10 therapist-approved ways to manage OCD and start therapy successfully

Starting therapy for OCD takes courage. You're choosing to face the very things that OCD has been telling you to avoid—and since OCD hates change, taking that step often brings up a lot of questions: "What will therapy be like? How long will it take for me to notice a difference? Will I have to do things that make me anxious?" These questions are incredibly common, and they’re important to ask. What's also important is remembering that you have what it takes to conquer OCD, even when it feels difficult. Facing these challenges and learning what actually makes treatment work can help you feel more confident about moving forward, and help you realize you're capable of more than you realize. That's why we spoke with NOCD's Chief Compliance Officer and Therapist, Tracie Ibrahim, about what really matters in therapy. Tracie shared the ten factors that have the biggest influence on your therapy experience, from finding the right therapist fit to being honest about your compulsions. "There’s no right time to start therapy. The best time to start is when you want to start feeling better—which is usually right now." —Tracie Ibrahim Here are 10 essential tips for managing OCD and getting the most out of therapy.