OCD Therapy in Japan
When doubt takes over, it can feel terrifying. There is a way to move forward.
OCD can feel like your brain just won’t let go. Stuck in loops of doubt, trying to feel certain before you can move on, or performing mental or physical rituals for a brief sense of relief. Even when part of you knows it's irrational, the feeling is real and overwhelming.
Living in Japan can make this even harder. Cultural barriers, isolation, or limited access to English-speaking support can lead to more rumination and seeking certainty.
You’re not weak, broken, or alone. I specialize in helping English-speaking adults in Japan work through OCD using approaches that are practical, collaborative, and evidence-based. Together, we can begin to untangle the patterns keeping you stuck.
What OCD Can Look Like
OCD shows up in many ways. For many people, the hardest part is the mental side: the intrusive thoughts, the constant doubting, and the pressure to feel “just right” before moving on.
You might experience:
- Intrusive thoughts that feel disturbing, taboo, or out of character
- Mental checking, reviewing conversations or actions over and over
- Reassurance-seeking
- Avoiding people, places, or situations that might trigger anxiety or doubt
- Rituals or rules (mental or physical) you feel compelled to complete
- Endless rumination, trying to be sure you didn’t miss something or cause harm
- Fear of being a bad person, even without evidence
- A chronic sense of uncertainty
OCD doesn’t follow logic. It follows fear. And when you're living in Japan, far away from home, even small doubts can grow into emotional landmines.
How Therapy Can Help with OCD
OCD can make you feel trapped in a cycle of rumination and reassurance. Therapy offers a different path.
Together, we'll:
- Map out your personal OCD cycle: what triggers it, how it plays out, and what keeps it going
- Learn how to respond to intrusive thoughts without needing to "solve" or neutralize them
- Practice tolerating uncertainty in manageable steps, gradually removing rituals and avoidance
- Build resilience to sit with discomfort instead of relying on temporary relief
- Strengthen your confidence in your values, not the fears
I use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), often considered the gold-standard treatment for OCD.
This work can be challenging, but we can work together as a team. You don't have to face the doubt alone.
Therapy Begins with A Simple Conversation...
Our first step is a free video consultation to:
- Talk about your concerns and the things you want to change
- Explore if we're a good fit
- Talk about how we might collaborate on a path toward change
There's no expectation to start therapy, and if I'm not a good fit, I can assist in finding you a therapist who is.
Common Concerns
Questions related to fees & insurance? Click here
Have other questions? Contact me or visit the FAQ page.
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