling, or skin-picking, these behaviors may feel automatic or even soothing in the moment, but they can lead to frustration, shame, and emotional distress. These disorders involve repetitive behaviors that feel difficult to control and often lead to distress. Dr. Ortiz provides compassionate and evidence-based treatment to help individuals regain control and reduce compulsive urges.

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What Are Common Symptoms of OCD?

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by:

  • Obsessions – Persistent, unwanted, and distressing thoughts, images, or urges.

  • Compulsions – Repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce anxiety caused by obsessions. Common examples of compulsions include handwashing, checking, or counting.

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• Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) are conditions where individuals engage in repeated behaviors that cause damage to their body. These include:

  • Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder): Repetitive hair pulling, leading to hair loss.

  • Excoriation (Skin-Picking Disorder): Recurrent skin picking, often causing lesions or scarring.

  • Nail-Biting & Lip-Chewing: Other behaviors that may be difficult to control and cause physical damage.

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Dr. Ortiz's Approach to OCD Treatment: 

Dr. Ortiz specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Habit Reversal Training (HRT) to treat OCD and BFRBs effectively.

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): A structured therapy to gradually reduce compulsions and avoidance behaviors by gradually face their fears and reduce the urge to perform compulsive behaviors.

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• Habit Reversal Training (HRT): A behavioral approach specifically designed for trichotillomania and skin picking, helping clients develop alternative coping strategies.

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• Mindfulness-Based Strategies: Techniques to increase awareness of triggers and reduce impulsive behaviors.

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