The Most Common Types of OCD: What New Jersey Residents Need to Know

If you or a loved one are struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), you’re not alone. OCD affects millions of people across the U.S., including many right here in New Jersey. At Clear Light Therapy, we offer specialized OCD treatment in NJ—both virtual therapy and in-person therapy in Englewood, NJ—designed to help you regain control over your life.

But what exactly does OCD look like? Let’s break down some of the most common types of OCD, so you can recognize the signs and know when to seek professional help.

What is OCD?

OCD is a mental health condition involving:

• Obsessions: intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause distress.

• Compulsions: repetitive behaviors or mental acts done to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared event.

OCD isn’t just about being “neat” or “organized”—it can seriously interfere with daily life, relationships, and well-being.

Most Popular Types of OCD

1) Contamination OCD

People with contamination OCD fear germs, dirt, or chemicals, or feel disgust related to contamination.

Common compulsions: excessive handwashing, cleaning, avoiding public spaces, or mentally reviewing “contaminated” situations.

2) Checking OCD

This type involves doubts and fears that harm might occur if something isn’t checked.

Common compulsions: repeatedly checking locks, stoves, appliances, or seeking reassurance that harm hasn’t been done.

3) Harm OCD (Responsibility OCD)

These individuals experience intrusive thoughts about unintentionally or intentionally harming others.

Example: “What if I hit someone with my car and didn’t notice?”

Common compulsions: reviewing memories, avoiding certain situations, seeking reassurance.

4) Sexual Intrusive Thoughts

This includes distressing thoughts about inappropriate sexual behavior, often involving loved ones or vulnerable individuals. These thoughts are NOT anything the person with OCD wants to act on.

Example: unwanted thoughts of harming a child, or doubts about sexual orientation (sometimes called SO-OCD or sexual orientation OCD).

Common compulsions: mental rituals, avoidance, confessing, researching.

5)“Just Right” or Symmetry OCD

People with this OCD type feel the need for things to be “just so” or symmetrical to feel okay.

Example: arranging items until they feel balanced; repeating tasks until it feels right.

6)Relationship OCD (ROCD)

ROCD involves intrusive doubts about your relationship or partner.

Example: “What if I don’t really love my partner?” or “What if they aren’t right for me?”

Common compulsions: analyzing feelings, comparing to others, seeking reassurance.

Why recognizing OCD matter??

OCD can cause intense shame and isolation, especially when intrusive thoughts conflict with your values. The good news? OCD is treatable.

At Clear Light Therapy, we specialize in:

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) — the gold standard for OCD!

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Our NJ OCD therapists offer both virtual OCD therapy across New Jersey and in-person sessions in Englewood, NJ.