Specialties, therapeutic approaches & rates
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by the presence of obsessions and compulsions that significantly interfere with a person’s functioning. Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, urges, or sensations that cause significant distress. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or thoughts that occur to neutralize and/or avoid the resulting discomfort. People with OCD typically get caught in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions that maintain the disorder over time. OCD is not just about washing your hands and keeping things tidy (although, this can certainly be part of someone’s OCD experience). Obsessions and compulsions can include nearly any type of content. It can often be hard to talk about because it doesn’t seem to “make sense” or there is a fear of being shamed.
For more information about OCD, please explore the following article from the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF): iocdf.org/about-ocd
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety can show up in seemingly countless ways. Whether it’s anxiety about work, school, family, social situations, or the world as a whole, anxiety has many faces. Clinical anxiety is defined as excessive and persistent worry and feelings of fear, dread, and uneasiness. People with anxiety find it difficult to control their worry, and they also report physical symptoms. These experiences are significantly distressing and impact functioning. Clinical anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), specific phobias, panic disorder, panic attacks, separation anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, and substance/medication induced anxiety disorders.
For more information about anxiety, please refer to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): adaa.org/understanding-anxiety
Many people experience other symptoms along with their anxiety and/or OCD. Depression symptoms are common with these disorders. I also frequently work with clients who have a history of trauma, loss, and general life stressors. While my practice does focus primarily on anxiety and OCD, I can help address other mental health concerns as well. A thorough consultation will help determine if my skillset and experience is a good fit for your mental health needs.
Comorbid Disorders
Therapeutic Approaches
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
ERP is often called the “gold standard” of treatment for OCD. It can be a great option for anxiety disorders as well. ERP involves breaking avoidance cycles through a hierarchy of exposures, or situations which directly confront fears. Exposures occur at your pace, and you will never be asked to do something you aren’t willing to do, or that I wouldn’t do myself.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT methods focus on building awareness of the relationship between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This approach helps us learn how to recognize unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors that keep us stuck. Using various tools, we can work to recognize distorted thoughts and reframe anxiety-driven assumptions.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT can provide a skillset that focuses on building “psychological flexibility” and working towards a values-based life. By taking a look at the life you want to lead and comparing it to the life you’re currently leading, we gain insight regarding potential goals and areas of focus. ACT also relies heavily on mindfulness and tuning into our thought process.
Expressive Arts Therapy
Supplementing treatment with creative expression can add more depth to therapy and further an understanding of yourself and the world around you. Modalities such as visual arts, writing, and music are often used. You do not have to be an artist or particularly creative to benefit from expressive arts therapy interventions.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is everywhere right now, and for good reason. Being mindful of our experience means we are aware of the present moment, on purpose, and without judgment. There are many ways to incorporate mindfulness into therapy, including skill building, breathing techniques, and adding mindfulness to daily life.
Rates
Telehealth
Telehealth is offered through a secure platform (Simple Practice) and is a flexible option. Meetings can be accessed through any device that supports the Simple Practice app or through a browser. Typically, meetings begin as weekly and can transition to more or less frequent as needed.
50 mins | $150 | Get started
A note about insurance
I do not accept insurance at this time. While insurance is a wonderful benefit and I understand why many people would prefer to bill their insurance, doing so can be restrictive and complicated. Rather than allowing an insurance carrier to dictate what your care will look like and possibly access your mental health information, I keep my sessions as private pay. Some insurance companies have out-of-network benefits for reimbursement. If this is the case, I can provide superbills on a regular basis which you can submit to your insurance. I encourage all new clients to clarify this process with their insurance so they know what to expect.
Other listings
You will also find my information in the following directories:
Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/colleen-porter-warner-nh/760902