Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that involves persistent, intrusive thoughts or urges (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety and/or prevent feared outcomes. These patterns can become time-consuming and distressing, often interfering with daily life and functioning.

What is OCD?

OCD is often misunderstood as simply being “neat” or “organized,” but in reality, it’s a serious mental health condition marked by intrusive, distressing thoughts and the urge to perform rituals or behaviours to ease anxiety. Many people hide their symptoms out of shame or fear of judgment, which can make it harder to seek help. OCD affects about 2–3% of the population worldwide, meaning millions of people live with it. With the right support and treatment, people with OCD can regain control over their lives and thrive beyond the disorder.

Obsessions (intrusive, distressing thoughts or images) can include and are not limited to:

• Fear of contamination (germs, chemicals, dirt)

• Intrusive violent or sexual thoughts

• Intrusive thoughts about relationships and or relationship doubt

• Fear of harming oneself or others

• Doubts about safety (“Did I lock the door? Did I turn off the stove?”)

• Fear of losing control or acting inappropriately

• Excessive concern with order, symmetry, or exactness

• Religious or moral scrupulosity (fear of offending God, being “bad,” or immoral)

Compulsions (repetitive behaviours or mental rituals done to relieve anxiety) can include and are not limited to:

• Excessive handwashing, cleaning, or sanitizing

• Repeated checking (locks, appliances, safety)

• Counting, tapping, repeating phrases, repeating gestures

• Arranging or ordering items until “just right”

• Seeking reassurance from others

• Mental reviewing or “undoing” thoughts

• Avoiding situations that might trigger obsessions

• Repeatedly checking information online

• Repeated self reassurances

Additional Specialities

Approved provider for BC Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP)

Over ten years experience volunteering for the Vancouver Police Department as well as having worked with individuals impacted by trauma.

Trichotillomania (hair pulling and or skin picking disorder)

Involves recurring urges to pull out one’s hair and or skin, which can lead to distress and impact daily life. With support and effective strategies, it’s possible to reduce pulling/picking and regain a sense of control.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Includes obsessive worries about perceived flaws in appearance, often leading to strong urges such as checking mirrors, seeking reassurance, or trying to “fix” the flaw. These urges can feel overwhelming and interfere with daily life, but with support and effective treatment, people can find relief and build a healthier relationship with their body.

Panic Disorder

Marked by sudden, overwhelming episodes of fear known as panic attacks. Symptoms often include a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest tightness, and an intense sense of dread. These frightening experiences can create strong urges to avoid places or situations where an attack might occur, but with the right support, people can learn to manage symptoms and feel safe again.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

A condition involving persistent, excessive worry that can interfere with daily life, relationships, work, and overall well-being.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Helping individuals navigate challenges that may be affecting their ability to work. Whether you are returning to the workforce after an injury or illness, considering a career change, or requiring workplace accommodations, I work collaboratively with you to identify your strengths, address barriers, and support you in reaching your employment goals.

What clients have shared

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"I struggled with OCD for many years until I decided to seek professional help. I reached out to New Heights last May and started sessions with Maggie. At first, I thought it would be very difficult to fight OCD, but after just a couple of months, I could already feel the difference, and improvement came faster than I expected. Maggie understood what I was going through, which made a big difference. I would definitely recommend New Heights!"

— Roberto Risman
Google Review

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"Maggie helped me with my OCD more than I can say. I was really scared and embarrassed to get help—I’d been living with it for almost a decade—but she helped me see the life I could be living, and now, with her help, I am living it. I’m eternally grateful to have had her to guide me through this. It’s hard work, but so worth it. Thank you, Maggie!"

— Eden
Google Review

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"I'm very thankful to have had Maggie as a therapist for a couple of years. She's been extremely helpful in getting to the root of the topics I've brought up while being warm and comforting. She's also provided many resources that have been useful in helping my everyday life. I wish I could go to therapy every day! Thanks, Maggie!"

— Connor Maclean
Google Review

The above reviews were originally posted on the Google Business Profile of a clinic where I provided counselling services. They are reproduced here because they specifically refer to my work as a therapist.

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