Ryan Salter, MA, RP, RCC

In my practice, roughly half of my patients have OCD and anxiety disorders. I’ve learned that specific, behavioral focused treatment is key – we have to have clear, measurable goals, even if they start small. Layering in mindfullness practices, self compassion, and gentle narrative re framing helps make the difficult work of ERP’s a bit easier, and speeds progress. Getting better is a lot of work – it’s the job of a therapist to lay out the steps clearly, and be there with the patient along the entire way.

When general anxiety disorders are co-occuring with OCD, I use an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy framework – a strong focus on building new behaviours through exposures, while approaching the anxiety with compassion and building understanding of the roots of the underlying anxiety.

When personality disorders are present, I focus on understanding the underlying attachment trauma and relationship patterns, and use frameworks such as DBT and attachment focused therapy to help patients understand the root causes, while remaining focused on new behaviours.

I have been treating patients with OCD for 8 years – I was originally trained in ERP’s and OCD therapy while working in outpatient mental health units at the start of my career.