OCD

About Our OCD Treatment

If you have OCD, you may be ashamed and embarrassed about the condition, but treatment can be effective.

What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) features a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead you to do repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions interfere with daily activities and cause significant distress.

You may try to ignore or stop your obsessions, but that only increases your distress and anxiety. Ultimately, you feel driven to perform compulsive acts to try to ease your stress. Despite efforts to ignore or get rid of bothersome thoughts or urges, they keep coming back. This leads to more ritualistic behavior — the vicious cycle of OCD.

OCD often centers around certain themes — for example, an excessive fear of getting contaminated by germs. To ease your contamination fears, you may compulsively wash your hands until they’re sore and chapped.

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Obsession Symptoms

OCD obsessions are repeated, persistent and unwanted thoughts, urges or images that are intrusive and cause distress or anxiety. You might try to ignore them or get rid of them by performing a compulsive behavior or ritual. These obsessions typically intrude when you’re trying to think of or do other things.

  • Obsessions often have themes to them, such as:

  • *Fear of contamination or dirt

  • *Doubting and having difficulty tolerating uncertainty

  • *Needing things orderly and symmetrical

  • *Aggressive or horrific thoughts about losing control and harming yourself or others

  • *Unwanted thoughts, including aggression, or sexual or religious subjects

  • Examples of obsession signs and symptoms include:

  • *Fear of being contaminated by touching objects others have touched

  • *Doubts that you’ve locked the door or turned off the stove

  • *Intense stress when objects aren’t orderly or facing a certain way

  • *Images of driving your car into a crowd of people

  • *Thoughts about shouting obscenities or acting inappropriately in public

  • *Unpleasant sexual images

  • *Avoidance of situations that can trigger obsessions, such as shaking hands

Compulsion Symptoms

OCD compulsions are repetitive behaviors that you feel driven to perform. These repetitive behaviors or mental acts are meant to reduce anxiety related to your obsessions or prevent something bad from happening. However, engaging in the compulsions brings no pleasure and may offer only a temporary relief from anxiety.

You may make up rules or rituals to follow that help control your anxiety when you’re having obsessive thoughts. These compulsions are excessive and often are not realistically related to the problem they’re intended to fix.

  • As with obsessions, compulsions typically have themes, such as:

  • *Washing and cleaning

  • *Checking

  • *Counting

  • *Orderliness

  • *Following a strict routine

  • *Demanding reassurance

  • Examples of compulsion signs and symptoms include:

  • *Hand-washing until your skin becomes raw

  • *Checking doors repeatedly to make sure they’re locked

  • *Checking the stove repeatedly to make sure it’s off

  • *Counting in certain patterns

  • *Silently repeating a prayer, word or phrase

  • *Arranging your canned goods to face the same way

Michael J. Connelly LPC, Positive Pathways Counseling, Pittsburgh, PA

Discover the transformative journey with Michael J. Connelly, a licensed professional counselor and OCD expert at Positive Pathways Counseling in Pittsburgh, PA. Dive into how his approach can guide you toward a more fulfilling life.

Who is Michael J. Connelly?

Michael J. Connelly is a respected figure in the mental health community of Pittsburgh, PA, specializing as a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with a deep focus on treating OCD. His educational background, coupled with years of experience, equips him to offer compassionate, effective counseling.

Beyond his credentials, Michael’s journey into mental health is fueled by a sincere desire to understand human behavior and to facilitate healing through evidence-based practices. His empathetic approach has touched many lives, guiding clients towards understanding and managing their symptoms

A distinct trait of Michael is his commitment to staying abreast with the latest research in psychology and mental health. This dedication ensures his methods are not only grounded in experience but are also informed by the most current insights in the field of OCD and anxiety disorders.

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  • Services Offered at Positive Pathways Counseling

  • At Positive Pathways Counseling, a wide array of services caters to individuals grappling with OCD, anxiety disorders, depression, and more. Michael J. Connelly offers one-on-one counseling, group therapy, and remote counseling sessions to accommodate the diverse needs of his clients.



    Particularly noteworthy is the clinic’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for all its clients. This ethos is reflected in the care and thoroughness applied to crafting each person’s treatment plan.



    For those unable to attend in-person sessions, Michael offers telehealth services, ensuring that help is accessible to anyone in need, regardless of their location.

Embracing Change with Professional Guidance

Embarking on a counseling journey with Michael J. Connelly at Positive Pathways Counseling is your first step towards embracing change and fostering personal growth. By understanding his approach and expertise, you’re better equipped to make the most out of your counseling sessions. Remember, taking that first step is a sign of strength, and with the right support, a positive pathway lies ahead.

Understanding the Counseling Process with Michael J. Connelly

Entering counseling can seem daunting for many, but Michael J. Connelly demystifies the process, ensuring clients know what to expect. The initial phase involves a comprehensive assessment to understand the client’s background, symptoms, and goals.

Therapy with Michael is an evolving process, where strategies are continuously adapted based on progress and feedback. His approach is collaborative, encouraging clients to take an active role in their healing journey.

Confidentiality and respect for the individual’s pace are paramount for Michael. He stresses the importance of building resilience and finding lasting solutions rather than seeking quick fixes.

Getting Started: Your First Appointment

Taking the first step towards counseling with Michael J. Connelly is straightforward. You can reach out via phone or email to set up your initial appointment. During this session, Michael will gather information about your history and discuss your current needs and goals.

It’s recommended to prepare any questions or concerns you may have, as this is a great opportunity to see how Michael’s therapeutic style aligns with your preferences.

Remember, the goal of the first appointment is not only for Michael to learn about you but also for you to feel comfortable and informed about the counseling process.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

  • Many clients have questions before starting counseling, such as,

    'How long does therapy typically last?'
    or
    'What strategies are most effective for OCD?'

    Michael J. Connelly is committed to providing clear, informative answers to these and all other queries.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

  • Another common question is related to insurance and payment options. Positive Pathways Counseling strives to make therapy accessible by offering various payment solutions and collaborating with several insurance providers.



    Understanding that the choice to seek counseling is a significant decision, Michael ensures that prospective clients receive all the information they need to feel confident in moving forward.

Ready to get started? Schedule a Consultation with us today.

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