Obsessive Thoughts, Contamination Fears, and Reassurance Seeking in OCD
Understanding OCD: When Thoughts and Fears Take Over
If your mind feels trapped in an endless loop of worry and “what ifs,” you’re not alone.
Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder that causes unwanted, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive actions (compulsions) meant to ease anxiety.
For many, OCD shows up as obsessive thoughts, contamination fears, or a constant need for reassurance. These patterns can take over daily life and make simple tasks feel overwhelming.
At Reframe CBT, therapist Julie Hingsbergen, LMFT, helps teens and adults throughout Marin County — including San Rafael, San Anselmo, and Tiburon — manage OCD and anxiety through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
What Are Obsessive Thoughts?
Obsessive thoughts are intrusive, unwanted ideas or images that replay in your mind. You might think:
“What if I touched something contaminated?”
“Did I say something wrong?”
“What if I hurt someone by accident?”
Even when you know these thoughts don’t make sense, they can cause intense anxiety. Attempts to “think them away” often make them stronger — creating a cycle of distress and overthinking.
Contamination Fears and Ritualistic Behaviors
One of the most visible forms of OCD involves contamination fears — the intense worry about germs, illness, or unclean environments.
This fear can lead to compulsive behaviors like excessive handwashing, cleaning, or avoiding public spaces.
These are not simply “neat freak” habits — they are anxiety-driven rituals meant to feel safe.
Through ERP therapy, clients learn to face these fears gradually and reduce repetitive behaviors until anxiety lessens naturally.
Reassurance Seeking: The Hidden OCD Compulsion
Many people with OCD also struggle with reassurance seeking — repeatedly asking others for comfort or confirmation to relieve fear.
Examples include:
“Are you sure the stove is off?”
“Do you think I’ll get sick?”
“I didn’t offend anyone, right?”
While reassurance feels calming at first, it reinforces OCD’s demand for certainty.
Through ERP, clients at Reframe CBT learn to tolerate uncertainty and retrain the brain to let go of the need for reassurance.
Perfectionism and Everyday Misunderstandings
Words like “obsessive,” “compulsive,” “fixated,” and “perfectionist” are often used casually — but in OCD, they carry real distress.
It’s not about being particular or clean; it’s about feeling trapped by anxiety and ritualistic behavior that doesn’t bring relief.
At Reframe CBT, therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns, reducing checking behaviors, and replacing fear with flexibility.
A Path Toward Relief and Confidence
If you find yourself constantly ruminating, overthinking, or checking, help is available.
At Reframe CBT, therapy includes CBT and ERP to create lasting change. You’ll learn to manage obsessive thoughts, resist compulsions, and build resilience.
Whether you’re struggling with contamination fears, reassurance seeking, or perfectionism, you can find support and healing here in Marin County.
Visit reframecbt.com to begin therapy and start reclaiming peace of mind.
