OCD and Grief

At Sarah Cline & Associates, we understand that living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be a deeply challenging experience, especially when compounded by grief. Both OCD and grief can take a heavy emotional toll, and our compassionate, supportive approach ensures that you will feel safe, welcomed, and understood as you navigate these struggles.
Individuals dealing with OCD often experience intrusive thoughts, intense fears, and compulsive behaviors that can interfere with daily life. When grief is added to the mix—whether due to the loss of a loved one or a significant life change—it can exacerbate OCD symptoms, making it even harder to cope. We are here to provide the support you need to manage these challenges, helping you regain control of your life with understanding and effective therapeutic strategies.
Common Issues and Themes Found in Therapy for OCD and Grief
Constant Worrying and Overthinking
Physical symptoms like increased heart rate and sweating
Panic attacks and sudden feelings of terror
Fear of social situations or public speaking
Intrusive thoughts and obsessive behaviors
Difficulty relaxing and concentrating
Depression and Isolation
Expert Support for Overcoming Anxiety
Our Approach
We believe in guiding our clients with compassion and without judgment.
Our therapists come alongside you to help you understand yourself better. We uncover patterns in thinking and behavior that may contribute to your challenges, always prioritizing compassion for both yourself and others.
Our goal is to help you challenge the notion of perfection and to reassure you that experiencing mental health struggles does not diminish your worth or capability.
A Typical Session
During a 55-60 minute session, your therapist will listen closely without judgment or agenda. You are encouraged to share updates about your well-being, what has been working, and what hasn’t.
The therapist will ask questions and provide insights or feedback. Sessions are an open dialogue and may include:
- Guided imagery
- Exploring & challenging limiting thought patterns
- Practicing skills to shift thinking patterns
- Identifying anxiety triggers
- Body scanning to tune into emotions
- Learning techniques to regulate emotions and calm anxiety
- Working on concrete plans to reduce anxiety
Our compassionate counselors are here to support you through your mental health journey, helping you to feel empowered and take on life with a calming confidence.
Can OCD be triggered by grief?
Yes, grief can act as a significant trigger for OCD. When someone experiences a loss, the emotional pain and uncertainty can increase anxiety, making the intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors associated with OCD more intense. The need for control and reassurance during a grieving process can worsen OCD symptoms, leading to a cycle of fear and compulsion.
What is the 15-minute rule for OCD?
The 15-minute rule is a strategy used to manage compulsions in OCD. The idea is to delay engaging in compulsive behaviors for at least 15 minutes after an intrusive thought or anxiety-provoking situation. This helps break the cycle of reassurance-seeking or ritualistic behaviors. Over time, the delay can help reduce the overall intensity of the anxiety and lessen the need to perform compulsions.
Why is OCD so hard to treat?
OCD can be difficult to treat for several reasons. The disorder often involves deeply ingrained patterns of thought and behavior that reinforce each other. Additionally, individuals with OCD may find it hard to let go of the need for certainty and control, which makes it challenging to confront anxiety without resorting to compulsions. However, with evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and mindfulness techniques, many individuals with OCD find relief over time.
How can I cope with grief and OCD?
Coping with both grief and OCD requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are a few strategies that may help:
- Therapy: Engaging in therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is essential in addressing the obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors associated with OCD while processing grief in a healthy way.
- Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness can help you stay grounded in the present moment and prevent overthinking or spiraling into compulsive behaviors related to grief.
- Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Building new coping skills that don’t involve compulsions, such as journaling, engaging in physical activity, or spending time with loved ones, can be helpful.
- Self-Compassion: Acknowledging the pain of grief without judgment and allowing yourself to experience the full range of emotions is an important step in healing.
At Sarah Cline & Associates, we’re here to support you through the complexities of grief and OCD, helping you develop a path to healing and self-understanding. By addressing both OCD and grief, we can help you regain control and find peace. If you’re struggling with these challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help. We’re here for you every step of the way.
Feel Heard, Feel Safe, Feel Better - Contact Us

In-Person Sessions
2100 Manchester Rd. Suite 501-1
Wheaton, IL. 60187
Virtual Sessions
Throughout Illinois