Struggling with OCD — or watching someone you love get stuck in obsessive thoughts and rituals — can feel exhausting and isolating. But the good news is: help is available.
At my therapy practice in Palo Alto, I specialize in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) across the lifespan. Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child, a teen feeling overwhelmed, a college student struggling to keep up, or an adult stuck in a cycle of worry and compulsions — you’re not alone, and support is available.
What Is OCD?
OCD is more than just worrying or liking things “a certain way.” It’s a disorder where unwanted thoughts (obsessions) lead to urges or behaviors (compulsions) that feel impossible to ignore. People with OCD often know their fears don’t totally make sense — but the anxiety feels real, and the compulsions feel necessary to make it go away.
How Therapy Helps
The gold standard treatments for OCD are:
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): A type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you face your fears and resist the compulsions.
- Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT): A newer therapy that targets the obsessional doubt at the core of OCD.
- ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy): Helps you notice thoughts without getting hooked by them and take values-based action even in the face of anxiety.
I tailor these approaches based on age, developmental stage, and client preferences — so each person gets support that fits their needs.
Find OCD Support Based on Age
👉 Children — OCD Therapy for Kids in Palo Alto
👉 Teens — Finding the Right OCD Therapy for Teens
👉 College Students — Support for OCD in College
👉 Adults — Effective OCD Treatment for Adults
Each post dives into how OCD shows up for that age group and how therapy can help.
Why Work with Me?
I’m Sarah Newman, LMFT, and I bring both clinical expertise and real-world experience to my work. I’ve helped kids afraid to touch their toys, teens who spiral in thought loops, college students avoiding classes, and adults who feel trapped by rituals. My style is warm, nonjudgmental, and focused on real tools that work.
You don’t have to do this alone — and OCD doesn’t have to run the show anymore.
Ready to Get Started?
I offer in-person therapy in Palo Alto and virtual sessions throughout California. If you’re ready to explore support, book a free 15-minute consultation here — I’d love to hear what’s going on and help you take the first step toward relief.
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