ACT for OCD: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Serving Santa Monica, El Segundo CA

Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros offers Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a specialized approach for individuals struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that is particularly effective for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Unlike traditional therapies that focus solely on reducing symptoms, ACT encourages patients to accept their obsessive thoughts and compulsive urges rather than fighting them. The goal is to help individuals gain a different relationship with their thoughts, reducing their power to cause distress.

ACT is based on the concept of psychological flexibility, which involves being open to unpleasant emotions and thoughts without letting them control behavior. This approach emphasizes mindfulness and encourages patients to commit to actions that align with their values, even in the presence of distressing thoughts or compulsions. By learning to accept their experiences without judgment, individuals with OCD can break the cycle of compulsive behaviors and find a greater sense of well-being.

Through ACT, our goal at Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros OCD & Psychological Services is to foster psychological flexibility. Dr. Flanigan helps individuals live fulfilling, values-driven lives, even in the presence of OCD. Over time, this approach can reduce the impact OCD has on daily functioning, making it easier for patients to participate in activities they care about and feel more at peace with their experiences.

Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros is dedicated to providing cutting-edge, compassionate care for individuals struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). One of the evidence-based treatments we offer is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which has shown significant promise in supporting those affected by OCD. The core principle of ACT is psychological flexibility, which involves accepting unwanted thoughts and feelings rather than struggling to suppress or avoid them. This approach helps patients recognize that the presence of obsessive thoughts does not need to dictate their actions.

ACT encourages mindfulness, allowing individuals to observe their thoughts without judgment or attachment, reducing the power these thoughts have over their behavior. Instead of focusing on eliminating symptoms, ACT helps individuals engage in value-driven actions, even when distressing thoughts or compulsions are present. By accepting their thoughts and committing to actions aligned with their values, individuals with OCD can break the cycle of compulsive behavior and reduce the overall impact of OCD on their lives.

Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros helps patients clarify their personal values by guiding them to identify what truly matters most and commit to actions that align with those values, even in the presence of anxiety or obsessive thoughts. Dr. Flanigan Landeros shifts the focus from merely reducing symptoms to living a meaningful, values-driven life, helping clients develop greater psychological flexibility and resilience. This approach empowers clients to reduce distress and improve daily functioning, even if some symptoms remain present. Dr. Flanigan is dedicated to helping each person build the skills needed for lasting well-being and a more fulfilling life beyond OCD.

Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros understands that living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be challenging, especially when distressing thoughts and compulsions disrupt daily life. One treatment approach we offer is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals build a healthier relationship with their thoughts and feelings.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an effective treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This therapeutic approach helps individuals accept distressing thoughts and feelings without judgment, promoting mindfulness and psychological flexibility. Rather than focusing on eliminating obsessive thoughts, ACT encourages people to engage in meaningful activities aligned with their values, even when intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviors are present.

ACT has been shown to help individuals with OCD by reducing the intensity of their symptoms and improving emotional regulation. By fostering acceptance of unwanted thoughts and committing to actions based on personal values, ACT allows individuals to regain control over their lives. Over time, this approach can lead to a reduction in compulsive behaviors, improved anxiety management, and a greater sense of psychological well-being. Dr. Flanigan Landeros will work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan, drawing from ACT and other proven therapies to best meet your individual needs and preferences.

The duration of ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) for OCD varies depending on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. Typically, clients can begin to see initial improvements within a few weeks of consistent sessions. However, more substantial, long-term results are often seen after 8 to 12 weeks of therapy. Dr. Katie Flanigan-Landeros, a licensed psychologist specializing in OCD, customizes each treatment plan based on the individual’s unique needs and challenges, ensuring a tailored and effective approach.

Dr. Katie Flanigan-Landeros emphasizes that ACT is not a quick fix but a process that requires ongoing effort and practice to achieve lasting change. She places great importance on regular check-ins to assess progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. This ensures that patients receive personalized care, with the support needed to manage their OCD symptoms and work toward meaningful, lasting improvements in their lives.

Dr. Katie Flanigan-Landeros utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to treat OCD by helping patients develop a healthier relationship with their thoughts and feelings. Through ACT, Dr. Flanigan-Landeros encourages clients to accept distressing thoughts, rather than trying to suppress or avoid them, fostering a greater sense of psychological flexibility. This allows patients to move forward with their lives, even when intrusive obsessions arise, by focusing on living in line with their personal values.

Mindfulness and Psychological Flexibility

Her approach centers on promoting mindfulness and creating space between a person’s thoughts and their actions. By using ACT, Dr. Flanigan-Landeros helps patients learn to respond to their OCD triggers with acceptance and commitment to behavior that reflects what truly matters to them. This comprehensive therapy not only reduces compulsive behaviors but also equips individuals with lasting tools to manage their symptoms effectively, enhancing their overall quality of life.

Living According to Values

Dr. Flanigan-Landeros guides patients to engage in actions that align with their core values, even in the presence of OCD symptoms. This allows individuals to reclaim control over their lives, reducing the impact of OCD on their daily functioning.

For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 400 Continental Blvd FL 6, Suite A El Segundo, CA 90245. We serve patients from El Segundo CA, Santa Monica CA, Inglewood CA, Gardena CA, Torrance CA, Hawthorne CA, Culver City CA, Westmont CA, West Los Angeles CA and surrounding areas.