Introduction

If you or your child is living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you know how exhausting it can be to feel trapped in constant “what if” thoughts and compulsive behaviors. As a therapist in [City, State] specializing in OCD treatment for ages 5 and up, I help clients break free from these cycles using evidence-based approaches, including Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).

In this post, we’ll explore how these approaches work, why they can be more effective than traditional methods for some people, and how they can help you (or your child) find relief.

What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is more than being “extra clean” or “overly organized.” It’s a mental health condition where intrusive thoughts (obsessions) cause anxiety, leading to repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) meant to reduce that anxiety.

Common OCD symptoms include:

Repetitive checking (locks, appliances, etc.)

Excessive washing or cleaning

Fear of harming oneself or others

Needing things to feel “just right”

Persistent doubts about safety, morality, or relationships

What is Inference-Based CBT?

Inference-Based CBT focuses on how OCD creates stories or “what if” scenarios in your mind that feel real but are not based on current evidence. Instead of directly confronting fears (as in ERP), I-CBT works to help clients step outside these imaginative stories, reconnect with reality, and reduce the need for compulsions.

This approach is especially helpful for people with:

Pure-O or “just right” OCD

Moral or harm-based obsessions

Existential fears

Obsessions that are hard to recreate for exposure therapy

Why Choose ERP and I-CBT Together?

While ERP helps you learn to resist compulsions, I-CBT helps you see through OCD’s false narratives. Together, they address both the behavioral and cognitive sides of OCD, giving you tools to reduce symptoms and regain control.