By: Katherine Pica, LCSW
#OCDWeek: Facts, Myths, and Getting Care in San Diego
This year, our team at Resilience Counseling is proud to continue supporting OCD Awareness Week (#OCDWeek), occurring October 11–17. This worldwide event, led by the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), was created to dispel myths, break the stigma around mental illness, and help people get support. Fittingly, this year’s theme is “That's OCD,” an important reminder that OCD shows up in far more ways than most people realize (or assume).
Outside of helping drive awareness in San Diego and beyond, our center’s owner and Clinical Director, Katherine Pica, LCSW, will be offering a free training webinar for other therapists. Get more details near the end of this blog post, or go directly to the signup form to save your spot (for California-based therapists only).
Why #OCDWeek Matters
The IOCDF reports more than 200 million people worldwide live with OCD — and unfortunately, public misconceptions can keep them from the timely, effective treatment they need. When we work together to create awareness and talk about OCD more openly, more people can say, “Wait, that sounds like me,” and reach out for evidence-based treatment sooner.
5 Lesser-Known Facts About OCD
1. It's more common than you'd think. OCD affects about 1 in 40 adults and 1 in 100 children in their lifetime, yet it's often brushed off as a personality quirk.
2. Many compulsions can't be seen. Mentally reviewing events, silently repeating words until they feel "right," or "canceling" a bad thought with a good one are all compulsions.
3. Disturbing thoughts are fears, not wishes. Intrusive thoughts about harming someone you love are so upsetting because they go against your values.
4. Reassurance can be a compulsion. Asking "Are you sure this is okay?" again and again may bring relief for a moment, but it keeps the OCD cycle going.
5. OCD isn't only about cleaning. Themes can include relationships, identity, morality, health, and big existential questions.
OCD in Kids and Teens: What Parents Can Look For
OCD isn’t just an adult condition. About 1 in 100 children will experience it, and it can be easy to miss. Having some worries is a normal part of growing up, and kids often seek reassurance that they’re safe as they explore the world. The difference is when worry, doubt, or “what if” thoughts begin to take over. Parents are sometimes surprised by how suddenly OCD seems to appear, but there are often triggers beneath the surface.
Here are signs that may be worth paying attention to:
Constant reassurance seeking. Your child asks the same question again and again (“Are you sure I'm safe?” “Did I do something wrong?”), and the answer never seems to be enough.
Checking. Repeatedly checking that doors are locked, homework is perfect, or that nothing bad has happened.
Washing or avoiding. Excessive handwashing or showering, or steering clear of certain people, places, or objects.
“Just right” routines. Repeating tasks or arranging things until they feel right.
Confessing. Telling you about thoughts or “mistakes” over and over to feel better.
Hidden rituals. Some compulsions happen entirely in the mind — such as counting, silently repeating words, or mentally reviewing events — so you may not see them at all.
Teens can show these signs too, along with themes that are harder to talk about. OCD can involve unwanted thoughts about harming someone, fears of being a "bad person," or doubts about identity or relationships. Because these thoughts feel so distressing, teens may not say them out loud, and they may hide the rituals that follow.
If any of this sounds familiar, take a breath. OCD is a real, treatable condition, not the result of something you did. Answering the same question over and over can feel like the kind thing to do, but it often keeps the cycle going. That's why treatment focuses on building new skills rather than chasing certainty. You can also try the IOCDF's confidential, free OCD screener or explore their resources for kids at kids.iocdf.org. When you're ready, a therapist trained in ERP can help your child and your family get unstuck.
How Resilience Counseling Supports All Ages with OCD
Resilience Counseling is a female-owned San Diego group practice specializing in OCD, anxiety, trauma, and BFRBs. Our therapists use evidence-based care, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), to help children, teens, and adults loosen OCD’s grip. We also support parents, because families play a big role in a child’s recovery.
We know life gets hectic, so we offer in-person therapy in San Diego and online therapy across California, with afternoon and evening availability, and a free 15-minute consultation to help you find the right therapist for your family.
Stigma thrives in silence. If you're wondering whether what you're experiencing is OCD, there's no shame in asking. Help works, and you don't have to figure it out alone. Learn more about OCD treatment in San Diego and know that if you or someone you love is struggling with OCD, you don’t have to go through it alone.
Schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help you or your child begin the path toward recovery.
Free Training for California Therapists
OCD is one of the most commonly missed diagnoses, and the wrong treatment can accidentally make symptoms worse. That's why our Clinical Director, Katherine Pica, LCSW, is hosting a free, case-based training for therapists in honor of OCD Awareness Week.
OCD Differential Diagnosis: Is This Anxiety or OCD?
Who: California-based therapists
When: Friday, October 16, 9:00–10:30 AM PT
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free
Through real clinical examples, you'll work through OCD vs. GAD, OCPD, psychosis, and BDD. You'll leave with key assessment questions for your next session and a clearer picture of why reassurance backfires and what to do instead.
Spots are limited, so be sure to RSVP here and friendly reminder that this training is for therapists only.
Note: If you can’t make this training, don’t worry! You can still click the RSVP form and enter your details to get invited to the next OCD training.
More Ways to Help Support #OCDWeek
Even the simplest show of support can add up to big changes for those living with OCD. This OCD Awareness week, you can help by sharing accurate, science-backed information on social media (use our website or iocdf.org as resources) with #ThatsOCD and #OCDWeek hashtags. You can also attend or host an event, as organizations such as the International OCD Foundation offer webinars and community gatherings throughout the week.
On a personal level, it’s a good reminder to check in with someone who might be struggling with OCD. Every open and honest conversation chips away at stigma and can encourage others to feel seen, heard, and get connected with an OCD therapist trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
On behalf of our team at Resilience Counseling, we appreciate your compassion and support in driving accurate awareness about OCD, during #OCDWeek 2026 and many years to come.
Author Bio: Katherine Pica OCD Therapist — San Diego, CA
Katherine Pica, LCSW, is the Founder and Clinical Director of Resilience Counseling and has been practicing since 2007. With more than 19 years of clinical experience, she provides supervision and training to the practice’s OCD therapists with a focus on Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and EMDR for trauma. Katherine brings extensive experience treating OCD to both her clients and the clinicians she mentors.
Katherine also serves as the Training Director and board member for OCD SoCal, where she is actively involved in increasing OCD awareness, education, and community support throughout San Diego and Southern California.
OCD therapy in
San Diego, CA based office
The information shared on this website is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical or mental health concerns. Do not postpone or avoid professional care based on information found here. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact your doctor, call 911, or reach out to your local emergency number immediately.
