OCD is more than checking the stove is off

Mar 11

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often misunderstood.

Many associate it with the repetitive things like washing hand or checking locks. While these behaviors are common, OCD is much deeper than simple habits. At its core, OCD involves persistent cognitive distortions—flawed ways of thinking—that can distort how we perceive situations. These thinking patterns often make situations seem more intense, dangerous, or negative than they actually are, leading to heightened doubt and distress.

In previous blog posts, I’ve discussed examples of these thinking patterns. Now, I want to share a final set of distortions that are key to understanding OCD.

1. Intolerance of Anxiety

A common feature of OCD is the belief that anxiety must be avoided at all costs. Those with OCD often fear that without performing a compulsive behavior, their anxiety will spiral out of control, or they may even “lose control” entirely. This belief fuels the cycle of compulsions—attempting to reduce anxiety by carrying out specific rituals—despite anxiety being a natural and manageable human experience.

2. The “Just Right” Error (Perfectionism)

OCD often brings about a persistent sense that things must be “just right.” This perfectionistic tendency means that objects, actions, or even thoughts must be perfectly aligned or symmetrical to feel at ease. If something feels “off,” it can lead to overwhelming discomfort and anxiety.

3. Emotional Reasoning

In OCD, emotional reasoning occurs when you believe that because you feel anxious or fearful, something dangerous must be happening. For example, if anxiety arises in response to a situation, it may feel like that situation is inherently dangerous—even when there is no rational evidence to support that fear.

The Bigger Picture: Confronting Cognitive Distortions

While these thinking errors are common, especially in people with OCD, it’s important to remember that everyone experiences them from time to time—even those without OCD. However, in individuals with OCD, these distortions can become overwhelming and uncontrollable.

Recognizing and confronting the thinking errors at the root of OCD is an act of humility, as it requires accepting our limitations and seeking the healing God offers.

And the good news is, healing is possible. With the right tools, therapies, and support, individuals with OCD can break free from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. By challenging distorted thoughts and working toward healthier thinking patterns, it’s possible to reduce OCD symptoms and live a more balanced, peaceful life.

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Jacob Frazier

Jacob Frazier, LMHC, MA, NCC, is a mental health counselor with Archangel Catholic.

Jacob holds a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Gonzaga University. As a mental health counselor, Jacob has a passion for facilitating personal and interpersonal development, vocational/career discernment, and helping people apply their strengths and Catholic faith to the challenges of daily living.

Jacob has extensive clinical history of assessing and working with clients experiencing emotional dysregulation, depression, anxiety, struggling with relationships and commitment, facing addictions, and struggling with trauma.

Jacob is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, which he used on a treatment team that served individuals with moderate to severe diagnoses. Jacob is also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) centered on posttraumatic stress related to abuse, neglect, and other traumatic life experiences. He also has an interest in helping men foster a healthy understanding of masculinity and assist in cultivating virtue.