Anxiety, OCD & Panic
When your mind feels like the problem, the solution is rarely trying harder to control it. A different approach—one focused on changing your relationship to fear—can make all the difference.
When Your Mind Feels Like the Problem
Anxiety can take many forms—but at its core, it often feels like being trapped in your own mind. The more you try to control or eliminate these experiences, the stronger they often become.
This might look like
- Intrusive, unwanted thoughts that are difficult to ignore (OCD)
- Constant worry or overthinking
- Sudden waves of panic or fear
- Avoidance of situations that feel overwhelming
- A sense that your mind is working against you
A Different Approach to Anxiety
My work is grounded in exposure-based, action-oriented treatment. This includes Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, and exposure and approach-based work for panic and anxiety.
Rather than trying to reduce anxiety directly, we focus on changing your relationship to fear. This means facing what you've been avoiding, reducing compulsions and safety behaviors, and learning that anxiety—while uncomfortable—is not dangerous.
Core Methods
- ERP — Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD
- Exposure-based work — for panic and anxiety cycles
- Approach over avoidance — facing what has been avoided
- Mindfulness practices — building awareness without judgment
Understanding OCD and Anxiety Patterns
OCD and anxiety are maintained by cycles that feel impossible to escape. Understanding the cycle is the first step to interrupting it.
The pattern typically looks like: Trigger → Anxiety → Compulsion or Avoidance → Temporary Relief → Stronger Anxiety.
Our work focuses on interrupting this cycle—not by eliminating anxiety, but by allowing it, staying with it, and responding differently.
Rethinking Panic
Panic attacks can feel intense, overwhelming, and even dangerous. But an important shift in treatment is this:
The goal is not to eliminate panic attacks. The goal is to no longer be afraid of them.
When the fear of panic decreases, the panic itself loses its power. We work toward understanding the physiology of panic, reducing fear of bodily sensations, and practicing approach rather than avoidance.
Learning to Ride the Wave
In sessions, I actively use grounding techniques, mindfulness practices, and real-time exercises. These help you stay present during anxiety and panic, tolerate distress without reacting automatically, and "ride the wave" of fear without being overwhelmed by it.
This is something we practice together—not just talk about.
The Role of Humor
Fear thrives on intensity and seriousness. At times, I intentionally use humor to shift perspective, reduce the perceived threat, and help you relate differently to what feels overwhelming.
This isn't about minimizing your experience—it's about loosening fear's grip.
What This Work Involves
This is active, structured therapy. Together, we will:
- Gradually face feared thoughts, sensations, and situations
- Reduce avoidance and compulsive responses
- Build confidence in your ability to handle anxiety
- Develop a more flexible and grounded relationship with your mind
A Good Fit
This approach tends to work best if you:
- Are willing to face discomfort in a gradual, supported way
- Want practical tools and real-world change
- Are open to trying new responses, even when it feels difficult
- Are ready to move beyond avoidance
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If this approach resonates, the next step is to schedule a consultation. Together we can explore whether this work is a good fit.
Schedule a Consultation