OCD & Anxiety Support in Baltimore, Maryland
Specialized Therapy for Overthinkers with OCD and Anxiety
I’m Kristy! As a Licensed Art Therapist in Baltimore, Maryland trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I understand the unique challenges that come with overthinking, OCD, and anxiety. Living with OCD means facing intrusive thoughts and compulsions that fuel overwhelming anxiety and disrupt daily life.
My goal is to provide a nurturing, affirming space where children, teens, and adults can find relief and support. Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting a loved one, together we will explore your mental maze—without judgment—and work toward building a calmer, more centered inner world.
Understanding OCD: More Than Just Rituals
OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) isn’t just about obvious rituals or “checking” — it’s a relentless mental loop that can feel like your brain is stuck on repeat. It shows up as intrusive, unwanted thoughts that trigger intense anxiety or panic, and the urgent need to perform certain actions or mental rituals to find temporary relief. But those rituals never fully calm the mind — they just feed the cycle.
This nonstop mental noise can drain your energy, strain your relationships, and make it hard to feel present or at peace. You’re not alone — healing is possible
What OCD Overthinkers Experience: Hidden Symptoms and Challenges
Relentless overthinking that makes even the simplest decisions—like what to eat or say—feel impossible.
A paralyzing fear of making the “wrong” choice or causing harm, leaving you trapped in doubt and worry.
Replaying every conversation with friends or loved ones to make sure you didn’t upset or disappoint anyone.
Avoiding activities, hobbies, or social plans because anxiety convinces you they’re unsafe or overwhelming.
Losing interest in things you once loved as the constant mental noise drains your energy and joy.
Feeling invisible and misunderstood, labeled as “just anxious” or “perfectionistic,” when OCD runs much deeper.
Nights feel endless as your mind races with worries and “what-ifs,” making it hard to fall asleep or stay restful—even when your body is exhausted.
How Therapy Helps: ERP, ACT, Parts Work & Art Therapy for OCD
I combine a four-step approach with evidence-based therapies tailored to support overthinkers struggling with OCD. Art therapy lets you express your feelings in creative ways. ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) helps you face things that make you anxious little by little, so they don’t control you anymore. ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) teaches you how to notice your thoughts without fighting them, so they don’t take over your life. Parts work helps you understand the different sides of yourself that are struggling, so you can be kinder and more understanding to yourself. Together, these tools help you feel calmer and more in control!
Art Therapy
In Session: We use art materials like paints, clay, and collage to express feelings and stories that can be hard to put into words. Together, we create images about your worries, stress, or hopes, then reflect on what the art reveals about your inner experience.
Helps With: Overwhelm, anxiety, feeling stuck in repetitive thoughts, difficulty expressing emotions, and building self-awareness and calm.
ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention)
In Session: We create a list of things that trigger anxiety or compulsions, then practice facing these fears step-by-step while resisting the urge to do compulsive behaviors like checking, counting, or avoiding. I support and coach you through managing discomfort during this process.
Helps With: OCD symptoms like compulsions, repetitive behaviors, intrusive thoughts, and the cycle of anxiety and avoidance.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
In Session: We practice mindfulness exercises to notice thoughts and feelings without judgment. We explore your values and what matters most to you, helping you take actions aligned with those values even when anxiety or difficult thoughts show up.
Helps With: Anxiety, intrusive thoughts, avoidance, perfectionism, and building psychological flexibility.
Insights & Resources: My Approach to Supporting OCD
Explore my blog to learn more about how I support people with OCD through therapy, creative tools, and practical strategies for healing and growth. These resources offer hope and understanding for your journey.
Why Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a Highly Effective Treatment for OCD
Brushing Off Barriers: ACT-ivating Healing with Art Therapy
How to Navigate and Recover from Contamination OCD
Get the Most Out of Your Therapy Session: Navigating Mental Blocks in Therapy with Free PDF Included
Check out my Instagram for additional creative resources and get a better sense of the artistic process and what it's like to work with me, take a look at my Instagram page @arttherapywithkristy
