OCD Therapy for Teens & Young Adults in Fairfax, VA
What Is OCD and How Is It Affecting Teens & Young Adults in Northern VA?
OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, is more than just liking things neat or organized—it’s a condition where unwanted thoughts (obsessions) create intense anxiety, and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) are used to reduce that anxiety. For teens and young adults, OCD can be confusing and frustrating, both for them and for parents, because it often shows up in ways that interfere with school, friendships, or daily life.
Here’s how OCD can impact teens and young adults:
- Intrusive thoughts: Worries or images that feel disturbing, repetitive, or hard to control.
- Compulsive behaviors: Rituals like repeated checking, counting, or arranging things to feel “safe.”
- Time-consuming routines: OCD can take hours each day, affecting homework, sports, and social life.
- Emotional impact: Feelings of shame, frustration, or anxiety can build if they sense others don’t understand.
- Avoidance: They may steer clear of situations that trigger obsessions, which can limit experiences and social growth.
For parents, understanding that OCD is not a phase or “bad habit” is key. With support, therapy, and sometimes medication, young people can learn to manage symptoms and regain control over their lives.
OCD: By the Numbers (NOCD)
Our Approach to OCD in Teens & Young Adults
At Cabush, Paul & Associates, our therapists use evidence-based practices guiding our clients to face fears without resorting to compulsions. We teach coping strategies, challenge distorted thoughts, and reduce reliance on rituals. We can also work with family members to share how to support loved one’s recovery without reinforcing symptoms.
A typical case could include one or more of the following approaches:
- Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
- Family Systems
"This practice didn’t just help our son—they helped our whole family. We’ve learned how to communicate better, set boundaries with compassion, and support him in a way that actually works."
OCD Coping Strategies for Parents
Here are three supportive strategies parents can use to help teens and young adults cope with OCD:
- Respond with calm consistency – Avoid reacting with frustration to compulsions; instead, set clear, steady boundaries while showing understanding of the struggle.
- Encourage, don’t enable – Support progress by resisting the urge to participate in or accommodate rituals, while gently encouraging small steps toward managing them.
- Seek professional guidance – Partner with therapists like those at Cabush, Paul & Associates familiar with CBT/ERP (exposure and response prevention) and keep communication open between home, school, and treatment providers.
OCD: Myth vs. Fact
Myth: OCD is just about being neat or organized.
Fact: OCD often involves distressing, repetitive thoughts and rituals—not just cleaning or orderliness.
Myth: They can stop the behaviors if they try harder.
Fact: Compulsions are driven by real anxiety—willpower alone isn’t enough.
Myth: OCD is rare.
Fact: Many teens and young adults live with OCD, though it often goes unnoticed or misdiagnosed.
Myth: It’s just a quirk or personality trait.
Fact: OCD is a neurological condition that can greatly impact daily life if untreated.
Myth: OCD is just a temporary display of anxiety.
Fact: If untreated, OCD can lead to serious disability, depression and addictions. OCD is not just anxiety.
Contact Us for a Free Phone Consultation About OCD
Call us at (703) 691-0036 or fill in our easy contact form.