How to Support a Loved One with OCD: Small Actions That Make a Big Impact

Watching someone you love struggle with OCD can be heartbreaking. You might feel helpless, confused, or unsure of how to actually help. Whether it’s a partner, teen, sibling, or close friend-your support can truly make a difference.

At BrainBody Wellness Counseling, we walk alongside individuals and families every day who are navigating this journey. This Mental Health Awareness Month, with the theme “Turn Awareness into Action,” we invite you to take small but impactful steps toward supporting your loved one- and yourself.

Over 60% of individuals with OCD report that their symptoms significantly impact their relationships, leading to stress, misunderstandings, and emotional strain. (Source: International OCD Foundation)

What Is OCD—Really?

OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, goes far beyond being “overly clean” or “super organized.” It’s a mental health condition involving distressing, unwanted intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) done in an attempt to reduce anxiety or discomfort.

Your loved one might check, seek reassurance, mentally review, or avoid people, situations, or even their own thoughts. And while they may know their thoughts are irrational, OCD can still feel overpowering.

If you're curious about what OCD is and how it develops, we invite you to explore this page for a full breakdown of symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Small Actions That Make a Big Impact

1. Learn About Evidence-Based OCD Therapy

Education is one of the most powerful tools you have. Look into treatments like:

• ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention)

• ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)

• Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT)

These are the gold-standard, research-backed approaches we use at BrainBody Wellness Counseling to help people transform their lives, not just manage symptoms.

Learn more: Steps in OCD Treatment with BrainBody Wellness Counseling

2. Avoid Reassurance—Try Validation Instead

While it may feel loving to say “You’re okay” or “Don’t worry,” reassurance can feed the OCD cycle. Instead, try supportive validation:

• “This sounds really tough—I’m here with you.”

• “What do you think your therapist would suggest in this moment?”

One study found that nearly 40% of partners of individuals with OCD report feeling frustrated and helpless, often misunderstanding their loved one’s behaviors as deliberate or personal. (Source: Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders)

3. Be a Steady Presence, Not a Fixer

You don’t need to solve OCD. In fact, trying to “fix” it can create more pressure. Your calm, nonjudgmental presence means more than you realize. Encourage your loved one’s progress without pushing or enabling compulsions.

4. Support the Right Kind of Treatment

OCD therapy isn’t just talk therapy. In fact, some well-meaning approaches—like focusing on relaxation or cognitive reframing—can accidentally make OCD symptoms worse by reinforcing compulsions.

That’s why it’s essential to work with OCD therapists trained in therapies like ERP, ACT, MCT, and I-CBT, which are built specifically to address the root of OCD symptoms.

5. Take Care of You, Too

Caring for someone with OCD can be emotionally draining. It’s okay to seek support for yourself. Whether it’s a support group, a counselor, or setting boundaries, your well-being matters too.

Transforming Lives with Specialized OCD Counseling

At BrainBody Wellness Counseling, we specialize in OCD treatment for both teens and adults. If you’ve been searching for an OCD therapist near me, we offer both in-person care in Scottsdale, AZ and telehealth options across the state.

Our licensed psychologists and counselors are experienced in treating OCD, anxiety, and depression—and we use evidence-based approaches that make a lasting difference.

Explore our services:
🔗 Transforming Your Life with Specialized OCD Counseling

Parents of children with OCD who reduce accommodation behaviors (helping with rituals or providing excessive reassurance) see a 30-50% improvement in their child's treatment progress. (Source: Journal of Anxiety Disorders)

Let’s Turn Awareness into Action—Together

Supporting a loved one with OCD doesn’t mean having all the answers. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is simply show up—with curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to learn.

If you or your loved one is ready to take the next step, our team is here with expert, personalized support.

Schedule a free consultation and find therapy that truly helps—led by people who understand what OCD recovery really takes.

References

• International OCD Foundation. (2023). What is OCD? Retrieved from https://iocdf.org

• Abramowitz, J. S. (2018). Getting Over OCD: A 10-Step Workbook for Taking Back Your Life. Guilford Press.

• Lebowitz, E. R., & Omer, H. (2013). Treating Childhood and Adolescent OCD: A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach. Wiley.

• Twohig, M. P., & Abramowitz, J. S. (2021). The Psychology of Overcoming OCD. Oxford University Press.

• McKay, D., Abramowitz, J., Storch, E. A., & Keeley, M. (2015). Clinical Handbook of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders. Springer