Therapists in 98020
Dr. Gary Bell
Marriage & Family Therapist, Ed D, LMFT
Verified Verified
Edmonds, WA 98020
I have worked with tens of thousands of clients with issues ranging from trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, communication, parenting, work frustrations, suicidality, sudden life change, and more. My goal is for you to experience peace in your life, stop merely coping, and start thriving in the present. I believe in the importance of living in this moment that we’ve been given, and I want you to experience the abundant joy and freedom that comes from God. Don’t wait another day; invest in yourself today. I look forward to working with you to overcome past barriers so you can fully enjoy your life each moment.
I have worked with tens of thousands of clients with issues ranging from trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, communication, parenting, work frustrations, suicidality, sudden life change, and more. My goal is for you to experience peace in your life, stop merely coping, and start thriving in the present. I believe in the importance of living in this moment that we’ve been given, and I want you to experience the abundant joy and freedom that comes from God. Don’t wait another day; invest in yourself today. I look forward to working with you to overcome past barriers so you can fully enjoy your life each moment.
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Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists
How long does OCD treatment take?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often treated on a weekly or twice-weekly schedule, depending on symptom severity and the client’s preferences. Some clients may start to see a noticeable improvement in symptoms in as little as six weeks, but it’s also possible, especially in more severe cases, for treatment to take several months to a year before significant progress is made.
What happens if OCD is not treated?
Some people with OCD, especially those with mild symptoms, may find that they are able to adapt reasonably well to life with the condition, even if their symptoms never resolve completely. However, many people, particularly those whose symptoms are severe at the outset, find that their obsessions and compulsions grow more intrusive with time, making it harder to maintain relationships, hold down a job, or navigate the world successfully.
Are there medications for OCD?
Medication can be used to treat OCD. The class of drugs most often prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, which include fluvoxamine (under the brand name Luvox), fluoxetine (Prozac), and sertraline (Zoloft), among others. In cases of treatment-resistant OCD, other classes of medication, such as tricyclic antidepressants or atypical antipsychotics, may be prescribed. Medication is frequently used in conjunction with therapy.
Can OCD come back after treatment?
Yes. Major life transitions, periods of stress, or other factors can cause symptoms to return or, if they were never fully eradicated, to ramp back up in intensity. For some, these relapses are brief and do not require additional treatment; identifying specific triggers and practicing the skills learned in therapy can help speed their course. For others, returning to therapy for a brief period can help address the underlying stress and strengthen coping mechanisms.