OCD Therapy in Tampa: How ERP and Inference-Based CBT Help You Break the Cycle
When obsessive thoughts and unwanted urges feel overwhelming, finding effective OCD treatment can feel like a lifeline. Here at Anxiety Center of Tampa, we believe in offering treatments that work. We specialize in exposure and response prevention therapy for OCD (ERP) as well as inference-based CBT because our clients often need more than general anxiety therapy; they need something built around what specifically drives OCD.
Understanding Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy for OCD
To begin good OCD therapy, it’s important to identify what’s happening when you’re caught in the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. With exposure and response prevention therapy for OCD, you face anxiety-provoking triggers (the exposure) and then resist the urge to carry out the compulsion (the response prevention).
Why this approach matters:
Obsessions create fear and urgency; compulsions offer temporary “relief” but reinforce the cycle.
ERP teaches you how to face those triggers without giving in, so the anxiety gradually decreases.
Over time, compulsive urges fade as you build confidence and tolerance for the discomfort.
At our Tampa practice, ERP is offered in structured sessions alongside guidance from Lori Aitken, whose training includes the International OCD Foundation’s Behavioral Therapy Training Institute.
How Inference-Based CBT for Intrusive Thoughts Complements Therapy
While ERP is highly effective for many, some clients find that their thought patterns are not just about external triggers but about internal reasoning and meaning-making. That’s where inference-based CBT for intrusive thoughts comes in. This form of therapy helps you identify and adjust the inferences (meaning and interpretation) your mind draws from intrusive thoughts, reducing the grip they hold.
Here’s what inference-based CBT does:
Helps you see how a thought “must mean” something terrible, and challenges that inference.
Gets you to step back from the thought and consider alternative explanations.
Pairs well with ERP because you’re not only confronting triggers but also reshaping internal responses to thoughts.
Our Tampa team offers this advanced method under the direction of Lori Aitken, who completed specialized training in ICBT and offers it to clients who may need this extra level of intervention.
What to Expect from OCD Treatment at Our Tampa Clinic
Choosing the right OCD therapy means finding a provider with experience, structure, and a clear plan. With us, you can expect:
A comprehensive intake by Lori Aitken that screens for OCD and related disorders.
A treatment plan with clear goals: Reduce compulsions, challenge obsessive thinking, improve daily functioning.
Use of ERP and ICBT approaches as appropriate to your presentation.
Sessions are conducted in‑person or via telehealth, depending on your need.
Regular progress checks and adjustments so that your care remains aligned with your experience.
We avoid generic “talk therapy” alone; our model is behavior-focused and outcome-oriented, because for OCD, that really matters.
Why Choose Our Clinic in Tampa for OCD Treatment
When you seek OCD therapy, you want a clinician and clinic you can trust. Here are reasons to work with us:
Lori Aitken has over 30 years of clinical experience and has treated hundreds of clients with OCD.
We use both exposure and response prevention therapy for OCD and inference-based CBT because OCD presentations vary.
Our practice emphasizes a safe environment where you’re not judged, just supported, understood, and guided.
We’re committed to evidence-based care and to modifying approaches as needed for each person.
You’ll find clear communication, structured sessions, and a team that focuses on real change, not just comfort.
What Makes OCD Therapy Effective Over Time
OCD doesn’t fade with reassurance or avoidance; it improves through structured, consistent therapeutic work. That’s why we approach treatment with both expertise and patience. Real change happens when clients stick with the process, even when progress feels slow. At the Anxiety Center of Tampa, we guide each client through evidence-based strategies that are grounded in research but flexible enough to meet individual needs.
Key elements that make OCD therapy effective include:
A clear, goal-driven plan that identifies specific compulsions or intrusive thought patterns
Consistent exposure to work that reduces avoidance and builds emotional tolerance
Therapist-guided cognitive shifts through inference-based CBT techniques
Adaptability over time, as symptoms evolve, so does the treatment
By building this foundation, clients not only reduce symptoms but also begin to reclaim focus, relationships, and confidence in their daily routines.
Start Your Path to Lasting Relief
Anxiety Center of Tampa provides specialized care for individuals struggling with obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. With Lori Aitken leading your treatment, you’ll receive focused support through exposure and response therapy for OCD and inference-based CBT for intrusive thoughts. Our goal is to help you regain a sense of control and move through daily life with greater ease and clarity.
If you’re ready to begin, we encourage you to schedule a consultation today. Whether in person or via telehealth, we’ll meet you where you are and work together toward steady progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ERP and ICBT for OCD?
ERP focuses on facing triggers and stopping compulsions, while ICBT addresses the reasoning behind intrusive thoughts. Both are valid approaches.How long does OCD therapy usually take?
There’s no one‑size‑fits‑ answer. Many clients see considerable improvement within several months when engaging consistently in therapy, but individual progress varies.Can I receive telehealth OCD treatment in Tampa?
Yes. Our practice offers both in-person and telehealth sessions under the guidance of Lori Aitken to meet your needs.What happens if I have tried treatments before and still struggle?
We often use inference-based CBT for such cases; if traditional exposure alone did not fully resolve symptoms, adding ICBT can offer a new pathway.How do I begin treatment with your clinic?
You may book a consultation with Lori Aitken via our website at Anxiety Center of Tampa or call the clinic directly. We’ll start with screening and then create a plan suited to your experience.
