Katharine Alley, LCSW
Narrative of Services
I specialize in providing Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for the treatment of anxiety-related and OCD-related disorders. I utilize evidence-based strategies including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to support clients in being able to effectively engage in Exposure and Response Prevention. I use cognitive interventions sparingly, focusing primarily on supporting clients in doing things differently to promote recovery.
Hesitance to disclose the content of intrusive thoughts can be a barrier to accessing treatment. I have worked with a variety of OCD themes including existential, health, relationship, harm, sexuality (including pedophilia, orientation, incest), contamination, scrupulosity/ religious, perfectionism and just right feelings. I strive to create a therapeutic space where clients feel safe enough to open up about thoughts and images that may be unwanted, bothersome or perverse.
I offer therapy for individuals, couples and families. Loved ones sometimes respond to OCD and anxiety symptoms in ways that unintentionally reinforce avoidance of feared situations or stimuli. I help family members better understand symptoms and learn how to support active coping and recovery in their loved one. I am a Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) trained provider, offering parent-based support for children and adolescents experiencing anxiety and related challenges.
Evidence-Based Treatment Services for ARFID, Anxiety & OCD Related Disorders
Dialectial Behavior Therapy
DBT-informed skills training: Mindfullness.
Emotion Regulation. Interpersonal Effectiveness. Distress Tolerance.
Behavioral Activation
Reintegration of routine, enjoyable and value-based activities into daily life.
Exposure and Response Prevention
Exposure to feared situations in a gradual and manageable way. Practice tolerating discomfort and uncertainty without engaging in compulsions.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Mindfulness skills training that involves acknowledging internal experiences while engaging in actions that align with values.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Cognitive interventions are offered sparingly as the focus of treatment remains primarily on doing things differently to promote recovery.
Habit Reversal Training
Training increases awareness of warning signs for BFRB and promotes engagement in behavior that is physically incompatible with BFRB.
Many of my clients experience OCD, anxiety or ARFID symptoms that are commingled with other issues. Effective treatment requires recognizing how an individual's constellation of challenges are interconnected and impact overall functioning and sense of well-being. I tailor my approach to meet the unique needs and goals of each client. Keeping in mind that treatment is highly-individualized, these are some of the evidence-based strategies that I commonly integrate when treating anxiety and OCD related disorders as well as ARFID.
Telehealth services offered in California, Colorado and Oregon.
A hybrid model of virtual and in-person sessions can be considered when clinically indicated and local to the area surrounding 90266 zip code.
Ready to Start Therapy?
Contact me to set up a free, 15-minute consultation.