Photo of Mary Kay Rose, Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia
Mary Kay Rose
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
People who work with me are often adults or couples going through life transitions, experiencing loss, change or transformation, anxiety or OCD, or perhaps wanting a safe place to land to manage effects of traumatic events or experiences they have had in the past or are dealing with presently.
Hello! My name is Mary Kay Rose and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I believe that counseling offers a safe space to explore concerns, challenges, hopes and specific intentions and desires you may have for your life. I look forward to the privilege of connecting with you and together, creating a relationship that will support you in being present in your life and relationships and moving forward in ways that you desire.
People who work with me are often adults or couples going through life transitions, experiencing loss, change or transformation, anxiety or OCD, or perhaps wanting a safe place to land to manage effects of traumatic events or experiences they have had in the past or are dealing with presently.
Hello! My name is Mary Kay Rose and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I believe that counseling offers a safe space to explore concerns, challenges, hopes and specific intentions and desires you may have for your life. I look forward to the privilege of connecting with you and together, creating a relationship that will support you in being present in your life and relationships and moving forward in ways that you desire.
(757) 798-8403 View (757) 798-8403
Photo of Rebekah Stone, Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia
Rebekah Stone
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McLean, VA 22102
I have over 14 years of experience. I am passionate and Solution-Focused, about helping others, whether it is a struggle with daily life tasks, general life transitions, or in cases of distress or crisis. My goal is to help you feel more empowered to reach your personal goals and experience a healthier and happier life. We can work together on healing whether you are experiencing issues in managing emotions, relationship boundaries, self-esteem, mood instability, or other symptoms directly related to OCD, bi-polar disorder, trauma, depression, and anxiety. I consider myself to be an “eclectic” therapist.
I have over 14 years of experience. I am passionate and Solution-Focused, about helping others, whether it is a struggle with daily life tasks, general life transitions, or in cases of distress or crisis. My goal is to help you feel more empowered to reach your personal goals and experience a healthier and happier life. We can work together on healing whether you are experiencing issues in managing emotions, relationship boundaries, self-esteem, mood instability, or other symptoms directly related to OCD, bi-polar disorder, trauma, depression, and anxiety. I consider myself to be an “eclectic” therapist.
(571) 520-4294 View (571) 520-4294
Photo of Morgan (Soper) Hickman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Virginia
Morgan (Soper) Hickman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who specializes in adolescents (ages 16+) and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and difficulty coping with medical problems. As a therapist, I believe that everyone is capable of change and healing, regardless of your circumstances. I utilize a strengths-based and systems approach, with an emphasis on cognitive-behavioral and solutions-focused interventions. For clients struggling with OCD, my primary treatment approach is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who specializes in adolescents (ages 16+) and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and difficulty coping with medical problems. As a therapist, I believe that everyone is capable of change and healing, regardless of your circumstances. I utilize a strengths-based and systems approach, with an emphasis on cognitive-behavioral and solutions-focused interventions. For clients struggling with OCD, my primary treatment approach is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
(434) 204-2418 View (434) 204-2418
Photo of OCD & Anxiety Specialists, Resident in Counseling in Virginia
OCD & Anxiety Specialists
Resident in Counseling
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23452  (Online Only)
My name is Michael Sheffield and alongside obtaining my Master's degree, I have been working in the counseling field with people for 3 years. Life is hitting you hard right now and you're stuck. Maybe you feel alone. Maybe you struggle doing what you need or want to get done. Maybe you struggle with the way your mind works. Or just maybe you feel like there's not much meaning in your life. My life and training are lent towards specializing with people experiencing anxiety and OCD. The form of therapy and methods I use are considered the gold standard for working with these challenges in a way that helps the person Take Back Control.
My name is Michael Sheffield and alongside obtaining my Master's degree, I have been working in the counseling field with people for 3 years. Life is hitting you hard right now and you're stuck. Maybe you feel alone. Maybe you struggle doing what you need or want to get done. Maybe you struggle with the way your mind works. Or just maybe you feel like there's not much meaning in your life. My life and training are lent towards specializing with people experiencing anxiety and OCD. The form of therapy and methods I use are considered the gold standard for working with these challenges in a way that helps the person Take Back Control.
(757) 210-6681 View (757) 210-6681
Photo of Michael Joel Sheffield, Resident in Counseling in Virginia
Michael Joel Sheffield
Resident in Counseling
Verified Verified
My name is Michael Sheffield and alongside obtaining my Master's degree, I have been working in the counseling field with people for 3 years. Life is hitting you hard right now and you're stuck. Maybe you feel alone. Maybe you struggle doing what you need or want to get done. Maybe you struggle with the way your mind works. Or just maybe you feel like there's not much meaning in your life. My life and training are lent towards working with people experiencing depressed mood, anxiety, overactive/judgemental minds, relationship stress, pessimism, trauma, sleep disturbance, OCD, uncontrolled anger/mood, workaholism, and chronic pain.
My name is Michael Sheffield and alongside obtaining my Master's degree, I have been working in the counseling field with people for 3 years. Life is hitting you hard right now and you're stuck. Maybe you feel alone. Maybe you struggle doing what you need or want to get done. Maybe you struggle with the way your mind works. Or just maybe you feel like there's not much meaning in your life. My life and training are lent towards working with people experiencing depressed mood, anxiety, overactive/judgemental minds, relationship stress, pessimism, trauma, sleep disturbance, OCD, uncontrolled anger/mood, workaholism, and chronic pain.
(757) 379-8539 View (757) 379-8539
Photo of Christine M Vara, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Virginia
Christine M Vara
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, MDiv
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23229
Are you caught in cycles that leave you exhausted? Do you want to have better relationships but find them splintering? Are you self-critical in your efforts to obtain perfection? Do you find yourself shutting down or shutting off? You don't have to suffer in silence. Nor do you have to leave any part of yourself behind - I work with the whole person. Our identities often intersect with our struggles and our strengths. I'll meet you where you're at, and help you get where you're going. Whether you are just starting or looking to maintain your recovery from eating disorders, trauma and/or OCD, together recovery is possible.
Are you caught in cycles that leave you exhausted? Do you want to have better relationships but find them splintering? Are you self-critical in your efforts to obtain perfection? Do you find yourself shutting down or shutting off? You don't have to suffer in silence. Nor do you have to leave any part of yourself behind - I work with the whole person. Our identities often intersect with our struggles and our strengths. I'll meet you where you're at, and help you get where you're going. Whether you are just starting or looking to maintain your recovery from eating disorders, trauma and/or OCD, together recovery is possible.
(804) 259-2076 View (804) 259-2076
Photo of Francinne Anez, Supervisee in Clinical Social Work in Virginia
Francinne Anez
Supervisee in Clinical Social Work, MSW, ACCBHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22207  (Online Only)
Make life easier and more enjoyable by learning how to apply techniques that reduce anxiety, ADHD, obsessive thoughts, and depression symptoms.
Francinne Anez is a Certified Brain Health Coach and clinical supervisee who specializes in helping clients enhance their ability to effectively cope with life's stressors .
Make life easier and more enjoyable by learning how to apply techniques that reduce anxiety, ADHD, obsessive thoughts, and depression symptoms.
Francinne Anez is a Certified Brain Health Coach and clinical supervisee who specializes in helping clients enhance their ability to effectively cope with life's stressors .
(571) 450-8747 View (571) 450-8747
Photo of Virginia Lindahl, Psychologist in Virginia
Virginia Lindahl
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22209
I specialize in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD and offer groups for adults with OCD and groups for their loved ones.
Are you trying to create a more fulfilling life? Do you feel like you get in your own way sometimes, but you’re not sure why? Are you overwhelmed by thoughts and urges you can’t get out of your mind? Do you feel like the only way to stop them is to do specific things, over and over again? Would you like to understand why your child struggles to achieve his or her potential at school? Whether you’re entering therapy or starting psychological testing, your goals for working with a psychologist will be unique.
I specialize in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD and offer groups for adults with OCD and groups for their loved ones.
Are you trying to create a more fulfilling life? Do you feel like you get in your own way sometimes, but you’re not sure why? Are you overwhelmed by thoughts and urges you can’t get out of your mind? Do you feel like the only way to stop them is to do specific things, over and over again? Would you like to understand why your child struggles to achieve his or her potential at school? Whether you’re entering therapy or starting psychological testing, your goals for working with a psychologist will be unique.
(703) 940-0825 View (703) 940-0825
Photo of Carey Schwartz, Psychologist in Virginia
Carey Schwartz
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22203
Dr. Schwartz is a psychologist with many specialties including anxiety (OCD, GAD, Specific Phobias, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety), depression, eating disorders, trauma and PTSD, insomnia, and substance use disorders. He typically works with late adolescents and adults from a variety of backgrounds. Dr. Schwartz primarily uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) though he frequently incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training and acceptance-based approaches into his treatment.
Dr. Schwartz is a psychologist with many specialties including anxiety (OCD, GAD, Specific Phobias, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety), depression, eating disorders, trauma and PTSD, insomnia, and substance use disorders. He typically works with late adolescents and adults from a variety of backgrounds. Dr. Schwartz primarily uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) though he frequently incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training and acceptance-based approaches into his treatment.
(202) 335-7301 View (202) 335-7301
Photo of Natalie Chaykin Pierce, Psychologist in Virginia
Natalie Chaykin Pierce
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22203
Dr. Natalie Pierce specializes in the treatment of chronic pain/illnesses, insomnia, OCD, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, body image concerns, life transitions, and depression. Dr. Pierce is board-certified in biofeedback and practices therapy primarily from CBT/ACT and positive psychology perspectives through a health psychology lens to help patients manage stress, transition after an injury or disease, and cope with pain, loss, feeling “stuck,” anxiety, and depression.
Dr. Natalie Pierce specializes in the treatment of chronic pain/illnesses, insomnia, OCD, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, body image concerns, life transitions, and depression. Dr. Pierce is board-certified in biofeedback and practices therapy primarily from CBT/ACT and positive psychology perspectives through a health psychology lens to help patients manage stress, transition after an injury or disease, and cope with pain, loss, feeling “stuck,” anxiety, and depression.
(703) 952-5233 View (703) 952-5233
Photo of Mind Body Health, Psychologist in Virginia
Mind Body Health
Psychologist
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22203
At Mind Body Health, we have psychologists who specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders, OCD, trauma, eating disorders, insomnia, weight management and depression. We also have dietitians who work with you to help you achieve optimal health. We have a strong understanding of how your physical health and diet affect your mental health and vice versa. We use approaches based in research and tailor our interventions to each individual.
At Mind Body Health, we have psychologists who specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders, OCD, trauma, eating disorders, insomnia, weight management and depression. We also have dietitians who work with you to help you achieve optimal health. We have a strong understanding of how your physical health and diet affect your mental health and vice versa. We use approaches based in research and tailor our interventions to each individual.
(571) 297-1870 View (571) 297-1870
Photo of Megan Davis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Virginia
Megan Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
McLean, VA 22101  (Online Only)
I work with women across the lifespan with a primary focus in those who are trying to conceive, pregnant, adjusting to motherhood, as well as women navigating being in the "sandwich" generation. Additionally, I focus on supporting individuals with OCD. My experience of over 14 years has afforded me the opportunity to work with individuals with depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, grief, life transitions, and relationship issues. I have advanced training in addressing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders as well as training in Exposure Response Prevention for OCD.
I work with women across the lifespan with a primary focus in those who are trying to conceive, pregnant, adjusting to motherhood, as well as women navigating being in the "sandwich" generation. Additionally, I focus on supporting individuals with OCD. My experience of over 14 years has afforded me the opportunity to work with individuals with depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, grief, life transitions, and relationship issues. I have advanced training in addressing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders as well as training in Exposure Response Prevention for OCD.
(984) 207-3388 View (984) 207-3388
Photo of Paria Maghsoudi, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Virginia
Paria Maghsoudi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Vienna, VA 22181  (Online Only)
Transitions can be difficult with new life challenges and tribulations. Perhaps you are transitioning between jobs, relationships, and/or moving to a new environment etc. You may be finding yourself struggling to discover your identity and are now faced with obsessive thoughts. Whether these thoughts are causing you to seek constantly repeat actions or seek reassurance, it’s time to consider seeking out help. If you are in search of finding someone that can listen and provide life changing support and treatment then this can be a start to a new beginning.
Transitions can be difficult with new life challenges and tribulations. Perhaps you are transitioning between jobs, relationships, and/or moving to a new environment etc. You may be finding yourself struggling to discover your identity and are now faced with obsessive thoughts. Whether these thoughts are causing you to seek constantly repeat actions or seek reassurance, it’s time to consider seeking out help. If you are in search of finding someone that can listen and provide life changing support and treatment then this can be a start to a new beginning.
(321) 421-5335 View (321) 421-5335
Photo of Adam Thomas, Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia
Adam Thomas
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, ACS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
I am an anxiety, OCD, and trauma specialist who works with individuals, couples, and families.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor operating a private practice called AutonoMe Counseling Center, LLC. Currently, I am offering telehealth therapy to the people of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. In the past two years, I have transitioned from an office to solely telehealth, and I have found telehealth to be just as personal and effective as in-person. I am an anxiety, OCD, and trauma specialist who works with individuals, couples, and families. I also treat relationship issues, mood disorders, depression, and identity challenges.
I am an anxiety, OCD, and trauma specialist who works with individuals, couples, and families.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor operating a private practice called AutonoMe Counseling Center, LLC. Currently, I am offering telehealth therapy to the people of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. In the past two years, I have transitioned from an office to solely telehealth, and I have found telehealth to be just as personal and effective as in-person. I am an anxiety, OCD, and trauma specialist who works with individuals, couples, and families. I also treat relationship issues, mood disorders, depression, and identity challenges.
(732) 936-7783 View (732) 936-7783
Photo of Alan Willard, Marriage & Family Therapist in Virginia
Alan Willard
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, DMin
Verified Verified
Blacksburg, VA 24060
When life hurts, I can help. Are you struggling with difficulties that have you feeling depressed, angry, worried, or guilty? Are your relationships at home or work in trouble or conflict? I help individuals and couples who are facing a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, anger, infidelity, pornography, coping w/chronic illness, sexual problems, PTSD, OCD and much more. I started out my professional career as a church pastor, and in my 40's transitioned into becoming a counselor/therapist. I guide people to get over problems and to be their deeper, higher, and more loving, compassionate self.
When life hurts, I can help. Are you struggling with difficulties that have you feeling depressed, angry, worried, or guilty? Are your relationships at home or work in trouble or conflict? I help individuals and couples who are facing a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, anger, infidelity, pornography, coping w/chronic illness, sexual problems, PTSD, OCD and much more. I started out my professional career as a church pastor, and in my 40's transitioned into becoming a counselor/therapist. I guide people to get over problems and to be their deeper, higher, and more loving, compassionate self.
(540) 361-6887 View (540) 361-6887
Photo of Dr. Craig Moorman, Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia
Dr. Craig Moorman
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
Washingtonian Magazine Top Therapist, 25 yrs + experience. I'm passionate about helping people overcome conflict, anxiety, depression, loss, addictions, anger, trauma, ADHD, OCD, phobias and hurts. My goal and motivation in therapy is helping individuals and couples find solutions that get them through the tough times of life. Personalities and brains are flexible and adaptive. Everyone can change and move from helplessness to optimism. I'm ready to use my expertise, experience, and compassion to get you through this difficult season in your life. There is hope!
Washingtonian Magazine Top Therapist, 25 yrs + experience. I'm passionate about helping people overcome conflict, anxiety, depression, loss, addictions, anger, trauma, ADHD, OCD, phobias and hurts. My goal and motivation in therapy is helping individuals and couples find solutions that get them through the tough times of life. Personalities and brains are flexible and adaptive. Everyone can change and move from helplessness to optimism. I'm ready to use my expertise, experience, and compassion to get you through this difficult season in your life. There is hope!
(571) 752-4563 View (571) 752-4563
Photo of Dr. Judith Markey, Psychologist in Virginia
Dr. Judith Markey
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
McLean, VA 22101
These include generalized anxiety, specific phobias and social phobias, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
I work with adults and adolescents in the treatment of depression and anxiety and other mood disorders, trauma and grief, LGBTQ issues, relationship issues and Asperger’s syndrome/high functioning autism. I provide psychological assessment for individuals seeking gender-affirming care, and presurgical psychological assessment for bariatric surgery. I hold a master’s degree and a doctorate in clinical psychology, and a master's degree in dance/movement therapy. I recently graduated from Harvard Medical School's post-doctoral certification program in Writing for Healthcare.
These include generalized anxiety, specific phobias and social phobias, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
I work with adults and adolescents in the treatment of depression and anxiety and other mood disorders, trauma and grief, LGBTQ issues, relationship issues and Asperger’s syndrome/high functioning autism. I provide psychological assessment for individuals seeking gender-affirming care, and presurgical psychological assessment for bariatric surgery. I hold a master’s degree and a doctorate in clinical psychology, and a master's degree in dance/movement therapy. I recently graduated from Harvard Medical School's post-doctoral certification program in Writing for Healthcare.
(571) 771-2991 View (571) 771-2991
Photo of Alice A. Jimenez, Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia
Alice A. Jimenez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LLM, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Woodbridge, VA 22193
The population I work with are individuals, couples and families struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, relationships, adjustment issues and grief.
I believe in helping those who come to my office with compassion and understanding in an atmosphere conducive towards healing, where there is no room for judgment or criticism. In psychotherapy, my clients find an opportunity to go within, tap into issues that are unresolved and explore endless possibilities to make necessary changes that add meaning to their lives. It is a journey of self-discovery for clients who are willing to take the necessary steps towards self-awareness, mood-regulation and self-actualization.
The population I work with are individuals, couples and families struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, relationships, adjustment issues and grief.
I believe in helping those who come to my office with compassion and understanding in an atmosphere conducive towards healing, where there is no room for judgment or criticism. In psychotherapy, my clients find an opportunity to go within, tap into issues that are unresolved and explore endless possibilities to make necessary changes that add meaning to their lives. It is a journey of self-discovery for clients who are willing to take the necessary steps towards self-awareness, mood-regulation and self-actualization.
(703) 594-4392 View (703) 594-4392
Photo of Glen Bowman, Psychologist in Virginia
Glen Bowman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Dr. Glen Bowman is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP) with more than 30 years of experience providing counseling services in a variety of settings, including college and university counseling centers, outpatient mental health clinics, and inpatient psychiatric centers. His work with adults, children, couples, and families has focused on issues related to stress and coping, transition and identity-related issues, communication skills, anger management, grief, loss, perfectionism, social anxiety, panic disorders, OCD, depression, and substance abuse.
Dr. Glen Bowman is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP) with more than 30 years of experience providing counseling services in a variety of settings, including college and university counseling centers, outpatient mental health clinics, and inpatient psychiatric centers. His work with adults, children, couples, and families has focused on issues related to stress and coping, transition and identity-related issues, communication skills, anger management, grief, loss, perfectionism, social anxiety, panic disorders, OCD, depression, and substance abuse.
(434) 542-8180 View (434) 542-8180
Photo of Althea Dent, Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia
Althea Dent
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Roanoke, VA 24018
My areas of focus are but not limited to life transitions, stress, anxiety/panic, depression, postpartum depression, work and school anxiety, obsessive thinking, spousal divorce/separation, grief as well as career, transitions, academic and life coaching.
I desire to create an atmosphere that is comfortable and accepting and develop with my clients a collaborative therapeutic relationship. My primary goal is to come alongside the client and assist in managing issues that can cause one to feel stuck, overwhelmed or paralyzed while helping clients to move toward a more effective and rewarding life. I primarily use cognitive-behavioral, brief and solution focused therapies and techniques among other tools to develop an integrative approach that is tailored to each client individually. I also do work with engaged, dating and married couples using as customized couples assessment.
My areas of focus are but not limited to life transitions, stress, anxiety/panic, depression, postpartum depression, work and school anxiety, obsessive thinking, spousal divorce/separation, grief as well as career, transitions, academic and life coaching.
I desire to create an atmosphere that is comfortable and accepting and develop with my clients a collaborative therapeutic relationship. My primary goal is to come alongside the client and assist in managing issues that can cause one to feel stuck, overwhelmed or paralyzed while helping clients to move toward a more effective and rewarding life. I primarily use cognitive-behavioral, brief and solution focused therapies and techniques among other tools to develop an integrative approach that is tailored to each client individually. I also do work with engaged, dating and married couples using as customized couples assessment.
(540) 361-6591 View (540) 361-6591

Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists

How long does OCD treatment take?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often treated on a weekly or twice-weekly schedule, depending on symptom severity and the client’s preferences. Some clients may start to see a noticeable improvement in symptoms in as little as six weeks, but it’s also possible, especially in more severe cases, for treatment to take several months to a year before significant progress is made.

What happens if OCD is not treated?

Some people with OCD, especially those with mild symptoms, may find that they are able to adapt reasonably well to life with the condition, even if their symptoms never resolve completely. However, many people, particularly those whose symptoms are severe at the outset, find that their obsessions and compulsions grow more intrusive with time, making it harder to maintain relationships, hold down a job, or navigate the world successfully.

Are there medications for OCD?

Medication can be used to treat OCD. The class of drugs most often prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, which include fluvoxamine (under the brand name Luvox), fluoxetine (Prozac), and sertraline (Zoloft), among others. In cases of treatment-resistant OCD, other classes of medication, such as tricyclic antidepressants or atypical antipsychotics, may be prescribed. Medication is frequently used in conjunction with therapy.

Can OCD come back after treatment?

Yes. Major life transitions, periods of stress, or other factors can cause symptoms to return or, if they were never fully eradicated, to ramp back up in intensity. For some, these relapses are brief and do not require additional treatment; identifying specific triggers and practicing the skills learned in therapy can help speed their course. For others, returning to therapy for a brief period can help address the underlying stress and strengthen coping mechanisms.