Fear of Staring OCD
By : Katherine Pica LCSW
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can manifest in many different ways. Staring OCD is lesser-known but still very distressing. Fear of Staring OCD is where you experience intrusive worries about staring at others inappropriately. This can lead to significant anxiety and avoidance behaviors, and can impact daily life, work, relationships, and self-esteem.
What is Fear of Staring OCD?
Fear of Staring OCD, also known as Staring OCD, involves an overwhelming concern that you may involuntarily stare at others in ways that could be considered rude, inappropriate, or even threatening. People struggling with this form of OCD may worry excessively about:
Worries of accidentally staring at someone for too long.
Fear of making others feel uncomfortable by looking at them.
Fear of being perceived as intrusive or socially awkward.
Worries of having their staring interpreted in a negative or harmful way.
Some may recognize that these fears are irrational other may not. When struggling with Staring OCD, many feel unable to control the intrusive thoughts and the compulsions.
Common Symptoms of Staring OCD
People experiencing Fear of Staring OCD have different types of struggles. Here are some behaviors and thought patterns that may be common with this subtype.
Common OCD obsessions :
What if I make others uncomfortable
What if they think I am a horrible creep
What if others think badly of me because of the staring
They are going to think I am checking them out
Common OCD Compulsions:
Repeatedly checking your gaze
Looking away frequently
Avoiding eye contact altogether
OCD Avoidance behaviors:
Avoiding social situations
Avoiding crowded spaces
Avoiding interactions that might trigger staring fears.
OCD Reassurance-seeking
“Did you notice me staring ?”
“Do you think I was being weird?”
“I wasn’t looking too long, right?”
“Do I make you feel uncomfortable?”
Heightened hyperawareness with OCD
Becoming overly conscious of where your eyes are focused in every situation.
Being overly conscious of others behaviors, like adjusting clothing, laughing, coughing, etc
Overly attuned to others behaviors
Causes and Triggers of Staring OCD
Like other forms of OCD, Fear of Staring OCD is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. Some potential triggers may include:
Perfectionism and a fear of being judged
Increased stress or anxiety in social settings
Social anxiety
Treatment Options for Fear of Staring OCD - San Diego,CA
The good news is that effective treatment is available for Fear of Staring OCD! Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard treatment for OCD. Exposure in response prevention therapy is evidence based treatment that has been proven to help OCD.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is widely recognized as the gold-standard treatment for OCD. It works by gradually exposing individuals to situations that trigger their fears—such as maintaining eye contact in social settings—while resisting the urge to engage in compulsive behaviors.
The goal of ERP is to help you break the cycle of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. It works by teaching your brain that the feared outcome is unlikely to happen or not as catastrophic as it feels. With ERP you work with the therapist who carefully designs exposures. Over time our clients learn to tolerate discomfort and uncertainty without resorting to compulsions.
ERP exercise for Fear of Staring OCD with an OCD therapist:
Gradual exposure exercises, such as intentionally holding eye contact with a friend or therapist for a set amount of time.
Situational exposure, like making small talk with a colleague or cashier and maintaining eye contact longer than feels comfortable.
Imaginal exposure, where the individual writes out scenarios involving perceived "inappropriate staring" to confront and process the fear in a controlled way.
Throughout the process, the therapist provides support and guidance step by step. We help the people recognize their triggers, resist compulsions, and develop healthier responses to anxiety. The goal is not to eliminate intrusive thoughts entirely but to reduce their impact and allow people to live more freely without OCD dictating their actions.
We will be with you step by step and start where you are ready. With consistent practice and guidance, most find significant relief and a renewed sense of confidence in their ability to manage OCD symptoms.
Medication for OCD
In some cases, medication such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed to help manage OCD symptoms and reduce anxiety levels. This is something to discuss with your doctor.
Staring OCD Treatment San Diego, CA
If you or someone you know is struggling with Fear of Staring OCD, know that you're not alone. Help is available from a trained OCD specialist. Working with an OCD therapist can provide the tools and strategies needed to regain confidence and navigate social situations with ease.
OCD Treatment Near me
At Resilience Counseling, we specialize in ERP and OCD. We tailor treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each client. Whether you're just starting your OCD treatment journey or looking for specialized support, our specialized team of therapists are here to help you take back control of your life. Take the first step toward finding peace and freedom from OCD. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Author Bio: Katherine Pica OCD Treatment near me - San Diego, CA
Katherine Pica is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and the owner and clinical director of Resilience Counseling. With over 17 years of experience, Katherine has dedicated her career to helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges with compassion and evidence-based care.
Katherine specializes in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety, and trauma. She uses Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—the gold-standard treatment for OCD. As well as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to support clients working through trauma.
As the clinical director, Katherine supervises all therapists at Resilience Counseling. She brings her extensive experience and clinical insight to guide and support her team in providing high-quality care. She is committed to fostering a collaborative and learning-focused environment where both clients and clinicians can thrive! Resilience Counseling provides in-person therapy in San Diego, CA, and offer virtual sessions throughout California.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, Katherine and her team at Resilience Counseling are here to support you. Contact us today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
OCD treatment near me - as well as other options
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