Sydney Kitz: OCD Therapy in San Diego
A Bit More About Me
I know firsthand that life and relationships are complicated, and can leave us feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or without hope. Many of my clients struggle with feeling burdened by anxious thoughts, low self-esteem, or events from the past that linger in the present. They may have, or be curious about, different diagnoses like OCD, PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
My therapeutic approach is relational and collaborative. As a therapist, people describe me as warm, attentive, and grounded. Some theories I draw from are psychodynamic, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) when working with OCD.
My goal is for you to feel heard and empowered to make meaningful change in your life. I believe that more effective coping and increased resilience are always possible. If you resonate with this and long to build healthier connections with yourself, others, and your values, we may be a good fit. Asking for help is a courageous step, and I’d be honored to come alongside you.
Inside My OCD Therapy, Anxiety & Trauma 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. I see clients of all ages in my San Diego practice, and I adjust how we work to fit where each person is in life. Therapy with me is relational and collaborative, so we move together, at a pace that feels right for you.
Wherever you're starting from, therapy should feel tailored to you, not like a one-size-fits-all program. That's how I approach every case.
Relational OCD Therapy in San Diego with Sydney
Many people who come to me are exhausted by anxious thoughts and the rituals that try to quiet them. I provide OCD therapy in San Diego for children, teens, and adults in a way that is relational and collaborative, so you feel heard and not just treated as a diagnosis.
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 it’s what I use when working with OCD. I bring in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and CBT as well, to help you live in line with your values and not be run by fear. Learn more in the IOCDF’s guide to OCD treatment.
ERP for OCD Therapy in San Diego: A Collaborative, Step-by-Step Process
How does ERP work for OCD?
ERP is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy. Step by step, you face the thoughts or situations that trigger OCD while practicing not doing the compulsion. We plan each step together, at a pace that fits you.
How long will OCD therapy take?
It depends on the person, so there isn’t one timeline. At Resilience Counseling, many clients begin to see improvement after about 12 to 20 sessions of ERP, though it varies widely.
How does ACT fit into OCD therapy?
ACT can help you make room for uncomfortable thoughts and feelings while moving toward what matters to you. I use it alongside ERP and CBT, depending on what you need.
Signs It May Be Time for 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 meant to ease that distress. Common themes include contamination, harm, perfectionism, religious or moral worries, and relationship doubts. It may be time to reach out if:
- Intrusive thoughts keep coming back, even though you know they don’t make sense.
- You feel driven to check, repeat, seek reassurance, or review things mentally.
- Fear or doubt is making you avoid people, places, or activities that matter to you.
- OCD is taking up significant time or straining your relationships.
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 experiencing.
OCD Therapy, Anxiety, Trauma & BFRB Support in San Diego
Getting Unstuck From Rituals: OCD Support
When I work with OCD, I use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard, evidence-based approach. We take it step by step, at a pace that fits you.
Calming Anxious Thoughts: Anxiety Support
Anxiety can leave you feeling burdened and stuck in your head. Drawing on CBT and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), we build practical tools for loosening anxiety's grip and living in line with your values.
When the Past Lingers: Trauma & PTSD Support
Events from the past can stay with us long after they happen. In a warm, collaborative space, we work through trauma and PTSD at your pace, so the past takes up less room in your present.
When Habits Feel Hard to Stop: BFRB Support
Hair pulling, skin picking, and nail biting, known as BFRBs, often come with a lot of shame. In a collaborative, judgment-free space, we explore what drives the urge and practice new ways to respond.
OCD Therapy in San Diego: What Clients Ask Me
Do you provide OCD therapy for kids and teens?
Yes. I work with children, teens, and adults.
Do you see clients in person?
Yes. I meet clients in person at the Resilience Counseling office in San Diego, and telehealth is available if you’re elsewhere in California.
Do you offer Christian therapy?
Yes. If you’d like your faith to be part of therapy, I’m happy to include it. If you’d rather not, it stays out of our work. Just let us know when you reach out or on your free consultation call.
Do you accept insurance?
Resilience Counseling is private pay, so we don’t bill insurance directly. After each session you can request a superbill to submit to your own insurer, who may reimburse part of the cost.
How do I know if Sydney is the right fit for me?
The best way is usually just to talk it through. Every person and every situation is different, so a quick consultation call lets us figure out together whether my approach makes sense for what you're dealing with right now.
Do you treat hair pulling and skin picking?
Yes. I support clients with body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) such as hair pulling, skin picking, and nail biting. We approach them with curiosity rather than shame, getting to know what drives the urge and building tools that work for you.
What should I expect during our first meeting?
In our first meeting we’ll talk about what brought you in, what you’ve already tried, and what you hope will change. Then we’ll choose together where to start, and I’ll share what I’d recommend.
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.
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