I’m excited to announce the launch of a new companion website: OCDSupportGroups.com! This site is designed to be a resource for individuals and families affected by OCD and other severe anxiety disorders including social anxiety and panic disorder. It expands upon the general information and resources I provide here, offering direct access to free support groups and paid evidence-based treatment programs.
Why a Companion Website?
Evidence-based treatment should be accessible to as many people as possible. OCDSupportGroups.com was designed as a hub to promote evidence-based, specialized, more cost-effective group treatment for severe anxiety disorders, including OCD, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. We’re proud to bring these groups to the South Florida (Palm Beach County) community.
Free Support Groups:
At the heart of OCDSupportGroups.com are our free support groups. I believe in the power of expert-facilitated peer support and community, and these groups provide a safe and understanding space for individuals to connect, share experiences, and find encouragement.
- Adult OCD Support Group: A welcoming environment for adults navigating the challenges of OCD.
- Kids & Teens OCD Support Group: Tailored specifically for younger individuals and their families, offering age-appropriate support and strategies.
These groups are facilitated by me and my colleague, therapist/intern Sara Silva (JD, M.Ed. Clinical Mental Health Counseling), and are designed to complement professional treatment, not replace it.
Evidence-Based Treatment Groups:
In addition to our free support groups, OCDSupportGroups.com also features a range of paid, evidence-based treatment groups that provide structured, tailored interventions for severe anxiety disorders including OCD. These groups are conducted using proven therapeutic approaches, ensuring you receive the highest quality care. Groups are in-person and hosted in our office in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and are open to residents of nearby communities as well, including Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Tequesta, and Stuart, FL. If you’re willing to drive, we also welcome attendees from Broward County (Fort Lauderdale) and Miami-Dade County.
OCD Treatment Groups:
- OCD Treatment Group Using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): ERP is the gold standard for OCD treatment, and this group provides a structured environment to practice and master these powerful techniques. If you’re looking for group-based treatment for OCD, you should start with this group, as it provides an excellent foundation for your recovery journey.
- OCD Treatment Group Using Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT): I-CBT addresses the underlying cognitive processes that maintain OCD, offering a unique alternative to ERP. However, if you have not participated in ERP, we strongly recommend that you hold off on this group until you have a foundation in ERP. Although effective, I-CBT has been less thoroughly studied than ERP, and this group is most often useful for people who have not benefitted sufficiently from ERP and are looking to expand their recovery repertoire.
- OCD Treatment Group for Parents Using Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE): Parents of kids/teens with OCD, there’s also a group for you! This group empowers parents with the tools to effectively support their children with OCD, reducing family accommodation and promoting healthy coping. This group is appropriate for parents who have children in individual therapy, as well as parents whose children are refusing to participate in individual therapy.
Social Anxiety and Panic Disorder Treatment Groups:
We also offer specialized treatment groups for other types of severe anxiety disorder (beyond OCD):
- Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment Group Using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Learn practical strategies to manage social anxiety, complete exposures, build confidence, and improve social interactions. If you’re intimidated by the prospect of joining a group to address social anxiety, please know that you’re not alone! Many people feel nervous about this. However, group-based treatment for social anxiety can be even more powerful than individual therapy for social anxiety. Consider this group to be your first exposure of many!
- Panic Disorder Treatment Group Using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): The key to recovery from panic is becoming more confident in your ability to handle panic. Gain control over anxiety related to panic attacks, and reduce the fear and avoidance associated with panic disorder. What better way to do this than by working alongside others who know exactly how you feel!
What You’ll Find on OCDSupportGroups.com:
- Detailed information about each support group and each treatment group.
- Easy access to our mailing list, which will provide specific details about current and upcoming groups. New groups are currently forming.
- Information about me and Sara Silva, your group facilitators.
How to Get Started:
Visit OCDSupportGroups.com today to explore our available groups and find the support you need. Whether you’re looking for peer support, structured treatment, or both, I hope you’ll find the tools you need to continue your journey to recovery.
Thanks for reading, and I look forward to seeing you in a group soon!
