Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Treatment for Children (OCD)

The Counseling Corner, est. 1998

🧠 OCD Treatment for Children in Orlando

Compassionate, Research-Based Support for Kids with Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms

When Thoughts Become Prison Walls

Imagine a brain that’s like a stuck record, replaying the same worries or demands over and over. Now imagine that the only way to silence that noise—if only briefly—is to perform certain actions. That’s what life often feels like for people with OCD.

Children with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) aren’t “just particular” or “extra careful.” OCD is not about being neat, clean, or organized. OCD is a mental health condition where distressing, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) drive kids to repeat behaviors or routines (compulsions) to reduce anxiety. These rituals may offer temporary relief—but they can become overwhelming, time-consuming, and exhausting for both children and their families.

Many children also experience OCD traits—milder, subclinical symptoms—that may not meet the full diagnostic criteria but still affect functioning, relationships, or mental health.

At The Counseling Corner, we provide evidence-based OCD therapy for children in Orlando that’s developmentally appropriate, empowering, and rooted in understanding. We help children break free from the loop of fear and rituals, while guiding parents on how to support without unintentionally reinforcing the cycle.

🚦 What OCD Looks Like in Children

OCD in children can take many forms—some obvious, others subtle. Common signs include:

  • Excessive handwashing, checking, or repeating actions “until it feels right”

  • Fear of germs, illness, harm, or bad things happening

  • Rituals around bedtime, homework, or routines that must be followed “perfectly”

  • Persistent doubts or seeking constant reassurance: “Are you sure I didn’t hurt someone?”

  • Difficulty with transitions, decision-making, or tolerance for uncertainty

  • Emotional outbursts when rituals are interrupted

  • Intrusive thoughts that cause shame, fear, or confusion—even when they make no logical sense to the child

These behaviors aren’t attention-seeking or misbehavior. They’re efforts to manage intense, unwanted thoughts and emotions.

🛠️ How We Help Kids with OCD

Our approach to treating childhood OCD is gentle, proven, and tailored to your child’s needs and age. We use:

  • CBT for Kids with OCD – Helps children identify “OCD lies” and replace them with truth-based thinking.

  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) – A form of Cognitive behavioral Therapy specialized for OCD. Children learn to face their fears gradually while resisting the urge to complete compulsions.

  • Play Therapy, Play-Based ERP & Metaphors – Especially for younger kids, we use stories, games, and symbols to help them understand how to “boss back” OCD.

  • Externalizing OCD Techniques as separate from the child – to empower them to "talk back" to OCD. We teach children that OCD is not who they are, but something they can learn to manage (e.g., naming the OCD “The Worry Monster” or “The Brain Boss”).

  • Parent Coaching – Essential support that empowers you to stop accommodating OCD without increasing conflict.

  • Creative Tools & Workbooks – We may use resources like What to Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck or customized visual aids.

Treatment is a partnership—between the therapist, child, and caregivers—designed to build bravery, flexibility, and emotional resilience.

💡 What Parents Should Know

1. Your child’s OCD is not your fault.
It’s a neurobiological condition, not a parenting failure. Blame has no place here—only support and teamwork.

2. Accommodating the OCD can make it stronger.
While it’s natural to want to soothe your child’s fears, rituals or reassurance can unintentionally feed OCD’s grip. We’ll teach you how to gently step back without stepping away.

3. ERP is highly effective—even for children.
Research consistently shows that Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) helps children reduce symptoms, build courage, and regain freedom over time.

4. Kids don’t have to fully “understand OCD” to fight back.
Even young children can learn tools to recognize “OCD tricks” and respond with strength—when it’s taught in language they understand.

5. Early treatment leads to better outcomes.
Left untreated, OCD can grow stronger and more complicated. But with early, compassionate therapy, your child can develop skills that last a lifetime.

🧠 Why Choose The Counseling Corner for Child OCD Therapy?

  • 🧒 Child and family therapists trained in ERP, CBT, and OCD-specific techniques

  • 🧘‍♂️ Developmentally tailored approaches for younger and older kids

  • 🤝 Parent coaching and family sessions to reduce accommodation

  • 🏡 Welcoming Orlando office and secure telehealth options across Florida

  • 🧠 Treatment plans personalized to your child’s needs—not one-size-fits-all

📞 A Brighter Path Forward: Take the First Step Toward Freedom

OCD is loud—but it’s not stronger than your child’s mind, heart, or courage.
Let us help them build the tools to quiet the noise, face the fear, and take back control.

Call The Counseling Corner today at 407-843-4968 to schedule an OCD therapy consultation for your child.

💬 Testimonial:

🗣️ “Before therapy, my son’s rituals controlled our entire day. Now we have tools, language, and hope.” — Parent in Orlando

💬 You are not your thoughts. You are not your compulsions. With support, clarity, and courage—you can reclaim your life.