Paria Maghsoudi

Hi, I'm Paria, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in the treatment of OCD, anxiety disorders, and related conditions. I believe therapy should be a collaborative space where you feel understood, challenged, and supported as you work toward the life you want—not one that's controlled by fear or uncertainty.

I received my Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and have extensive experience providing Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for OCD. I also work with panic disorder, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, health anxiety, phobias, body-focused repetitive behaviors (such as skin picking and hair pulling), body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), and obsessive-compulsive personality traits. I tailor treatment to each person's unique goals while using evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based strategies.

My approach is compassionate, direct, and empowering. I strive to create an environment where clients feel safe enough to face difficult emotions while building confidence in their ability to tolerate uncertainty and overcome challenges. Therapy isn't about eliminating uncomfortable thoughts or feelings—it's about helping you respond to them in ways that align with your values so you can reclaim your time, energy, and life.

Whether you're feeling stuck in compulsive behaviors, overwhelmed by anxiety, or simply ready to make meaningful changes, I'd be honored to support you on your journey. My goal is to help you build lasting skills that extend beyond therapy so you can move forward with greater freedom, resilience, and confidence.

I believe therapy is most effective when it is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based practices. My role isn't to "fix" you—it's to help you develop the skills and confidence to navigate life's challenges in a way that aligns with your values. Together, we'll create a treatment plan tailored to your goals while working at a pace that feels both supportive and appropriately challenging.

I specialize in treating OCD and anxiety disorders using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for OCD, along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based interventions. I also work with panic disorder, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, health anxiety, phobias, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), and body-focused repetitive behaviors such as skin picking and hair pulling.

In our sessions, you can expect a warm, nonjudgmental, and engaging environment where you'll feel heard while also being encouraged to step outside of your comfort zone. I believe meaningful change happens when we learn to tolerate uncertainty, respond differently to difficult thoughts and emotions, and take actions that move us toward the life we want rather than away from discomfort.

My goal is not only to help reduce symptoms but also to empower you with practical tools that foster resilience, confidence, and lasting change. I want you to leave therapy feeling more capable, more connected to your values, and equipped to continue thriving long after our work together.

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, so my goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, understood, and supported from the very beginning. During our first session, we'll spend time getting to know each other, discussing what brings you to therapy, exploring your symptoms and personal history, and identifying the goals that are most important to you.

We'll work together to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs and begin discussing the evidence-based approaches we'll use to help you make meaningful progress. If you're seeking treatment for OCD or an anxiety disorder, I'll also provide education about how anxiety works and explain how treatments like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) can help you break free from unhelpful patterns.

My clients often describe me as warm, collaborative, and encouraging, while also providing the structure and accountability needed to create lasting change. My hope is that you'll leave your first session feeling heard, understood, and with a clear roadmap for how we'll work together to help you reach your goals.