Joel Velazquez

I treat OCD and BFRBs in adolescents and adults, including intrusive thoughts, compulsions, avoidance, hair pulling, and skin picking. I trained in OCD treatment at the National Anxiety and OCD Treatment Center and use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), metacognitive strategies, and body-based awareness to help clients change how they respond to distressing thoughts and urges. My style is direct, collaborative, and practical, with treatment built around your specific symptoms and goals. I provide therapy in English and Spanish.

Treatment is active. We identify what triggers the cycle for you, then practice facing it — in session and between sessions — while cutting out the compulsions, reassurance-seeking, and avoidance that keep it running. Rather than arguing with distressing thoughts or trying to make them go away, you learn to notice them, stay with the discomfort in your body, and allow it to be there without responding. For hair pulling and skin picking, we use habit reversal and behavioral strategies tailored to when and where the urges show up. Expect homework, real practice, and a plan built around your specific symptoms — with the goal of getting your attention back on the life you actually want.

Your first session is focused on getting to know you and understanding what you are experiencing. I typically begin with a structured clinical interview covering your history, current symptoms, important relationships, and prior treatment so we can understand how the cycle currently runs. From there, we identify the main treatment targets and begin developing a clear plan for ERP, habit reversal, or other strategies that fit your needs. The goal is for you to leave with a clearer understanding of what is going on and what the next steps in treatment will look like.