Tilda Cvrkel, PhD

At any given time, between 50-70% of my clients have OCD or related disorders such as body dysmorphic disorder, hoarding, or other forms of anxiety. Many of my clients face OCD with “taboo” themes involving sex or violence and experience intense shame on top of the distress of OCD. In addition to Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), I offer Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) and Inference-based CBT (I-CBT), which are both evidence-based treatments that do not require exposures. These approaches may be especially helpful for clients who have not had past success with ERP, neurodivergent clients, or clients who prefer to use non-exposure approaches.

I specialize in treating clients with OCD who also struggle with trauma/PTSD, body image distress, sexual health concerns, chronic or acute illness, anxiety/phobias, or grief. I use evidence-based treatments that are personalized to each client, in consultation with the client. This means your treatment will never be a generic protocol. Together, we will discuss the research behind treatment options and create a science-backed plan to target the roots of your concerns.

I have two PhDs, and I am both a clinician and a researcher. I have focused on the treatment of OCD and OC Spectrum Disorders since 2019. During my doctoral training, I spent a year with Seattle Children’s Hospital OCD Intensive Outpatient Program, working with adolescents, young adults, and families. I studied ERP through the UPenn School of Medicine’s intensive program and trained in working with adults with complex OCD under the mentorship of OCD experts. I have received training in Inference-based CBT from the Cognitive Behavioral Institute and OCD Training School.

My practice is LGBTQ+ and neurodiversity affirming/aligned, and I also serve as a clinical supervisor working with asylum-seeking and refugee populations. For clients with religious/scrupulosity OCD themes, I have collaborated with community priests, pastors, rabbis, and imams to craft culturally respectful treatments. My clinical approach always centers on respecting clients as experts on their lives and values.