OCD Therapy in Calgary | NU Psychology

When Your Mind Won’t Let Go

OCD isn’t just about “liking things neat” or “being a perfectionist.” It’s about living with intrusive thoughts or urges that feel impossible to ignore. The relief you get from checking, repeating, or rituals only lasts a moment—before the cycle begins again.

It can feel like your brain is stuck on a loop, replaying fears or “what if” scenarios. Even when you know the thoughts aren’t logical, they still feel urgent, exhausting, and overwhelming.

Recognizing Signs of OCD

OCD is made up of two parts: obsessions (unwanted, distressing thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive actions or mental rituals). Common signs include:

  • Intrusive thoughts about safety, contamination, or harm

  • Repeated checking of locks, appliances, or messages

  • Counting, tapping, or repeating actions until it “feels right”

  • Avoiding places or people that trigger distress

  • Constant reassurance-seeking from others

  • Mental rituals like reviewing memories or repeating phrases silently

If you recognize these patterns, therapy can help break the cycle.

The Many Faces of OCD

OCD is not one-size-fits-all. Some common subtypes include:

  • Contamination OCD—fear of germs or illness leading to excessive cleaning

  • Checking OCD—repeated checking to prevent harm or mistakes

  • Symmetry & order—arranging items until they feel “just right”

  • Intrusive thoughts—distressing mental images or urges

  • Harm OCD—fear of causing harm to yourself or others

Some people experience more than one type, and symptoms can shift over time.

Why Early Support Matters

OCD can be exhausting—and without support, compulsions often grow stronger, taking up more time and mental energy. Early intervention can:

  • Reduce the power of intrusive thoughts

  • Break the cycle of obsessions and compulsions

  • Improve focus and energy for the things you value

  • Prevent OCD from interfering with relationships, work, and daily life

How Therapy Can Help

At NU Psychology, we use approaches like CBT and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to help you gradually face anxiety-provoking situations while reducing the urge to engage in compulsions. You’ll learn tools to respond to intrusive thoughts without letting them take over.

OCD can make you question yourself — but intrusive thoughts do not define you. With the right support, you can quiet the mental noise and get back to living fully.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • OCD is diagnosed when obsessions and compulsions are time-consuming, cause distress, or interfere with daily life.

  • No. OCD can involve a variety of obsessions, including harm, safety, symmetry, and intrusive thoughts unrelated to cleanliness.

  • OCD symptoms may fluctuate, but without treatment they often persist or worsen.

  • It’s linked to genetics, brain function, and environmental factors. Stress can trigger or worsen symptoms.

  • Yes. ERP and CBT are highly effective treatments, though some people also benefit from medication.

  • Perfectionism is a personality trait, while OCD is a mental health condition involving distressing obsessions and compulsions.

  • Yes. OCD often begins in childhood or adolescence and can be effectively treated at any age.

  • Book online or schedule a free match consultation with NU Psychology to connect with the right therapist.