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OCD Therapy for Teens in Saratoga/San Jose

At the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Silicon Valley, we offer cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for teenagers with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Our approach with teenagers is practical, goal-oriented, compassionate, and scientifically-based while focusing on your teen’s individual needs. With our central location in Saratoga just a 1/2 mile (2 minute drive) from Hwy 85, we serve the Silicon Valley communities of San Jose, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Cupertino, Campbell, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale and Los Altos. If you think your teenager may be experiencing OCD, you can learn more about the disorder and our treatment approach below.

What is OCD in Teens?

Teen OCD Therapy San JoseTeens with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) experience intrusive and unwanted thoughts, impulses or mental images, known as obsessions. Common obsessions include preoccupations with cleanliness or order, unwanted violent or sexual impulses, and fears about harm befalling loved ones. In response to obsessions, the teen may perform compulsive rituals aimed at reducing the distress associated with their obsessions. Teens with OCD often recognize that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational, though children and younger teens may struggle with the believability of their obsessive thoughts.

Symptoms of OCD in Teenagers

  • Intrusive and unwanted thoughts or impulses that are distressing to the teen
  • Repetitive rituals aimed at reducing or preventing distress
  • Difficulty completing daily routines or problems with school performance and social relationships due to the obsessions and compulsions

Cognitive Behavioral Model of OCD for Adolescents

According to the CBT model, it is normal to experience intrusive thoughts and impulses from time to time. Teens with OCD, however, view these experiences as threatening and assign a great deal to importance to these thoughts. For example, a teen with OCD may have the thought that they will act out violently and then interpret that thought to mean that they are immoral or that they will act on those impulses by mistake, causing significant distress or anxiety. The teen may then attempt to soothe himself or herself with a ritual or compulsion that temporarily reduces their anxiety. Because anxiety is relieved in the short-term, the anxiety cycle continues with the next intrusive thought.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Teens with OCD

The goal of CBT for OCD is to teach your teenager that he can manage the anxiety associated with obsessive thoughts without performing compulsions or rituals. Your teen will learn a type of CBT called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Treatment will include education about OCD and how it is maintained, cognitive strategies that will help your teen respond differently to anxiety and intrusive thoughts, and behavioral strategies to help your teen delay and/or eliminate compulsive behaviors. ERP/CBT will help your teen will face their fears, in session and in the real world, and practice new ways of responding to anxiety. With practice and experience facing their fears, most teens find themselves to be less disturbed by intrusive thoughts and more able to cope with anxiety and uncertainty.

Common Goals of Cognitive Behavior Therapy with Teenagers
  • Learn to respond differently to anxiety, obsessions and intrusive thoughts
  • Reduce time spent on compulsive behaviors
  • Minimize impact of obsessions and compulsions on daily life
Getting Help for Your Teen with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Saratoga/San Jose

It is important to listen to your teen and be open-minded. Your teen’s obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors may be hard to understand yet they are very real to them. Help your teen understand that anxiety and uncertainty are normal parts of adolescence and that, with help, they will be able to respond differently to their anxiety and intrusive thoughts. Be supportive, encouraging, and remind your teen of what he or she does well. After talking with your teen, it may be time to get some professional help.

The Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Silicon Valley specializes in therapy and counseling for teenagers with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). With our central location in Saratoga just a 1/2 mile (2 minute drive) from Hwy 85, we serve the Silicon Valley communities of San Jose, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Cupertino, Campbell, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale and Los Altos. Contact us at (408) 384-8404 for more information on how we can help your teen manage their OCD.