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# Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: The Different Types of OCD & How They Present in Adults and Children
 (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to alleviate distress. While the underlying mechanisms of OCD are similar, the condition can present in various forms, depending on the individual’s specific obsessions and compulsions. Importantly, the way OCD manifests may differ between adults and children.
This article explores the different types of OCD, providing insight into how they appear in both age groups to foster understanding and encourage timely intervention.
## 
### **Contamination**
**Obsessions:** Fear of germs, illness, or being “contaminated” by substances.
**Compulsions:** Excessive cleaning, handwashing, or avoiding perceived sources of contamination (e.g., shaking hands).
* **Adults**: May avoid public spaces, refuse to touch common items (like doorknobs), or clean obsessively despite visible skin irritation.
* **Children**: Often express fear of getting sick or contaminating loved ones. They may avoid playing outdoors or using shared school supplies.
### **Harm**
**Obsessions:** Fear of causing harm to oneself or others, either accidentally or intentionally.
**Compulsions:** Seeking reassurance, avoiding specific objects (e.g., knives), or mentally reviewing actions to ensure no harm was caused.
* **Adults**: May frequently ask others if they seemed angry or acted aggressively, or avoid activities like driving due to fear of causing accidents.
* **Children**: Often worry they might accidentally hurt classmates or family members and may avoid games or sports involving physical contact.
### **Symmetry and Order**
**Obsessions:** Need for things to be arranged “just right” or symmetrical to feel balanced or prevent bad outcomes.
**Compulsions:** Arranging, counting, or repeating actions until they feel “correct.”
* **Adults**: Might spend hours organizing their desks or personal items and become distressed when things are moved.
* **Children**: Frequently re-arrange toys, demand perfect alignment of objects, or redo school assignments repeatedly to “make it right.”
### **Intrusive Thoughts**
**Obsessions:** Unwanted, disturbing thoughts or images, often of a violent, sexual, or religious nature.
**Compulsions:** Mental rituals, avoidance of triggering situations, or seeking reassurance about morality or character.
* **Adults**: May feel ashamed and hide their obsessions, fearing judgment. Common themes include religious blasphemy or inappropriate sexual thoughts.
* **Children**: Often seek excessive reassurance from parents about being “good” or whether they will “go to heaven.”
### **Hoarding**
**Obsessions:** Fear of losing items or a belief that discarding things could lead to harm or regret.
**Compulsions:** Accumulating unnecessary items and an inability to discard them, even if they lack value.
* **Adults**: Tend to hoard items like newspapers, clothing, or sentimental objects, often rationalizing the behavior.
* **Children**: May collect toys, school projects, or seemingly random objects and become upset if parents attempt to throw them away.
### **Checking**
**Obsessions:** Fear of making mistakes or something going wrong due to negligence.
**Compulsions:** Repeatedly checking locks, appliances, or work to ensure safety or accuracy.
* **Adults**: Often check doors, stoves, or emails multiple times, leading to significant delays in daily routines.
* **Children**: Frequently re-check homework answers or seek reassurance that they locked their lockers or packed their school bags correctly.
### **Relationship**
**Obsessions:** Doubts and fears about relationships, such as whether a partner is the “right one” or if the relationship is strong enough.
**Compulsions:** Seeking reassurance from a partner, overanalyzing interactions, or comparing relationships to others.
* **Adults**: Often analyze texts or conversations obsessively, fearing a minor disagreement signifies a failing relationship.
* **Children**: May constantly question friendships, asking peers for validation about whether they are liked.
## **How OCD Differs Between Adults and Children**
### **OCD in Adults**
* **Awareness**: Adults are often more aware that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational, which can lead to shame or secrecy.
* **Impact**: Symptoms may interfere with work, relationships, and daily responsibilities.
* **Coping**: Adults may develop sophisticated rituals to hide their compulsions from others.
### 
* **Understanding**: Younger children might not recognize their behaviors as irrational and may struggle to articulate their distress.
* **Impact**: Symptoms often affect academic performance, friendships, and family interactions.
* **Parental Role**: Parents may inadvertently accommodate compulsions, such as helping a child repeatedly check homework.
## **Diagnosis and Treatment**
**Diagnosis**: OCD is diagnosed through clinical evaluation, considering the presence of obsessions, compulsions, and the impact on daily functioning.
**Treatment Options**:
1. **Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)**: Specifically, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is highly effective in helping individuals confront obsessions without engaging in compulsions.
2. **Medication**: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can reduce symptoms in both adults and children.
3. **Family Support**: Particularly important for children, family involvement can help create a supportive environment that discourages compulsive behaviors.
## **Final Thoughts**
OCD is a complex disorder that takes many forms and can affect people of all ages. Early recognition and intervention are key to managing symptoms and improving quality of life. By understanding the different types of OCD and their presentations, caregivers and mental health professionals can provide tailored support and compassionate care.
If you or someone you know may be struggling with OCD, reach out to one of our qualified mental health professionals here at  to explore treatment options. With the right support, individuals with OCD can lead fulfilling lives.
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# Signs of Good Parenting: Reflecting on the Impact of Your Childhood
Many of us find ourselves reflecting on how we were raised, thinking about how our parents’ actions, values, and habits shaped us. Looking at our past and how we were raised can help us become better parents ourselves. Here are some key qualities that can signal positive parenting, each representing the unique ways parents nurture, guide, and support their children.
##### Attunement: The Power of Being Seen and Heard
Were your parents attentive listeners? Did they try to understand your world and meet you where you were emotionally? Attunement means they were focused on *you* as an individual, creating a safe and nurturing environment. A strong parent-child relationship includes the ability of parents to truly see and respond to their child’s needs and emotions.
##### Appreciation for the Small Things
Good parents know that even small moments in a child’s life are important. They validate your excitement or sadness, even if what you were going through may seem trivial from an adult perspective. This quality is about appreciating the child’s reality and respecting their experiences.
##### Encouragement of Self-Discovery
Every child goes through unique phases as they figure out who they are and what they like. Some of us were wearing a Spiderman costume to school, watching the same movie every night or dressing goth (it’s not a phase, mom!”). Great parenting involves having faith that a child will find their true self in time, creating space for them to try new things, question norms and express themselves fully – even if they don’t fully understand it themselves.
##### Forgiveness and 
Everyone makes mistakes, and children are learning as they go. Did your parents give you the benefit of the doubt and allow room for growth and learning? Forgiving parents interpret behavior through a compassionate lens, aiming to understand rather than criticize, which helps children learn from their mistakes without feeling ashamed.
##### Embracing Imperfection
 but rather shows up as their true, imperfect self. Parents should allow themselves to make mistakes and grow alongside their kids. This shows them that life isn’t about being flawless. Embracing imperfection teaches children that they don’t have to be perfect to be valued and that mistakes are natural and often help us grow.
##### Being Boring – Or Predictable
Consistency is comforting for children, and a predictable environment offers security. Did your parents keep their emotions balanced and moods steady? “Boring”, but consistent parents understand that children thrive with routine and reliability. This ensures that the kid’s own ups and downs don’t create unnecessary stress for the family.
##### Unconditional Love
One of the defining features of good parenting is —the love that gives without asking for anything in return. Hopefully your parents loved and supported you, even if you sometimes didn’t appreciate it at the time. Offering unreciprocated love fosters a child’s self-worth and emotional health, teaching them that they are worthy of love simply by being themselves.
##### Reflecting on Your Own Experience
Good parenting isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating a space where a child feels seen, accepted, and supported, helping them build a strong foundation for self-confidence and resilience. Which of these qualities resonates most with you? Reflecting on your own childhood can reveal what worked well, and what you might carry forward or adapt as you consider your own parenting values.
# The Benefits of Family Therapy
Therapy is usually referred to individuals for their own personal stressors. Therapy can benefit individuals, couples, families,  and many different dynamics of interpersonal relationships! In our increasingly busy world, where family members often juggle conflicting schedules and unique stressors, it’s easy to lose sight of shared goals and values.
Family therapy serves as a pathway not only to resolve conflicts but also to nurture closer, more supportive relationships, whether families are addressing major issues or simply looking to strengthen their bond.
### Some in Depth Benefits of Family Therapy
Communication between family members can improve. Having a therapist gives families the opportunity to discuss issues with a neutral party. They can help facilitate dialogue, identify unproductive patterns, and teach constructive ways to express feelings.
Family therapy can provide a safe space to address unresolved issues and trauma within the family. Therapists guide families to acknowledge and understand old wounds, reducing emotional baggage. By working through issues as a unit, families create collective healing and support systems. This can prevent past traumas from spilling into current relationships, allowing for a healthier family dynamic.
It is also possible to develop healthy boundaries and roles with the assistance of a family therapist. This is especially useful for blended families, families with teens or families going through significant transitions like childhood development or loss of life. Families can learn to support one another while respecting personal space and clarify roles and expectations within the family.
Lastly, let’s explore the ripple effect that one family member’s mental health challenges can have on the rest of the family, and how therapy can help. It’s a supportive environment for all family members to understand conditions like anxiety, depression, or substance use issues without stigma. It empowers family members to develop skills to support each other. Addressing mental health issues as a family can lead to more sustainable and collective healing.
With these benefits in mind,  to one of our therapists here at .  who are licensed marriage and family therapists! 
# We’ve Partnered with Mentaya
We are excited to announce that we have just partnered with , a mental health company specializing in assisting clients to use their out-of-network benefits for  on therapy!
#### What are out-of-network benefits?
* If your insurance plan offers out-of-network benefits, it means they will cover a portion of the cost when you see a therapist who doesn’t have a direct contract with your insurance company.
* Unlike in-network providers, who bill your insurance company directly, with out-of-network therapists, you typically pay for the session upfront and then submit a claim to your insurance for reimbursement.
* Insurance companies often reimburse a percentage of the therapist’s fee, usually after you meet an out-of-network deductible. For example, after you meet a $1,000 deductible, your insurance may reimburse 50-80% of the session cost.
* Out-of-network benefits give you the flexibility to choose a therapist based on your needs and preferences, not just those in-network.
# Supporting Mental Health: The WA Therapy Fund Foundation
Given the circumstances of our world today, the importance of mental health cannot be overstated. Unfortunately, many individuals face financial barriers that prevent them from accessing the therapy they want or need. This is where organizations like the  can help. Dedicated to enhancing mental health care access and empowering BIPOC individuals through psychoeducation, the WA Therapy Fund Foundation plays a crucial role in bridging the gap for those in need of radical self-care.
#### What the WA Therapy Fund Foundation Offers
The WA Therapy Fund Foundation is committed to eliminating barriers to healing by providing mental health services to individuals who may otherwise be unable to afford them. Here are some of the key offerings:
1. **Financial Assistance**: The foundation offers grants and financial aid to cover therapy costs for individuals and families, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to receive professional support. You can apply for funding by !
2. **Network of Providers**: They have established a network of licensed mental health professionals & providers who are committed to offering services. This extensive network ensures that clients can  who suits their needs and preferences.
3. **Community Outreach**: Through various outreach programs, the WA Therapy Fund Foundation  about mental health resources, promoting awareness and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help.
4. **Workshops and Support Groups**: The foundation also hosts  to foster community connection and provide additional resources for those struggling with mental health challenges.
By focusing on these key areas, the WA Therapy Fund Foundation is making a significant impact in the lives of countless individuals, providing tools and necessary support to navigate their mental health journeys.
#### What SCS Offers with the WA Therapy Fund Foundation
As we strive to enhance the quality of mental health care in our community, we are thrilled to introduce our returning clinician, , who has recently become a  with the WA Therapy Fund Foundation. Hailey brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to therapy, making her a valuable addition to our practice.
**Background and Expertise**
Hailey holds a Masters in Science from Seattle Pacific University and a *Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion* Certificate from the University of South Florida. Hailey has worked for over a decade in community engagement and development, including work on college campuses with adolescents & young adults, a previous matching specialist for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and much more! Her endless dedication to serving others and commitment to mental wellness perfectly aligns with the mission of the WA Therapy Fund Foundation.
**Approach to Therapy**
Hailey utilizes a variety of modalities including Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), Narrative Therapy, Culturally Sensitive Approach, Trauma-Focused, Solution-Focused, and Person-Centered Therapy. These methods can empower clients to explore their emotions, build self-confidence, and develop coping strategies tailored to their unique situations. With a focus on building a strong therapeutic alliance, Hailey ensures that each client feels seen, heard, understood, and supported throughout their healing journey.
#### Getting Involved
If you or someone you know could benefit from mental health support, we encourage you to explore the services offered through the WA Therapy Fund Foundation. Whether it’s through financial assistance or connecting with a qualified provider like Hailey Clum, help is available. At Steffen Counseling Services, we are proud to collaborate with the WA Therapy Fund Foundation and excited about the positive change that Hailey will bring to our mental health community. Together, we can create a supportive environment where therapy sessions are prioritized, and everyone has access to the care they deserve.
For more information on how to access these services, or to  with Hailey Clum, please contact us at Info@SteffenCounselingServices.com.