OCD Therapy in San Diego
A Bit More About Me
Whether you or your child are navigating challenges, struggling to manage emotions, or feeling stuck, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Everyone deserves a safe space where they feel understood and empowered to grow.
Prior to my current role, I spent four years as an elementary school teacher, where I developed a strong passion for supporting students’ well-being. My experience has shaped my commitment to helping children and adolescents overcome life’s challenges. I strive to create a welcoming environment that feels compassionate and collaborative. Drawing from evidence-based approaches, including CBT, mindfulness, and grounding techniques, I work alongside clients to help them feel comfortable exploring their experiences without judgment. I am also trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). My hope is that you leave each session feeling heard, valued, and equipped to manage life’s uncertainties.
Inside My OCD Therapy & Anxiety Work in San Diego
Specialties & Areas of Support
Therapeutic Approaches
Who I Work With
Children, Teens & Adults in San Diego
I work with kids, teens, and adults, and I make space for parents in the process too. Before becoming a therapist, I spent four years as an elementary school teacher, so I know how much a child’s well-being shapes everything else in their day, from the classroom to home.
Wherever you or your child are starting from, therapy should feel tailored to you, not like a one-size-fits-all program. That’s how I approach every case.
OCD Therapy in San Diego with Emma Thomas, APCC
Before becoming a therapist, I spent four years as an elementary school teacher, so I know how much anxiety and OCD can affect a child’s day, from the classroom to home. I provide OCD therapy in San Diego for children, teens, and adults, and I make space for parents in the process.
The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) describes exposure and response prevention (ERP) as the most effective first-line therapy for OCD in adults, children, and adolescents, and I’m trained in it. I pair it with CBT, mindfulness, and grounding techniques, so you or your child have tools to use in the moment. You can read more in the IOCDF’s guide to OCD treatment.
ERP for OCD Therapy in San Diego: What Sessions Look Like
What is ERP therapy?
ERP is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy. Together we plan small, manageable steps for facing the thoughts or situations that set off OCD while practicing not doing the compulsion. We go at a pace that fits you and your family.
How many sessions of ERP will my child need?
There isn’t a set number. At Resilience Counseling, many clients begin to see improvement after about 12 to 20 sessions of ERP, though it varies widely from child to child and adult to adult.
How are parents involved in OCD therapy?
When a child or teen is struggling, parents are part of the picture. I make space for you in the process, so you know what we’re working on and how to support it at home.
How to Tell If Your Child or Teen Needs OCD Therapy in San Diego
OCD involves obsessions, which are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause intense distress, and compulsions, which are repeated behaviors or mental acts used to try to relieve it. Common themes include contamination, harm, perfectionism, religious or moral worries, and relationship doubts. You may want to reach out if:
- Your child or teen repeats checking, washing, counting, or reassurance questions and gets upset if they can’t.
- Unwanted thoughts keep returning, even when they know the thoughts don’t make sense.
- Avoiding places, people, or situations is getting in the way of school or friendships.
- Rituals take up a lot of time or interfere with daily routines.
You don’t need a diagnosis to ask for help, and OCD is treatable. Book a free 15-minute call and we can talk through what you’re seeing.
OCD Therapy, Anxiety & BFRB Support in San Diego
Getting Unstuck From Rituals: OCD Support
I am trained in ERP, the gold-standard, evidence-based approach for OCD. We take it step by step, at a pace that fits you and your family.
Calming Big Worries: Anxiety & Big Feelings
Anxiety and big emotions can look different at every age. Using CBT, mindfulness, and grounding techniques, we help kids, teens, and adults understand what they’re feeling and build tools they can use in the moment, at school, and at home.
Hair Pulling & Skin Picking: BFRB Support
BFRBs like hair pulling, skin picking, and nail biting are more common than most people realize. Together, and with parents involved for younger clients, we notice what sets off the urge and build tools for responding to it.
Your Questions About OCD Therapy in San Diego
What is ERP therapy for OCD?
ERP, or exposure and response prevention, is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy used for OCD. I’m trained in it, and we take it step by step, facing triggers while practicing not doing the compulsion.
How long does OCD therapy take?
It varies. At Resilience Counseling, many clients begin to see improvement after about 12 to 20 sessions of ERP, though it can take more or less time depending on the person.
Can my child or teen start OCD therapy with you?
Yes. I work with children, teens, and adults, and I make space for parents in the process.
Do you see clients in person?
Yes, at Resilience Counseling in San Diego we see our clients in person. If you prefer, we could also see you via telehealth anywhere in California.
Do you accept insurance?
We're a private pay practice and don't bill insurance directly. What we can do is provide a superbill after each session, which you can submit to your insurance company yourself for potential reimbursement.
My child is struggling. How do I know if this is the right fit?
The best way is usually just to talk it through. Every child and every situation is different, so a quick consultation call lets us figure out together whether my approach makes sense for what your family is dealing with right now.
Do you work with hair pulling and skin picking?
Yes. I work with body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) like hair pulling, skin picking, and nail biting in kids, teens, and adults. We look at what triggers the urge and practice new ways to respond, and I include parents when working with younger clients.
What should I expect during our first meeting?
Our first meeting is really about getting to know you and hearing from you about what you're struggling with. From there, we'll decide together what we want to work on, and I'll make recommendations about the approach we should take. But really, our first session is about getting to know you.
It can be difficult to reach out for help, and it's important that you feel comfortable. We offer a free 15 minute consultation to answer any questions you may have.
Request an Appointment
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