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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder where people feel the need to repeatedly check things, have repeated unwanted thoughts, or feel they need to perform certain routines. People... more
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder where people feel the need to repeatedly check things, have repeated unwanted thoughts, or feel they need to perform certain routines. People with OCD are often unable to control either these repeated thoughts or the activities. Often, the person carries out the activities, but this only provides temporary relief.
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Questions and Answers

I always feel the need to tell people everything

Sherry Katz, LCSW
Sherry Katz, LCSW
Couples and Family Therapist, LCSW

Sorry to hear of your situation.Possibly you are overlooking that your own Self is someone worth talking to as well.None of us are ever really alone because we are always with ourselves.Self-talk is a major part of what guides our decisions and how we make sense of relationships and situations... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.
Lynda Martens
Lynda Martens
Marriage & Family Therapist, MSc, RP, RMFT

Hi Kansas, I feel strongly that the help of a professional therapist is important here. Feelings are never wrong, but it can help to understand where they come from and talk to someone who can teach you healthy ways to cope. Self-harm is not the answer to managing those emotions you feel in your... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

Why do I feel like I always need to be in a relationship?

Jim Squire
Jim Squire
Individual, Couple and Family Therapist, MDiv, OACCPP

There could be many reasons but often people feel validated when they are in a relationship, the need to be in a relationship can be related to a belief of unlovability which often stems from our childhood. The relationship sort of soothes this temporarily and the others interest or desire helps... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

How can I help myself and change my behavior?

Michael Moates
Michael Moates
I work with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Personality/Emotional Regulation

Over the years, it has been shown that cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective method for assisting individuals in recognizing and altering the behaviors that they engage in. However, despite the fact that everyone has the potential to benefit from treatment, it seems that some individuals... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide.   If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.
Dr. Meredyth Lawrynce
Dr. Meredyth Lawrynce
Serving Clients Nationwide

One step towards change would be to decide why you are hitting your head. Is it a sensory sensation, you like the way it feels, are you trying to “hammer out” thoughts and feelings you do not want to think or feel? Also consider other ways to alleviate that desire, the feeling, the result you get... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

How can I convince my mother to seek help for her obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Cynthia Finefrock
Cynthia Finefrock
LPC Associate, supervised by Martin K. Shaw, LPC-S, LMFT and Christy Graham, LPC-S, RPT-S

You can't convince anyone to seek help, unfortunately. It has to be her decision. You could, however, have a candid and caring talk with your mother to express your concerns to her and to check in on how she is feeling. At the root of OCD can be feelings of helplessness, unsafety, and aloneness... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide.   If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

The Underlying Causes of Being Possessive

Rebecca Duellman
Rebecca Duellman
MA, Applied Psychology, Specializing in Forensic Psychology issues.

Hi there. It's great you are able to realize there are other issues going on with someone who feels possessive. At the root of it is fear. Fear of losing someone, fear of being alone, fear of not being good enough. All those fears can lead to low self-esteem and feeling like you have to control... more

Can anxiety make me think I heard something about me?

Cynthia Finefrock
Cynthia Finefrock
LPC Associate, supervised by Martin K. Shaw, LPC-S, LMFT and Christy Graham, LPC-S, RPT-S

That sounds like something you would benefit from seeing a therapist for. There are some hypotheses I can think of. 1. Maybe someone really did say something but you were too distracted and it didn't register until moments later. 2. You could have anxiety that others are judging you or talking... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide.   If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

Why am I so angry?

Dr. Meredyth Lawrynce
Dr. Meredyth Lawrynce
Serving Clients Nationwide


The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

How can I get "out of my head" and stop obsessive thoughts?

Dr. Meredyth Lawrynce
Dr. Meredyth Lawrynce
Serving Clients Nationwide

You are valid. It is very unnerving when thoughts control your life. One way to combat them is to figure out whose voice the words are said in. Oftentimes people say things to us and it stays with us, and it is not often true. We let others’ opinions penetrate our brains and live rent-free... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

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