User type: Therapist

Date posted: 8w ago

Hi, I'm Barbara, a therapist here at NOCD. Drop any of your questions about OCD below and I'll be sure to respond!

My name is Barbara Windeknecht, and I’m from Huntington Beach, California. I’m married and have a beagle named Molly. In my free time, I love to hike and travel—I’ve been lucky enough to visit incredible places like New Zealand, Australia, and several destinations in the Caribbean. I have always felt called to be a therapist and truly enjoy connecting with people from all walks of life. Helping others work toward their goals and overcome challenges is incredibly fulfilling. I chose to specialize in OCD because I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be, but also how treatable it is with the right approach. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a powerful tool, and I love helping people regain control over their lives. Seeing my clients experience freedom from OCD is what drives my passion for this work. I strive to create a supportive and understanding space where people feel truly heard. My goal is to get to know each person as an individual—not just your struggles, but also what you love and what makes you who you are. If you’re struggling with OCD, please know that you’re not alone, and there is hope. ERP is an effective treatment that can help you take back control and live the life you want. You are capable of overcoming this, and I’m here to support you every step of the way!

Barbara Windeknecht, Licensed Therapist, MS, LMFT, LPCC

Trained in Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy. Licensed in California.

www.treatmyocd.com

Anonymous

Date posted: 8w ago

I have a son struggling with OCD, how do we as parents get help/therapy we so desperately need to know how to help him?

User type: Therapist

Date posted: 8w ago

@Anonymous Hi, so glad you reached out. We here at NOCD are especially trained to work with children of all ages. When in treatment, we work not only with the child but with the family as well to help set up a good environment and provide you the necessary tools to help your child.

Anonymous

Date posted: 8w ago

Hi Barbara, I have been listening to many health science podcasts by experts in neuroscience and gut/brain health. One segment talked about the leaky gut causing certain leaks to brain (impacting neurotransmitters) that can result in ocd (I have diagnosis from decades ago). I also receive 'inner bonding' therapy, and the therapist talks about how I cannot fully improve without changing diet and addressing gut (I don't really have many gut symptoms). What do the NOCD therapists feel about this? It's hard for me to fully be with this thinking because my biological dad was a level 5 hoarder and my OCD appears very genetic. Mine is manifested differently, but the severity is no joke. Thank you for any input. I went off meds for sleep study and to explore other treatments. Back on SSRI now because life is too short for these struggles. ERP helps much more when on med. But then there is talk about the harm life long meds may cause. Need input from NOCD expert on these two subjects. (If these questions are better addressed somewhere else on here, just let me know)

User type: Therapist

Date posted: 8w ago

I appreciate your response and have been considering it over the past few days. I'd say eating healthier can always go a long ways to improve mental health; however, there is still so much to learn about the gut-brain connection to make any definitive statements such as OCD not improving without a diet shift. I am also wondering if the researching/ listening to many health science podcasts is a compulsion? In regards to the discussion on SSRI's, I do believe that is a very personal choice and if the SSRI's have proven to help you, then it would make sense to continue those per your psychiatrist recommendation. We have many clients who notice how SSRI's are a big help for them with their symptoms and overall life quality.

gianah

Date posted: 8w ago

so i have a boyfriend of just a month and i find myself getting mad at him a lot bc when i get mad at him he shows he cares more and i just can’t go a day without getting mad at him over the stupidest things and it’s really frustrating and we keep talking abt it and nothing is working

User type: Therapist

Date posted: 8w ago

Hey there, as an OCD therapist I hear these exact same concerns and experiences often. If you're able to schedule a 15 minute call with NOCD you will be on your way to relief. Additionally, here are some resources for you to review as you have time! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK3PCMRsn8I https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/relationship-ocd

ddrew

Date posted: 6w ago

Hey there! My OCD is pretty manageable most of the time but it always ramps up when I have to travel anywhere. I do actually enjoy it but OCD makes it very hard to enjoy. It triggers intrusive thoughts and rumination about just about any OCD theme. So the travel itself isn’t necessarily the issue, it’s essentially the trigger. What are some self directed ERP strategies that I can implement as kind of a preemptive approach to making travel a little easier. Any information is greatly appreciated. Thanks! Also, I have done ERP in the past but it’s been a long time since I’ve done it properly with professional help.

User type: Therapist

Date posted: 6w ago

Hi there! It's great to hear that you're actively seeking ways to manage your OCD while traveling, and that you've had experience with ERP in the past. One effective strategy is to identify specific triggers and practice exposure exercises related to them before your trip, gradually increasing the intensity to build resilience. Remember, the key is to allow the intrusive thoughts to be present without engaging in compulsions, and to remind yourself that these thoughts are just thoughts. If you need any extra support or guidance, feel free to reach out to the care team to schedule some sessions with a therapist!

ashmoo

Date posted: 7w ago

Hi! Do you have experience with comorbid OCD && binge eating?

User type: Therapist

Date posted: 7w ago

Hello Ashmoo! Glad to see you reaching out. We do not treat eating disorders here, however you can be seen outside co-currently to treat eating disorder and work on treating the OCD here at NOCD due to the treatments being very different. Have you considered treating both?

ashmoo

Date posted: 7w ago

@Barbara Windeknecht I tried eating disorder therapy and they thought it was ocd related :(

User type: Therapist

Date posted: 6w ago

@ashmoo - Well we do assess for eating disorders at NOCD so you can start therapy here, get proper assessment and then your therapist can also often help you advocate for proper treatment elsewhere if needed. If they believed it to be OCD related, then start with that!

Sherrie

Date posted: 7w ago

Can i get your help i been dealing with it for years

User type: Therapist

Date posted: 6w ago

Hi Sherrie, please reach out to the care team at NOCD to be placed with a clinician. ERP truly does help with OCD symptoms and if our availabilities match, then I would be happy to meet with you!

Sherrie

Date posted: 6w ago

I reached out to a do they take Molina medical insurance i believe they take Molina medicare

roblt

Date posted: 6w ago

I recently went through complete burnout I had panic attacks for over a month…brutal…then they manifested into the body. I’ve been constantly looping on symptoms and the tension in my neck and throat is pretty bad. It’s been scary. I’ve been in a chronic state of high stress for some time and also have ptsd and cptsd. I’ve considered residential since I left the job. Plus my son passed away recently. I’m down in San Diego right now staying with a friend but from NorCal. I don’t know why to do. Guidance would be appreciated.

User type: Therapist

Date posted: 6w ago

Hello, I am so sorry about your recent loss of your son, that is very difficult. It sounds like you have been having a really hard time recently. Brutal is definitely one way to describe it. Considering your recent grief, panic, and history of PTSD. I would recommend doing residential if you think that is best and also considering treating the grief and PTSD before focusing back on ERP. ERP can be distressing and being in a stable situation is important for ERP. Focus on your mental health and safety as a priority and obtaining support from others (friends, family, professionals, etc). As someone who has experienced significant grief, it's necessary to give yourself time to process and sit in the grief. The grief doesn't really get smaller but we grow our ability to hold it/feel it. I will be thinking about you and also recommend talking to your primary care physician to get referrals.

roblt

Date posted: 6w ago

@Barbara Windeknecht It’s really hard to find a decent residential place…I’ve looked. There really isn’t that much help or support as I’d like

Becoming Whole

Date posted: 5w ago

Hi Barbara. I loved reading your bio. It fits your profile picture perfectly. I’m not going to ask a question at this time but I just wanted to say hi and thank you for your compassion and commitment to helping people like me.

User type: Therapist

Date posted: 5w ago

Hello Becoming Whole! I really appreciate this kindness!

jheredia

Date posted: 23d ago

I have pocd and I’m a mother. I feel like a fraud like I don’t deserve to have them. I want to enjoy my life but I’m always mad or sad because of my ocd. I need to learn how to manage it and not let it control me. I feel like I’m exhausted and I just want my life back.

User type: Therapist

Date posted: 21d ago

I completely understand how you feel! ERP really is life saving as it helps people learn how to take their life back from OCD. If you haven't started ERP with a trained therapist, please do!!

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