The OCD & Anxiety Center

04/02/2026

When a child is terrified of throwing up, it can take over everything - eating, school, even daily routines. This post breaks down what’s really going on and how we treat emetophobia in kids using evidence-based care.
Read more here:

If your child is afraid of throwing up, you’re not alone. Many kids go through phases where they feel anxious about getting sick, especially after a stomach bug or seeing someone else vomit. But when that fear starts to take over daily life—impacting eating, school, sleep, or social activities.....

04/01/2026

We’re officially OPEN in Barrington, IL!!! 🎉✨ We’re so excited to bring specialized OCD and anxiety treatment to the Barrington community.

If you or someone you love is looking for support, we’re here 💜

03/31/2026

Feeling worse while getting better? That’s more common in OCD than people realize. If this resonates, our latest blog breaks down why this happens and what to do about it. Read more here:

One of the more confusing parts of OCD treatment is that there is often a phase where symptoms are improving, but internally, things don’t feel better in the way people expect. In some cases, it can actually feel worse. This experience is commonly referred to as a backdoor spike. It happens when O...

03/26/2026

When OCD shows up, thoughts don’t feel like “just thoughts” - they feel real, urgent, and meaningful. Our latest blog breaks down thought-action fusion and why trying to figure it out can keep you stuck. Read more here:

If you’ve ever experienced OCD, you probably know this feeling. A thought shows up and it does not feel like just a thought. It feels important. It feels meaningful. Sometimes it even feels dangerous. You might find yourself thinking: What if I actually want this? What if this thought says somethi...

03/25/2026

We’re opening in Barrington next week! 🎉 We’re so excited to bring specialized OCD and anxiety treatment to this community and continue expanding access to evidence-based care.

We're here to support children, teens, and adults with compassionate, structured treatment that works.

📍 Barrington, IL
📞 630-522-3124

Spots are already filling - reach out to get started! 💜

03/24/2026

If OCD is starting to take up more space than you want it to, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Our OCD x DBT Intensive Outpatient Program is currently enrolling in Georgia, with limited in-person and telehealth space available. Call 678-336-6875 to learn more.

03/23/2026

What matters to you is worth your effort this week. 💜

03/19/2026

Anticipatory anxiety can make the waiting feel worse than the event itself. When your mind gets stuck in “what if,” it’s hard to stay present. Our latest blog breaks down why it happens and how evidence-based treatment can help. Read more here:

Anticipatory anxiety is the worry and dread that builds before an event that hasn’t happened yet. It’s the racing thoughts at 2 a.m. before a job interview or the knot in your stomach days before a difficult conversation. While some pre-event nerves are normal, anticipatory anxiety goes further....

03/18/2026

We’re almost there ✨✨

The OCD & Anxiety Center is getting ready to open in Barrington, IL on April 1!
We’re now accepting new clients and can’t wait to be part of this community.

📍 Barrington, IL
📅 Opening April 1

03/17/2026

Exposure therapy is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety. This approach helps individuals gradually face feared situations, reducing avoidance and building tolerance for discomfort over time. In this post, we break down how it works, what to expect, and why it leads to lasting change. Read all about it here:

If you struggle with anxiety, your instinct is probably to avoid the things that make you uncomfortable. That makes sense – avoidance brings short-term relief. But long-term? It keeps anxiety stuck. Exposure therapy is one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments for anxiety because it doe...

03/16/2026

Fear might come along for the ride this week, and that’s okay.
What matters is that you keep showing up and taking the step anyway. We’re cheering you on. 💜

03/12/2026

The Oscars are this Sunday! 🎬

While we’re celebrating great performances, it’s also a good reminder that OCD doesn’t discriminate. Many well-known actors have spoken openly about living with intrusive thoughts and compulsions, helping to normalize something millions of people experience.

We put together a list of 10 celebrities who have shared their OCD stories - and what we can learn from them.

Read more:

Have you ever wondered if your favorite celebrities deal with the same struggles you do? Well, when it comes to OCD, you might be surprised.