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Center for Anxiety, OCD, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Exploring Anxiety, OCD, and CBT: Insights and Strategies

Page Contents

Anxiety and worry
Social anxiety and performance anxieties​​ (public speaking, work, tests, sports, etc)
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and related issues
Health Anxiety, Hypochondriasis, and Illness OCD
Shy Bladder Syndrome (Paruresis)
Pregnancy and postpartum anxiety and OCD
Trichotillomania, Skin Excoriation, and Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
Mood and depression
Support for Parents, Families, Partners, and Caregivers
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP) and evidence based tools for anxiety, OCD, and beyond

Anxiety and Worry

Parent and child engaging in supportive play therapy, practicing PRIDE skills for managing anxiety

Empowering Anxious Children Through Play: A Parent’s Guide to PRIDE Skills

Understanding Anxiety in Children: The Role of Play and Support Have you ever watched your child struggle with anxiety and felt unsure about the best way to help? Have you ever wondered if behavioral therapy for anxious children might help?  Navigating the complexities of parenting an anxious child can feel like walking through a maze without a map. The challenges are real, and the concern for your child’s well-being can act as your guide. It’s… Continue Reading Empowering Anxious Children Through Play: A Parent’s Guide to PRIDE Skills

Read More »
January 12, 2026
Understanding Postpartum Anxiety and OCD: The Hidden Struggles of New Parenthood

Postpartum Anxiety & OCD: Real Help for New Parents in Philadelphia

Summary Postpartum mental health can be affected by more than just depression. Anxiety and OCD are common, often misunderstood, yet highly treatable. This blog explores what these concerns can look like, when worry becomes more than worry, and how evidence-based skills and therapy which we offer here at the Center for Anxiety, OCD, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can make a difference. A new mom kept checking the baby monitor every few minutes, terrified something would… Continue Reading Postpartum Anxiety & OCD: Real Help for New Parents in Philadelphia Continue Reading Postpartum Anxiety & OCD: Real Help for New Parents in Philadelphia

Read More »
October 13, 2025
Combining DBT and CBT for managing social anxiety

Managing Anxiety through DBT & CBT

Summary Combining dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) offers a powerful approach to managing anxiety. While CBT focuses on identifying and challenging anxious thoughts, DBT enhances this process by teaching skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Together, these therapies provide a comprehensive framework for navigating intense emotions, building resilience, and fostering meaningful behavior change. This post explores how integrating DBT and CBT can empower individuals to manage… Continue Reading Managing Anxiety through DBT & CBT

Read More »
January 9, 2025
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Browse our full collection of posts on anxiety and worry—including tools for calming your mind, breaking worry cycles, and finding a greater sense of ease.

Social Anxiety and Performance Anxieties​

Managing social anxiety around the holidays

Navigating Holiday Gatherings: Managing Social Anxiety This Festive Season

Summary The holiday season, while joyful for many, can feel overwhelming for those struggling to manage social anxiety. Social gatherings and idealized holiday images often heighten stress and disconnection. By focusing on values, setting achievable goals, practicing mindfulness, and embracing self-compassion, it’s possible to navigate this challenging time with confidence and balance. This guide offers practical strategies to help manage holiday-related anxiety, prioritize your well-being, and make gatherings more enjoyable and meaningful. Social Anxiety during… Continue Reading Navigating Holiday Gatherings: Managing Social Anxiety This Festive Season

Read More »
December 22, 2024
Social anxiety amid a college environment

Struggling with Social Anxiety in College? A Practical Guide for Students and Parents

Social Anxiety Stepping into the whirlwind of college life, where new faces and endless social events abound, can feel overwhelming when burdened by social anxiety. This is especially true for Philadelphian college students, since the busting milieu may post challenges for socially anxious students.. Some teens may already be experiencing social anxiety before starting college, while others may develop social anxiety during their college years. Social anxiety – characterized by an intense fear of social situations,… Continue Reading Struggling with Social Anxiety in College? A Practical Guide for Students and Parents

Read More »
October 30, 2024
Social Anxiety and Dating in Philadelphia

Navigating the World of Dating with Social Anxiety in Philadelphia

The Challenge of Dating in Philadelphia’s Social Scene Dating can be nerve-wracking for anyone, particularly in Philadelphia’s vibrant social scene. Imagine exploring the lively bars of Manayunk or Old City or walking through Rittenhouse Square on a date, feeling the pressure to be engaging and outgoing. For those with social anxiety disorder, these situations can seem daunting. ‘Every time I open a dating app or think about meeting someone new, it’s like a wave of… Continue Reading Navigating the World of Dating with Social Anxiety in Philadelphia

Read More »
January 29, 2024
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Discover posts on social and performance anxiety, including CBT and exposure tools to build confidence in conversations, at work or school, during presentations or exams, and in other high-pressure or sensitive situations.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)​

Understanding Postpartum Anxiety and OCD: The Hidden Struggles of New Parenthood

Postpartum Anxiety & OCD: Real Help for New Parents in Philadelphia

Summary Postpartum mental health can be affected by more than just depression. Anxiety and OCD are common, often misunderstood, yet highly treatable. This blog explores what these concerns can look like, when worry becomes more than worry, and how evidence-based skills and therapy which we offer here at the Center for Anxiety, OCD, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can make a difference. A new mom kept checking the baby monitor every few minutes, terrified something would… Continue Reading Postpartum Anxiety & OCD: Real Help for New Parents in Philadelphia Continue Reading Postpartum Anxiety & OCD: Real Help for New Parents in Philadelphia

Read More »
October 13, 2025
Pregnant woman sitting with hands on belly, symbolizing anxiety, OCD, and emotional stress during pregnancy

“Am I Doing This Right?” Managing Anxiety and OCD During Pregnancy

Summary Pregnancy can bring joy—but it can also bring anxiety, intrusive thoughts, perfectionism, and self-doubt. This guide explains how anxiety and OCD may show up during pregnancy and offers tools for coping with distress, reducing over-responsibility, challenging unhelpful thought patterns, and staying grounded in what matters most. Whether you’re dealing with everyday worry or feeling overwhelmed by obsessive thoughts or uncertainty, you’ll find tools backed by evidence—and a reminder that you’re not alone. Tools to… Continue Reading “Am I Doing This Right?” Managing Anxiety and OCD During Pregnancy

Read More »
March 25, 2025
Light at the end of the tunnel symbolizing hope and guidance for managing OCD's intrusive thoughts of harm.

You Are Not Your OCD Thoughts: Gaining Perspective on Intrusive Thoughts of Harming Yourself or Others

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) presents unique challenges, particularly when you find yourself grappling with intrusive thoughts of impulsively harming yourself and others. These thoughts can be deeply unsettling and may lead you to question your sense of self and mortal integrity. Despite the private nature of this struggle, know that you’re not alone. A substantial portion of those with OCD contend with similar concerns. In fact, research highlights that obsessive thoughts about harm are reported… Continue Reading You Are Not Your OCD Thoughts: Gaining Perspective on Intrusive Thoughts of Harming Yourself or Others

Read More »
April 6, 2024
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Explore our full library of blog posts on OCD, including expert-backed articles on intrusive thoughts, therapy strategies, and evidence-based care.

Health Anxiety, Hypochondriasis, and Illness OCD

Smooth stones symbolizing tranquility in managing health anxiety and anxiety about illness, a journey supported in Philadelphia

Think You Might Be Over-Worried About Your Health? Here’s What You Need to Know

A Closer Look at Health Anxiety Do you ever find yourself lying awake at night, fretting over a new or imagined symptom, wondering if your concern is just caution or something more? You’re not alone. Many of the adults, teens and children we work with have spiraled down the rabbit hole of health worries at some point, but when does this vigilance cross into the realm of health anxiety?  In our practice as clinical psychologists… Continue Reading Think You Might Be Over-Worried About Your Health? Here’s What You Need to Know

Read More »
March 24, 2024
Explore our full library of posts on health anxiety, illness fears, and obsessive concerns about symptoms—plus evidence-based approaches that can help you regain peace of mind.

Shy Bladder Syndrome (Paruresis)

The journey towards freedom from shy bladder syndrome, symbolized by a path through Old City, Philadelphia

Understanding and Overcoming Shy Bladder Syndrome in Philadelphia: Insights and Strategies

Understanding the Experience of Shy Bladder Do you or a loved one experience anxiety around public urination? Shy bladder syndrome (also known as paruresis) is a distinct form of social performance anxiety that affects countless individuals, making it difficult for them to urinate in public restrooms or in the presence of others. This condition is thought to be very common, with estimates suggesting that between 12,000 and 60,000 individuals in the greater Philadelphia region (or… Continue Reading Understanding and Overcoming Shy Bladder Syndrome in Philadelphia: Insights and Strategies

Read More »
February 6, 2024
Explore our full library of posts about shy bladder syndrome, a form of social performance anxiety, and explore therapy approaches that can reduce shame, anxiety, and stuckness.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety and OCD

Understanding Postpartum Anxiety and OCD: The Hidden Struggles of New Parenthood

Postpartum Anxiety & OCD: Real Help for New Parents in Philadelphia

Summary Postpartum mental health can be affected by more than just depression. Anxiety and OCD are common, often misunderstood, yet highly treatable. This blog explores what these concerns can look like, when worry becomes more than worry, and how evidence-based skills and therapy which we offer here at the Center for Anxiety, OCD, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can make a difference. A new mom kept checking the baby monitor every few minutes, terrified something would… Continue Reading Postpartum Anxiety & OCD: Real Help for New Parents in Philadelphia Continue Reading Postpartum Anxiety & OCD: Real Help for New Parents in Philadelphia

Read More »
October 13, 2025
Pregnant woman sitting with hands on belly, symbolizing anxiety, OCD, and emotional stress during pregnancy

“Am I Doing This Right?” Managing Anxiety and OCD During Pregnancy

Summary Pregnancy can bring joy—but it can also bring anxiety, intrusive thoughts, perfectionism, and self-doubt. This guide explains how anxiety and OCD may show up during pregnancy and offers tools for coping with distress, reducing over-responsibility, challenging unhelpful thought patterns, and staying grounded in what matters most. Whether you’re dealing with everyday worry or feeling overwhelmed by obsessive thoughts or uncertainty, you’ll find tools backed by evidence—and a reminder that you’re not alone. Tools to… Continue Reading “Am I Doing This Right?” Managing Anxiety and OCD During Pregnancy

Read More »
March 25, 2025
Explore our library of posts on pregnancy and postpartum mental health—covering anxiety, OCD, perfectionism, and the transition into parenthood.

Trichotillomania, Skin Excoriation, and Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs)

A hand reaching towards light, symbolizing breakthroughs in understanding myths about trichotillomania and skin excoriation in Philadelphia.

Beyond Myths and Misconceptions: Uncovering the Misunderstood Realities of Trichotillomania, Excoriation Disorder, and Other Body-Focused Compulsive Behaviors

Are you feeling alone in your struggle with behaviors like hair-pulling or skin-picking, wondering if what you’re doing makes you ‘weird’? Do you find yourself asking why you can’t just stop, despite the harm it causes? Perhaps you’re probing the depths of your past, searching for a trauma that might explain these actions, or maybe you think it’s all just due to stress and that better sleep or more exercise could fix it. These are… Continue Reading Beyond Myths and Misconceptions: Uncovering the Misunderstood Realities of Trichotillomania, Excoriation Disorder, and Other Body-Focused Compulsive Behaviors

Read More »
April 8, 2024
Woman journaling on futon as a coping strategy for trichotillomania and skin excoriation disorder

A Guide to Finding Specialized Therapy for Trichotillomania, Skin Excoriation Disorder, and other BFRBs in Philadelphia and Beyond

Finding the Right Support for Trichotillomania and Skin Picking Disorder in Philadelphia and Beyond Have you been searching for specialized therapy for trichotillomania (compulsive hair-pulling), skin excoriation disorder (skin-picking), or other body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) in Philadelphia or surrounding areas? Feeling overwhelmed by the search for a therapist who truly understands trichotillomania or skin excoriation disorder? You’re not alone. While BFRBs fall within the spectrum of obsessive-compulsive related disorders, they require a distinct therapeutic approach… Continue Reading A Guide to Finding Specialized Therapy for Trichotillomania, Skin Excoriation Disorder, and other BFRBs in Philadelphia and Beyond

Read More »
March 6, 2024
Explore more posts on trichotillomania and other body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs)—with tools from CBT, ACT, HRT, and COMB to help you ride out urges, reduce frustration, helplessness, and shame, and build lasting change.
Browse additional articles on skin picking (excoriation disorder)—featuring tools from CBT, ACT, HRT, and COMB to help you manage urges, reduce emotional distress and skin damage, and create meaningful, lasting change

Mood and Depression

Symbolic icons for mental wellness activities including cooking, dancing, photography,and journaling, which are part of activity scheduling and behavioral activation. This approach, available at our CBT center in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, is effective for enhancing mood, combating anxiety, and boosting well-being.

Enrich Your Life: A Comprehensive Guide to Activities for Improved Mood and Well-Being

Brief Recap of Activity Scheduling and Behavioral Activation In part one of this series, we discussed the theoretical foundations and benefits of activity scheduling and behavioral activation. Now, let’s translate these concepts into practical actions with an extensive list of activities. Comprehensive List of Activities Explore a variety of activities tailored to different needs and interests: Health and Self-Care Activities: Comb or brush hair, take baths, put on makeup, fix hair, wear new clothes, shave, take… Continue Reading Enrich Your Life: A Comprehensive Guide to Activities for Improved Mood and Well-Being

Read More »
May 10, 2024
Person engaging in activity scheduling and behavioral activation on an iPad to improve mood, wellness, depression, and anxiety.

Unlocking Mental Wellness: The Power of Activity Scheduling and Behavioral Activation

Introduction to Activity Scheduling and Behavioral Activation Welcome to our exploration of activity scheduling and behavioral activation—vital tools that can profoundly enhance mental well-being. Whether you’re contending with depression, generalized anxiety, PTSD, or simply striving to enrich your emotional state, these strategies are transformative. The Science of Activity Scheduling Activity scheduling forms a core part of behavioral activation (BA), an effective component of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It’s designed to help individuals increase their engagement… Continue Reading Unlocking Mental Wellness: The Power of Activity Scheduling and Behavioral Activation

Read More »
May 10, 2024
Explore our full library of posts on mood and depression, including ways to shift unhelpful thinking, increase behavioral activation, and reconnect with what matters.

Support for Parents, Families, Partners, and Caregivers

Parent and child engaging in supportive play therapy, practicing PRIDE skills for managing anxiety

Empowering Anxious Children Through Play: A Parent’s Guide to PRIDE Skills

Understanding Anxiety in Children: The Role of Play and Support Have you ever watched your child struggle with anxiety and felt unsure about the best way to help? Have you ever wondered if behavioral therapy for anxious children might help?  Navigating the complexities of parenting an anxious child can feel like walking through a maze without a map. The challenges are real, and the concern for your child’s well-being can act as your guide. It’s… Continue Reading Empowering Anxious Children Through Play: A Parent’s Guide to PRIDE Skills

Read More »
January 12, 2026
Understanding Postpartum Anxiety and OCD: The Hidden Struggles of New Parenthood

Postpartum Anxiety & OCD: Real Help for New Parents in Philadelphia

Summary Postpartum mental health can be affected by more than just depression. Anxiety and OCD are common, often misunderstood, yet highly treatable. This blog explores what these concerns can look like, when worry becomes more than worry, and how evidence-based skills and therapy which we offer here at the Center for Anxiety, OCD, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can make a difference. A new mom kept checking the baby monitor every few minutes, terrified something would… Continue Reading Postpartum Anxiety & OCD: Real Help for New Parents in Philadelphia Continue Reading Postpartum Anxiety & OCD: Real Help for New Parents in Philadelphia

Read More »
October 13, 2025
Mother supporting anxious child through play, illustrating DADS skills in managing childhood anxiety.

Guiding Anxious Children Through Fear: A Parent’s Guide to Parent-Assisted Exposures and DADS Skills

Navigating Childhood Anxiety with DADS Skills Parenting an anxious child often feels like navigating a maze blindfolded, especially when trying to find the best ways to support them. You might find yourself asking, “How can I support my child in facing their fears?” or “What can I do to encourage my child to engage with their anxieties in a healthy way?” Understanding the role of exposures in managing anxiety and OCD is a crucial piece… Continue Reading Guiding Anxious Children Through Fear: A Parent’s Guide to Parent-Assisted Exposures and DADS Skills

Read More »
February 21, 2024
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Explore our full library of blog posts for parents, families, and caregivers—featuring tools to support loved ones with anxiety, OCD, and related challenges while also caring for yourself.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Evidence-Based Tools for Anxiety, OCD, and Beyond

Parent and child engaging in supportive play therapy, practicing PRIDE skills for managing anxiety

Empowering Anxious Children Through Play: A Parent’s Guide to PRIDE Skills

Understanding Anxiety in Children: The Role of Play and Support Have you ever watched your child struggle with anxiety and felt unsure about the best way to help? Have you ever wondered if behavioral therapy for anxious children might help?  Navigating the complexities of parenting an anxious child can feel like walking through a maze without a map. The challenges are real, and the concern for your child’s well-being can act as your guide. It’s… Continue Reading Empowering Anxious Children Through Play: A Parent’s Guide to PRIDE Skills

Read More »
January 12, 2026
Combining DBT and CBT for managing social anxiety

Managing Anxiety through DBT & CBT

Summary Combining dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) offers a powerful approach to managing anxiety. While CBT focuses on identifying and challenging anxious thoughts, DBT enhances this process by teaching skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Together, these therapies provide a comprehensive framework for navigating intense emotions, building resilience, and fostering meaningful behavior change. This post explores how integrating DBT and CBT can empower individuals to manage… Continue Reading Managing Anxiety through DBT & CBT

Read More »
January 9, 2025

Self-Validation: Overcoming Anxiety and OCD with Compassion

Summary Anxiety can leave you feeling stuck, but self-validation offers a path forward. By replacing self-criticism with understanding and acceptance, you can create the confidence to tackle challenges and achieve your goals. It’s not about giving in to anxiety—it’s about acknowledging your feelings to make real change possible. Start quieting your inner critic and discover how self-compassion can make a difference. Picture this: You’re in a meeting when your boss asks you for an update… Continue Reading Self-Validation: Overcoming Anxiety and OCD with Compassion

Read More »
November 25, 2024
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Explore our full library of blog posts on Exposure Therapy and ERP—covering how exposure-based approaches can help you face fears, reduce avoidance, interrupt anxiety cycles, and move toward a more flexible, fulfilling life.
Explore our full library of blog posts on CBT—featuring practical tools, expert insights, and strategies to help you change unhelpful patterns, reduce distress, and build greater confidence and control.

Page Contents

Social anxiety and performance anxieties​​ (public speaking, paruresis, etc)
Generalized anxiety, panic, health anxiety, and other anxiety disorders
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and related issues
Trichotillomania, skin excoriation, and other compulsive behaviors
Children, teenagers, parents and families
General cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and other topics

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Anxiety and OCD center specializing in evidence based CBT and exposure therapy and located at 1518 Walnut Street in Philadelphia.

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Center for Anxiety, OCD, and 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, LLC

1518 Walnut Street, Suite 1702

Philadelphia, PA 19102

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Our physical office is conveniently located in the Rittenhouse Square area of Philadelphia. The facility is easily accessible to Center City, Graduate Hospital, South Philadelphia, University City, West Philadelphia, Fairmount, Manayunk, Roxborough, East Falls, Chestnut Hill, Northern Liberties, Fishtown/Kensington, as well as the Philadelphia Main Line area (including Wayne, Villanova, Bryn Mawr, Gladwyne, Radnor, Haverford, Ardmore, Wynnewood, Narberth, Merion, Lower Merion Township), and Montgomery, Delaware, Chester, and Camden Counties.

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