OCD Series: Wrap Up
See our OCD page.
Throughout this blog series, I’ve explored some of the most common subtypes of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
Contamination OCD – fear of germs or illness, often leading to excessive cleaning or avoidance.
Checking OCD – anxiety about causing harm or making a mistake, driving repeated checking behaviors.
Perfectionism OCD (also known as Symmetry or Ordering OCD) – a need for things to feel "just right" or be perfectly aligned.
Obsessive Bad Thoughts – intrusive thoughts of a violent, sexual, or blasphemous nature, which feel deeply upsetting and out of character.
Pure-O or “Pure Obsessional” OCD – primarily mental obsessions and compulsions, often invisible to others.
Each of these subtypes shares a common core: unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) aimed at relieving the distress they cause. These compulsions can be physical, like handwashing or checking, or internal, like mentally reviewing past events or seeking reassurance.
What OCD Isn’t (and What to Actually Look For)
Popular culture often misrepresents OCD as simply being tidy, quirky, or excessively organized. Think: turning the lights on and off exactly ten times or avoiding sidewalk cracks like in As Good As It Gets. While those behaviors can occur, they don’t capture the full picture—or the emotional suffering—that defines this disorder.
As a therapist in Philadelphia who specializes in OCD therapy, I help clients recognize the lesser-known and often hidden faces of OCD. Below is a common-sense list of signs that may point to OCD, even if they don’t look stereotypical:
You feel the need to mentally review conversations or actions to make sure you didn’t offend someone.
You ask for reassurance repeatedly—"Are you sure I locked the door?" or "Do you think I’m a bad person?"
You experience unwanted thoughts that are disturbing, violent, or taboo, and you feel terrified by their presence.
You avoid places, people, or situations—not because of danger, but because they trigger upsetting thoughts or feelings.
You have rituals (mental or physical) you must perform to feel “safe” or to undo a bad thought.
You find yourself obsessing over making the "right" decision to the point of paralysis.
You’re stuck in spirals of guilt or fear over something that logically seems minor or unlikely.
OCD is an Equal Opportunity Condition
OCD doesn’t discriminate. It can affect people of any background, gender, or life stage. Many people with OCD suffer for years without realizing what they’re experiencing has a name—or that it’s treatable.
OCD also tends to attach itself to the things you care about most: your morals, your relationships, your identity. That’s why the content of the obsessions can feel so personal and alarming.
More than 1 in 100 people have experienced OCD in the past year, per NIH.
How I Help People With OCD
OCD is treatable. At Philadelphia Talk Therapy, I use evidence-based approaches like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), cognitive restructuring, and mindfulness-based strategies to help clients interrupt the OCD cycle. I also work to reduce shame and help clients reconnect with their values—not their fears.
Whether your compulsions are visible or hidden, whether your thoughts are about harm, morality, or something else entirely—you deserve support. Therapy for OCD can help you find relief and reclaim your life.
Next Steps: Finding a Therapist in Philadelphia
If you’re noticing patterns that align with OCD—or if you’re unsure but curious—I invite you to reach out. As a therapist in Philadelphia offering OCD treatment, I’m here to help you navigate the path forward with clarity and compassion.
Matt Sosnowsky, LCSW, MSW, MAPP is the founder and director of Philadelphia Talk Therapy. For over a decade, Mr. Sosnowsky has provided psychotherapy services in agency and private practice settings, helping individuals overcome mental health challenges, manage life transitions, and find passion & meaning in life.
Want to learn more about Philadelphia Talk Therapy and how we can help you understand and treat Symmetry OCD? Get in touch today.
