OCD Counseling for ADHD Children
Teaching skills for when the obsessions and compulsions become too much
Living with ADHD can be exhausting. We create so many patterns and routines just to stay organized, but sometimes that structure becomes such a fixation that we lose the ability to function without it. When this happens, the normal everyday anxiety of living with ADHD can evolve into something more- it can become OCD.
What is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition marked by:
- Obsessions: Unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety
- Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors or mental rituals performed to relieve anxiety
OCD is not just about cleanliness or being orderly; it’s a serious condition that can deeply impact a person’s functioning and well-being. It is more than just checklists and organizational systems; it becomes a way of living, and the only way of functioning.
➤ Common Types of OCD
While everyone’s experience is unique, common subtypes of OCD include:
- Contamination OCD
Fear of germs, illness, or being “dirty”
Example compulsion: Excessive handwashing, cleaning, or avoidance - Checking OCD
Fear of harm due to negligence or mistakes
Example compulsion: Repeatedly checking locks, stoves, or emails - Symmetry and Ordering OCD
Intense discomfort when things aren’t “just right”
Example compulsion: Arranging, counting, or repeating actions
- Harm OCD
Intrusive thoughts about hurting oneself or others, often against one’s values
Example compulsion: Avoidance of sharp objects, seeking reassurance - Sexual or Violent Obsessions
Disturbing thoughts or images involving taboo or aggressive content
Example compulsion: Mental reviewing, praying, or avoiding situations - Religious or Moral OCD (Scrupulosity)
Obsessions related to morality or fear of offending God
➤ In children, OCD can look like:
Repetitive Behaviors or Rituals
Children may:
- Wash their hands excessively, even until they are red or cracked
- Touch objects a certain number of times
- Line up toys or objects “just right”
- Ask others to repeat things or say things a certain way
These rituals are often done in response to distressing thoughts or fears and can consume a large portion of their day.
Intrusive Thoughts (Obsessions)
Kids might have scary or upsetting thoughts that they can’t control, such as:
- Fear of germs or illness
- Worry that something bad will happen if they don’t act a certain way
- Thoughts that are “bad” or go against their values (e.g., hurting someone or breaking a rule)
These thoughts cause anxiety, shame, or confusion, especially if they’re too young to understand them.
Avoidance
A child with OCD may begin to:
- Avoid school, bathrooms, certain people, or foods
- Avoid touching things or being touched
- Avoid playing with others due to fear of “contaminating” them or being contaminated
Reassurance Seeking
You might notice a child:
- Asking the same questions over and over (“Are you sure I didn’t do something wrong?”)
- Requiring parents or teachers to repeat certain phrases or check things for them
- Needing constant confirmation that things are “okay” or that they’re not in trouble
Emotional Distress or Meltdowns
OCD can be exhausting and confusing. Children may:
- Have emotional outbursts when prevented from performing rituals
- Struggle with transitions or changes in routine
- Express frustration or hopelessness
Physical Symptoms
Because OCD is anxiety-based, some children may experience:
- Headaches or stomachaches
- Difficulty sleeping
➤ The key goals to treat OCD include:
- Reduce the power of obsessive thoughts
- Break the cycle of compulsions
- Improve daily functioning and quality of life
- Build resilience and coping strategies
- Support independence and confidence
➤ How long is treatment?
Many clients see noticeable improvement in 12–20 sessions of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Some may need ongoing support or booster sessions, especially during times of stress or life transitions. For children, family participation can speed up progress and increase sustainability.
The Dandelion Difference
We do our best to make the process of therapy exactly what you need.
Yoga and Mindfulness
Social Skills Groups
Weekly Parent Sessions
Teacher Recommendations
Unlimited Calls and Email
Written Accommodations
Due to our intensive parenting support process, in addition to individual weekly child sessions, weekly parenting sessions are expected at the beginning of therapy. The duration of these sessions depends on the level of distress in the family and the level of parenting needs. With meeting weekly, many families meet their goals in 6-8 months!
ADHD therapists in Charlotte and Huntersville who work with kids and pre teens with OCD
Below are our therapists who specialize with children and pre-teens with OCD
~ EMDR Treatment in Charlotte and Huntersville, NC ~
Dandelion Family Counseling provides EMDR Treatment in the South Park area of Charlotte.