This guide outlines practical steps based on evidence-supported treatment approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Each step teaches you how to step out of the mental loop and return to your life.

OCD recovery doesn’t end when symptoms quiet down. In maintenance, perfectionism, grief, identity shifts, and relapse fears can still show up, but these aren’t signs of failure. They’re part of healing, and learning to live fully alongside OCD

Dr. Melissa contributes expert insights to Woman’s World in the piece on Howie Mandel, explaining how intrusive thoughts work in OCD, how they’re treated, and why speaking up matters for mental health awareness.

Dr. Melissa discusses a study featured in The Washington Times revealing that between 2016-2023, maternal mental health in the U.S. has worsened—especially for single, lower-income, and underinsured mothers—and calls for greater support and policy change.

Explore Dr. Melissa’s feature in Psychology Today on how perfectionism can hinder therapeutic progress and why embracing imperfection paves the way for real change and self-acceptance.

When it comes to managing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), particularly with taboo intrusive thoughts, the inner dialogue we maintain around them can either fuel OCD or help us heal.

First, I want to point out that there is no diagnosis in the DSM-5-TR of “Health Anxiety.” This is just an easier way to label a cluster of different symptoms.

Many of my clients who deal with OCD, anxiety, or perfectionism will describe decision-making as overwhelming. Even the most minor decisions can feel incredibly daunting, which leads to avoidance, procrastination, and a feeling of “stuckness.” I like to label this feeling of “stuckness” as decision paralysis. 

For many of my clients, the journey of living with OCD is not just about managing intrusive thoughts/images and compulsions—it’s also about battling the

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) gets its nickname, the “doubt” disorder because it can make you feel like there is a dark doubt cloud over you. The feeling of doubt can attach to anything, and that is why there are so many different themes of OCD.

Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (ROCD) is characterized by obsessions about your relationship as well as compulsions, both physical and mental, to seek relief from uncomfortable emotions.

In my first blog post, Living WITH OCD, I discussed the importance of mindfulness in OCD treatment. However, I thought it was important to discuss the skill of mindfulness independently.