Contamination OCD is one form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in which people suffer from excessive worries about infectious germs and microbes, and may wash their hands or disinfect in a very extreme or specific way. This has been portrayed before in films like As good…
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex mental illness and it is important for therapists to have as many tools in their tool box as possible, metaphorically speaking. Recently, Dr. Martin Hsia, CBT SoCal’s Clinical Director, led a staff training on a relatively new approach…
CBT SoCal’s Dr. Martin Hsia recently joined Robyn Tamahana, LMFT on the Open Mind Night Podcast, a podcast that discusses all things related to mental health and mental illness. The Open Mind Night Podcast launched earlier this year featuring interviews with guests who are professionals…
At CBT SoCal, our therapists are active members of the mental health community. Dr. Jason von Stietz recently joined the International OCD Foundation’s (IOCDF) Anxiety in Athlete’s Task Force. The IOCDF is an organization committed to helping people suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder and related…
CBT SoCal recently welcomed Melissa Aristoza, ACSW to the team and she already led a staff training. As an associate clinical social worker she supports children, teens, families, and adults dealing with issues related to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, autism, and addiction. She…
For many people, the holidays come with a mix of excitement and dread. The holiday season often involves traveling, large get-togethers, and financial stressors, all of which can lead to significant anxiety. A sharp increase in anxiety can be especially difficult for those already suffering…
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can disrupt every area of life, including education. Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts or images that not only cause distress but also make it very difficult to focus on class lectures or assignments. Engaging in compulsions, such as rituals or…
This past month, Michele Rose, Drs. Brittany Beyerlein and Martin Hsia participated as presenters in the 5th annual OCD SoCal Conference. As the local affiliate chapter of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), OCD SoCal’s mission is to disseminate information and awareness about OCD to the…
People often think of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) as involving compulsions related to excessively handwashing or flipping light switches on and off. Although those compulsions are not uncommon, OCD can take many forms. What is OCD? OCD is a mental illness that involves suffering from…
The International OCD Foundation recently launched a web series aimed at bringing awareness to the impact that OCD and anxiety has on the athletic community. The series will take the form of panel discussions including a variety of experts. The first episode in the series…
Most athletes experience anxiety in some form. Often it is helpful in motivating them to consistently train hard in hopes of performing their best. However, when anxiety impedes their daily functioning and impairs their ability to perform, it becomes a detriment to their mental health.…
Although the stigma surrounding mental health is subsiding, it is still commonly believed that elite athletes must be as mentally healthy as they are physically fit. However, just as it would be ridiculous to assume that an athlete was incapable of breaking a bone or…