Do both partners need to be all in?

It helps when both partners are open, and it is common to start at different levels of readiness. We can work with that.

No. We focus on the relationship and the pattern between you, not on assigning blame.

What if we keep having the same argument?

That usually points to a pattern underneath. We work on changing the pattern rather than settling each argument one by one.

Do you take insurance?

Couples and relational sessions are private pay at $200 for a 50-minute session, and we can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement.

Do you offer online sessions?

Yes, we offer sessions in person at our Madison and Waunakee offices and online across Wisconsin.

Madison & Waunakee, WI | Online Across Wisconsin

OCD Therapy

Evidence-based therapy to help you break the cycle of intrusive thoughts and compulsions.

Schedule a Free Consultation

A woman is sitting at a desk in a modern office, looking at her wristwatch, with a computer monitor and small potted plants on the desk.

What Is OCD Therapy?

Living with OCD involves a constant loop of intrusive thoughts and the intense urge to neutralize them through compulsive behaviors. At Modern Thrive Counseling, we offer evidence-based approaches to help you break free from this cycle.Therapy is not about avoiding anxiety or distracting yourself; it’s about turning down the volume so you can think, sleep, and be present again.

What living with OCD can feel like

Your intrusive thoughts are weighing you down
You feel driven to check, count, wash, or repeat
You avoid people, places, or triggers
You spend hours seeking certainty or reassurance
Your thoughts get louder as you fight them

Minimalist office space with a white desk, pink chair, a lamp, framed artwork, potted plants, and a window with blinds.

Our Approaches

We use approaches proven to help with OCD:

ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention): ERP is the gold-standard treatment for OCD. It involves gradually exposing you to anxiety-triggering thoughts or situations without engaging in compulsive responses, which helps your brain understand that anxiety passes naturally.

ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy): Rather than fighting intrusive thoughts, ACT teaches you to accept their presence without letting them control your actions. The focus is on building flexibility and moving toward meaningful life goals despite anxiety.

Values-Based and Strengths-Based Therapy: This approach connects you with your core values, like honesty, creativity, or connection, and leverages your personal strengths to support growth and meaningful change.

Person in a beige sweatshirt sitting with hands clasped during a therapy session with a therapist holding a clipboard and pen.

How We Support You

We use Exposure and Response Prevention, the gold-standard treatment for OCD, along with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and values-based, strengths-based work.

Our approaches include:

ERP: gradual, supported exposure without the compulsion, so your brain learns the anxiety passes
ACT: a new way to relate to intrusive thoughts, using mindfulness and your values
Values-based, strengths-based work: reconnecting with what matters and moving toward it

What Can Change

The urge to check or repeat loses power

You spend less time seeking certainty

Intrusive thoughts bother you less

Hours of your day come back to you

Meet Our OCD Therapists

Alexis Gade, LPC

PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

About Alexis
Emily Kotajarvi, LMFT

PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

About Emily

Taking The First Step

Step 1
Reach Out

Call 608-683-8188 or schedule a free consultation online. Our team helps with scheduling and insurance.

Step 2
Talk with Amy

Your consultation is with Amy, our founder. She learns what you are looking for and personally matches you with the right therapist.

Step 3
Begin OCD Therapy

Start an ERP-based plan, at a pace you can handle, with support at each step.

Free 10-minute Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Exposure and Response Prevention gently exposes you to what triggers the obsession while you resist the compulsion, so your brain learns the anxiety fades on its own. It is the gold-standard treatment for OCD.
Therapy does not promise a cure, but ERP and related approaches help many people reduce symptoms significantly and get their life back.
Yes. OCD is not always visible. We work with mental compulsions, rumination, and reassurance-seeking too.
Yes. In network with Quartz, Dean Health Plan, Group Health Cooperative, and The Alliance. Superbill available for out-of-network.
Yes, we offer sessions in person at our Madison & Waunakee offices and online across Wisconsin.

A white round side table with a potted green plant, a white table lamp, and a black rectangular clock showing 5:29, next to a dark gray sofa in a minimalistic room.

Ready to Get Started?

You do not have to keep fighting the loop alone. ERP-based therapy helps many people quiet the noise and reclaim their time. Reach out for a free consultation.