Intrusive thoughts that won’t leave you alone. Rituals you feel you have to complete, even when part of you knows they don’t make sense. The exhausting loop of doubt, fear, and the urge to make it stop. If OCD has taken over more of your life than you’d like, you don’t have to face it alone. I’m Christy Ford, a Certified IFS Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor in Manassas, VA, and I offer gentle, compassionate OCD treatment that works with you — not against you.
Ready to find relief from OCD? Call (571) 229-3418 or book your first session.
What Is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a cycle made up of two parts. Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that show up uninvited and cause real distress. Compulsions are the repetitive behaviors or mental rituals you do to relieve that distress or to prevent something bad from happening — washing, checking, counting, reassurance-seeking, or reviewing things over and over in your mind.
The trouble is that compulsions only quiet the fear for a moment, and then the cycle starts again. Over time, it can consume hours of your day and leave you feeling exhausted and ashamed.
OCD shows up in many forms, including:
- Contamination OCD — fears of germs, illness, or feeling “dirty,” often paired with washing or cleaning
- Harm OCD — distressing intrusive thoughts about harming yourself or others, which feel terrifying precisely because they go against who you are
- Scrupulosity (religious or moral OCD) — intense fear of having done something immoral or sinful
- “Just right” OCD and perfectionism — a need for things to feel exactly right, ordered, or symmetrical
- Relationship OCD — relentless doubt and questioning about a relationship or partner
Whatever shape your OCD takes, it does not mean something is wrong with you. It means a part of you is working very hard to keep you safe.
Signs and Symptoms of OCD
OCD affects everyone differently, but common signs include:
- Recurring, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety or distress
- Repetitive behaviors like checking, washing, counting, or arranging
- Mental rituals such as praying, repeating phrases, or reviewing events
- A strong urge to seek reassurance from others
- Avoiding people, places, or situations that trigger obsessions
- Feeling unable to stop, even when you know the fear is exaggerated
- Spending significant time each day caught in these cycles
- Shame, exhaustion, or frustration about the loop
How IFS Helps with OCD
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy offers a gentle, compassionate way to heal OCD. Rather than treating obsessions and compulsions as enemies to be defeated, IFS helps you understand the parts of you that are caught in the cycle.
From an IFS perspective, compulsions are the work of protective parts — parts of you that are genuinely trying to manage overwhelming fear and keep you safe. A checking part may be desperately trying to prevent disaster. A washing part may be working to keep you from harm. These parts mean well, even when their methods leave you depleted.
Instead of forcing you to confront your fears, we get curious about these parts with patience and compassion. We get to know what they’re afraid of, what they’re protecting, and what they need in order to feel safe. As these protective parts come to trust that you can meet life from your calm, grounded core Self, they no longer have to work so hard — and the grip of the obsession-compulsion cycle begins to loosen.
This is gentle, paced work. You’re always in control, and we never move faster than feels right for you. To learn more about this approach, visit my IFS therapy page.
My Approach to OCD Treatment
I bring more than 19 years of experience to my work with clients struggling with OCD. As a Certified IFS Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor, I combine the depth of Internal Family Systems with warmth, presence, and genuine care.
I hold a Master’s degree from Towson University, Level 2 IFS training, and certification as a Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). My approach is collaborative and paced to your needs — we’ll never rush, and you’re always in control of our work together.
OCD often coexists with other challenges. If you’re also struggling with anxiety or the effects of trauma, we can address these together. You can also learn more about my background on my about page.
What to Expect in Sessions
Sessions are 50 minutes and are available both in-person at my Manassas, VA office and via telehealth for clients in Virginia and Florida. We’ll begin by getting to know each other and understanding what you’re going through. There’s no pressure to share more than you’re ready to.
My fee is $215 per session, and I accept Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance. I want therapy to be accessible, so I’m happy to discuss payment options during our consultation.
Why Work With Me?
- A gentle, parts-based approach that works with the protective parts behind OCD, not against you
- Certified IFS Therapist with advanced (Level 2) training
- 19+ years of experience helping people heal
- Trauma-informed care as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
- Neurodivergent-affirming and inclusive of all identities
If you’re ready to get started, book a consultation or call (571) 229-3418. I’d be glad to answer your questions.