Sheila Josephs Ph.D.

I gently teach clients how to systematically engage in Exposure/Response prevention (ErP) – the key treatment for OCD. My work also integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness techniques. I work with all ages and treat all types of OCD (contamination fears, scrupulosity, intrusive thoughts about harm, perfectionism, etc…). I am certified to treat body-focused repetitive behaviors. When working with families I teach parents how to manage anxious behaviors at home and at school. I have extensive experience treating social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic disorder and phobias using cognitive-behavioral techniques. I’ve been in practice for 29 years.

I have significant expertise in treating anxiety disorders including Social Anxiety, Phobias (including vomit phobia), Generalized Anxiety and Panic Disorder. Treatment is individualized however these disorders are often treated with a combination of addressing maladaptive thoughts, exposure/response prevention (ErP), mindfulness and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). My book Helping Your Anxious teen has chapters covering social anxiety, general anxiety and panic.

As an OCD and anxiety specialist, I have almost exclusively treated OCD and anxiety disorders since 2008. By choice 75% of my clients have OCD as their primary problem. In 2012 and 2013 I completed intensive trainings by IOCDF board members in both adult and pediatric OCD. In 2017 I authored “Helping Your Anxious Teen” a parenting manual on cognitive-behavioral techniques for anxiety and OCD (including a chapter on exposure and response prevention). This book has been endorsed by several leaders in the field of OCD and anxiety treatment. My practice includes in person and teletherapy options.