Our therapists and Nurse Practitioners are experts in OCD care and treatment. Because OCD is our only focus, we understand how it manifests throughout your life and can change relationships with yourself, your family, and in the workplace. Living free from the torment of OCD is possible.
Our clinicians trust our treatment practice to help our clients overcome OCD, Every. Single. Day.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can severely disrupt an adult’s personal and professional life. OCD North offers specialized OCD treatment for adults, helping them manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
When our clients confront the fear and overcome OCD, they describe as sense of relief, but not in the way a compulsion does. The sense of relief ERP provides is long-lasting, with an understanding that no matter what OCD throws at you, you’ve got the skills to handle it. You reclaim control over your life, and the ability to make decisions and choices free from the OCD voice and fear.
ERP Therapy can help you feel hopeful about the future.
We understand the importance of accessibility and convenience. Our in-person clinics are located in Surrey, BC, and Barrie, Ontario. For those unable to attend in person, we provide virtual treatment sessions across Canada, ensuring high-quality care is available no matter where you are.
ERP teaches you how to confront the OCD fear gradually without resorting to compulsions or rituals. Your brain learns that OCD is wrong (and in fact has been lying to you) and the fear dissipates.
Our therapist Safa, recently worked with a professional adult in the medical community struggling with fear of contracting blood borne illness. The OCD began to create difficulty leaving the home due to time consuming compulsions. The individual needed to return to work; and remember the place they loved to be before OCD. We discovered their core fear and based exposure and response prevention on that, ultimately helping them return to work.
If you are struggling with OCD, contact OCD North today for a no-obligation initial assessment to learn more about our specialized treatment options for adults.
Exposure with Response Prevention is a highly specialized treatment modality specifically used for OCD. It was developed by Edna Foa and her colleagues after research they conducted suggested fear has a component of pathological avoidance and confronting previously avoided objects, situations, or people could promote positive change (Foa & Kodak, 1986).
You can read the study for yourself, here.
Guided by your therapist, you’ll first get to know the OCD through an assessment. The purpose of the assessment is to determine the core fear that maintains the OCD. Sometimes this os obvious, but often it’s not. The assessment will inform you and your therapist about the types of exposures you’ll create and do together, based on the core fear. Before exposures start though, you’ll create a hierarchy with your therapist, which serves as a kind of road map for the OCD recovery journey.
Exposure and Response Prevention is needed when the fear is feeling scary enough that it’s preventing you from living the life you want. When you’re listening to the OCD voice more than you’re own, it’s time for ERP.
Research suggests anywhere from 17-22 ERP sessions are required; however, we find three factors contribute to treatment length:
The most successful outcomes occur with constancy of sessions and exposure work.
OCD North offers ongoing support and follow-up sessions to help adults maintain their progress. We provide resources and strategies to manage OCD symptoms and prevent relapse.
Your therapist will recommend a frequency of sessions; however, best outcomes occur with no less than once per week when you begin exposures. Here’s why:
For clients located in Ontario and British Columbia, yes - OCD North now offers TELUS eClaims. This allows our office to submit eligible insurance claims on your behalf. Click here to learn more about TELUS eClaims.
I specialize in working with families with children struggling with OCD, using a parent-based model to teach parents how to support their child's recovery and reclaim their lives from OCD.
MSW, RSW, Founder & Clinical Director
Offers in-person sessions in Barrie
Offers virtual sessions in NU, ON, YT
Innovating OCD care in Canada is more than a vision; it’s a calling. My passion for improving access to effective treatment drives creative solutions to this complex issue.
At OCD North, I train and mentor master's level social work students, helping them develop their competency in OCD treatment, transitioning from interns to ERP therapists locally and abroad. I also developed OCD-Informed Practice (OCD-IP), an innovative approach that allows any therapist to counsel individuals with OCD without exacerbating symptoms.
In graduate school, I explored treatment options for OCD and found a lack of experts in my area despite a significant need. This led me to pursue training in ERP at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, becoming the first Canadian certified in ERP. This certification, though not required, deepened my knowledge and passion.
I specialize in working with families with children struggling with OCD, using a parent-based model to teach parents how to support their child's recovery and reclaim their lives from OCD.
Melissa, a social worker with over 7 years of community experience and lived experience of OCD, is dedicated to meeting clients where they are in their mental health journey and helping them achieve their goals.
MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist
Offers virtual sessions in MB, NS, NU, ON, PEI, YT
Melissa is a social worker that has been working in the community for over 7 years. Melissa believes in meeting clients where they are at in their mental health journey, and working from there. With lived experience of OCD, Melissa is committed to supporting folks to reach their goals.
Shaina is a Registered Social Worker trained in Exposure and Response Prevention for the treatment of OCD at the CTSA, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) at the YCSC, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University.
MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist
Offers in-person sessions in Barrie
Offers virtual sessions in NU, ON, SK, YT
Shaina is a Registered Social Worker trained in Exposure and Response Prevention for the treatment of OCD at the CTSA, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) at the YCSC, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University. Shaina treats clients in Ontario and Saskatchewan. She recognizes the bravery it takes to advocate for oneself and seek help, celebrating with each individual who does so. Shaina wholeheartedly believes that there is no shame surrounding the OCD experience and that overcoming OCD is possible. Her absolute favourite day of treatment is when she can say goodbye to her clients with confidence that they can handle OCD on their own.
Monique is a registered social worker, who completed her Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Windsor. She completed her training in Exposure and Ritual Prevention from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist
Offers virtual sessions in NU, ON, YT
Monique is a registered social worker, who completed her Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Windsor. She completed her training in Exposure and Ritual Prevention from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Monique is committed to working in collaboration with individuals to reach their goals and regain control in their lives. She is passionate about offering evidence-based treatment that incorporates individuals' needs.
Sarah, a Registered Social Worker with a Master's Degree from the University of Toronto and advanced ERP training, offers tailored, evidence-based OCD treatment using a holistic approach to help clients manage symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.
MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist
Offers virtual sessions in NU, ON, YT
Sarah is a Registered Social Worker who is passionate about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) treatment. With a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto and advanced training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) from the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Sarah offers evidence-based therapy tailored to individual needs. Sarah believes in a holistic approach to treatment, recognizing the unique circumstances of each client. Sarah works collaboratively with individuals to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to clients’ goals. Sarah is driven by a genuine desire to assist clients in reducing and managing their symptoms of OCD through the use of ERP, empowering them to lead fulfilling and balanced lives.
Samantha is a Registered Social Worker with over a decade of experience in supporting individuals and families. Her down-to-earth approach is rooted in the belief that successful therapy hinges on a strong, empathetic therapeutic relationship. Samantha is passionate about providing OCD-informed support to individuals and their loved ones, helping them navigate their unique challenges with compassion and the expertise needed to foster lasting change.
MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist
Offers in-person sessions in Barrie
Offers virtual sessions in NU, ON, YT
Samantha is a Registered Social Worker with more than a decade of experience supporting individuals and families. She applies a strengths-based and trauma-informed lens to emphasize the unique capabilities of everyone, in a safe and supportive environment. Samantha completed training in Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) at the YCSC, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, and has also received specialized training in ERP. She is passionate about bringing OCD-informed support to individuals living with OCD & their loved ones.
MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist
Offers in-person sessions in Barrie
Offers virtual sessions in NL, NU, NWT, ON, YT
It is not uncommon for lives to unravel when OCD consumes your life. Your experience with OCD, and its impact on your life, is unique to you. Erin Fairbanks (she/her) is a veteran of connecting with clients to understand their unique circumstances and cater their care to their own needs and goals. She helps her clients understand how OCD consumes their life and guides them in finding healthier versions of themselves, while strengthening their relationships, so that they can feel more at peace.
She is the owner of a private medical foot care practice, and an empathetic registered social worker who excels at one-on-one counselling and group oversight with children, youth, and adults.
Her educational background includes a Master of Social Work from the University of Windsor, a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph, and a diploma of Chiropody from the Michener Institute. She is trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP) for the treatment of OCD from the University of Pennsylvania, and Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) from Yale University.
Safa earned her Master's Degree in Social Work with a specialization in mental health from the University of Pittsburgh. She was a Behavioral Health Scholars Fellow at UPMC's Paediatric Intensive Outpatient Program in Wexford, Pennsylvania, where she specialized in treating OCD through ERP.
MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist
Offers in-person sessions in King City
Offers virtual sessions in NU, ON, YT
Safa earned her Master's Degree in Social Work with a specialization in mental health from the University of Pittsburgh. She was a Behavioral Health Scholars Fellow at UPMC's Paediatric Intensive Outpatient Program in Wexford, Pennsylvania, where she specialized in treating OCD through ERP. Simultaneously, she was an active member of the University of Pittsburgh’s LEND program, collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to support children and families challenged with neurodevelopmental and related disorders.
Safa now joins OCD North as an ERP Therapist, offering a therapeutic environment that is warm, safe, and action-oriented. Understanding that therapy often requires confronting discomforts, Safa is passionate about guiding clients through these challenges while also championing their strengths. She believes in the power of connection and a strong therapeutic alliance to create a safe space where clients can explore their struggles with confidence.
Nicole is a Registered Social Worker with a Master’s degree from the University of Waterloo, and advanced training in Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP) through the University of Pennsylvania. She brings a wealth of experience in supporting children and families with complex mental health needs. With a specific focus in pediatric OCD, Nicole offers an empathetic and compassionate approach, and an understanding of family dynamics.
MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist
Offers in-person sessions in Edmonton
Offers virtual sessions in AB, NU, ON, YT
Nicole is a Registered Social Worker with a Master’s degree from the University of Waterloo. Having completed her clinical practicum at OCD North, she gained over 450 hours of direct experience before officially joining the team. Nicole has also completed advanced training in Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP) through the Centre for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety (CTSA) at the University of Pennsylvania. She brings a wealth of experience in supporting children and families with complex mental health needs. With a specific focus in pediatric OCD, Nicole offers a unique perspective to treatment. Her empathetic and compassionate approach, along with her understanding of family dynamics and specialized training in OCD treatment, helps to create a space where individuals feel safe, supported, and understood.
Denise is a registered social worker therapist with twenty years’ experience working with adults, teens, and children. Her goal is to restore hope to those struggling with OCD. Knowing that recovery is possible, Denise draws on personal family experiences with OCD. She is dedicated to serving those with OCD with compassion and understanding.
B.A., MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist
Offers virtual sessions in AB, NU, ON, YT
Denise is a registered social worker therapist with twenty years’ experience working with adults, teens, and children. Her goal is to restore hope to those struggling with OCD. Knowing that recovery is possible, Denise draws on personal family experiences with OCD. She is dedicated to serving those with OCD with compassion and understanding. Trained in ERP for OCD, she uses only evidence-based treatment. You will learn about OCD, how it is maintained and how to non-engage the intrusive thoughts, images, or urges. A thorough assessment is provided. Each session thereafter will focus on tools to be practiced during the week.
Denise offers afternoon and evening appointments in Ontario and Alberta. Clients who work with her appreciate her down-to -earth approach.
Her training outside of a Master of Social Work degree at Wilfrid Laurier University includes post graduate studies in cognitive behavioural therapy through:
McMaster University Clinical Sciences, and the University of Toronto.
Cognitive Behavioural Institute for Education-Certificate in EX/ ERP OCD
IOCDF- International OCD Foundation-Scrupulosity-full day workshop
BTTI: OCD Assessment YBOC, Imaginal exposure in OCD, Do and Don’ts of ERP, Taboo subtypes in OCD
NOCD-OCD treatment strategies for perfectionism and more
With over 15 years of experience in the social services sector, Cara supports children, youth, families, and individuals using a strengths-based, client-centred approach. As a bilingual practitioner fluent in English and Filipino, Cara is dedicated to providing culturally responsive, accessible care to diverse populations.
MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist
Offers in-person sessions in Barrie
Offers virtual sessions in NU, ON, YT
Jayden is a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work and specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD. He provides compassionate, evidence-based care, working collaboratively with clients to create individualized treatment plans. Jayden is dedicated to helping individuals with OCD overcome challenges and reconnect with what matters most to them.
MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist
Offers in-person sessions in Surrey
Offers virtual sessions in BC, NU, ON, YT
Jayden is a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree from Daemen University in Buffalo, New York. He completed his clinical practicum at OCD North, gaining over 500 hours of direct experience before joining the team as a therapist. Additionally, Jayden completed specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) through the Cognitive Behavioural Institute for Education, earning a Certificate in EX/RP for OCD.
Jayden is dedicated to supporting individuals living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) through compassionate, evidence-based care in a collaborative and supportive environment. He believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation for meaningful and lasting change and works closely with each client to develop individualized treatment plans that align with their unique needs, values, and goals.
Jayden understands the significant impact OCD can have on daily life and is committed to helping clients face their fears, and reconnect with the activities and values that matter most to them.
To instill hope and promote recovery from OCD.
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