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#200 - 2609 Westview Drive, North Vancouver, British Columbia V7N 3X8, Canada
Anxiety Disorders
Suffering from any anxiety related disorder can be deeply shameful and isolating. I am here to listen and support and help you find your way out of the darkness that is these oppressive disorders. You don't have to experience these conditions alone.
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OCD
Is it OCD? Learn more here: https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/
OCD is not just "obsessing" about things. As anyone with OCD can tell you - it is so much more and debilitating than that. You can't be "a little OCD," and this kind of rhetoric makes you feel lonely and invalidated.
Tolerating uncertainty is the first line treatment to breaking free from your OCD. Using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) you can overcome and manage your OCD symptoms.
See the screening test on the IOCDF website here to see if what you're experiencing might be OCD: https://iocdf.org/screener/
There are many "types" of OCD and many people experience more than one "type" at the same time.
See the list here: https://iocdf.org/expert-opinions/subtypes-of-ocd/
Some of these types can be deeply disturbing (such as pedophilia OCD and harm related OCD). I am experienced in treating all types of OCD and I have a deep understanding of their mechanisms. You may feel scared of embarrassed when talking about your subtype/obsession, but I assure you I have a non-judgemental approach that will help you feel comfortable and seen.
BFRBs
Do you pick your skin? Pull out your hair? These behaviours can cause a lot of distress but they can be treated! There are other ways to treat these conditions other than habit reversal training. I can help you figure out the purpose these behaviours are serving (sensory, stress, etc.) and design a treatment with you to help you overcome this very distressing condition.
BDD
People with body dysmorphic disorder really suffer. Often afraid to leave the house, socialize, or wear certain clothing (to name a few), people who suffer from BDD often feel isolated and alone.They suffer in silence not wanting to share their concerns with others for fear of being called vain or self involved.
I can help you determine if this is what you are experiencing and we can set a path forward to help you break out of these difficult and damaging cycles.
Two screeners that may help you determine if this is what you are experiencing are listed below.
BDD-YBOCS:
https://rucklab.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/bdd-ybocs-adult.pdf
Social anxiety
Do you struggle to make commitments with friends? Cancel at the last minute? Fear crowds or groups of friends? You may be suffering from social anxiety. Let me help you get back into your life again with ERP and ACT to help guide us.
generalized anxiety DISORDER (GAD)
Maybe you also worry about lots of different things that, instead of being ego-dystonic (clash with values) - are actually ego-syntonic(align with your values). You worry over things that are actually things that could happen and are parts of every day life - think finances, health, family. Instead of one main theme, you can find something to worry about in all areas of your life.
People with GAD often experience OCD at some point in their life. I can help you distinguish between these two conditions and help you figure out your path forward.
And Many more
If it has to do with anxiety and feelings of anxiety, I can help you parse out what you are experiencing, name it, and make a plan with you going forward to address it. Breathing techniques and "anxiety strategies" don't work for anxiety disorders. I can help you lean into the discomfort so that you can finally start living your life.