Reassurance Seeking OCD Therapy in Chicago
Break the Cycle of Obsessional Doubt and Uncertainty
Do you find yourself constantly asking for reassurance—about your work, relationships, decisions, or memories—yet still feeling anxious afterward? You may be experiencing reassurance-seeking OCD, a common OCD pattern driven by obsessional doubt and intolerance of uncertainty.
At Chicago Counseling Center, we help students and young adults reduce reassurance seeking using evidence-based ERP therapy, so anxiety no longer runs your life.
We understand the importance of finding the right fit for your mental health journey. Our psychotherapy services are designed to cater to diverse needs, whether in-person or online.
What Is Reassurance Seeking OCD?
Reassurance seeking OCD is a form of obsessive–compulsive disorder in which anxiety is fueled by persistent doubt and the urge to feel “100% certain.” The brain demands certainty, and reassurance becomes the compulsion.
Common experiences include:
Repeatedly asking others if something is “okay”
Needing confirmation that you didn’t make a mistake
Doubting your memory, judgment, or intentions
Feeling unable to move forward until someone reassures you
Although reassurance brings brief relief, it teaches the brain that uncertainty is dangerous, strengthening OCD over time.
How Obsessional Doubt Keeps the Cycle Going
OCD thrives on intolerance of uncertainty—the belief that not knowing is unacceptable. The reassurance cycle often looks like this:
A doubt appears (“What if I messed up?”)
Anxiety spikes
Reassurance is sought (asking, checking, googling)
Temporary relief occurs
Doubt returns—often stronger than before
Each time reassurance is used, OCD becomes more convincing and persistent.
Common Reassurance-Seeking Behaviors
Reassurance seeking may show up as:
Asking friends, partners, or professors to confirm decisions
Re-reading messages, assignments, or emails repeatedly
Mentally replaying conversations to feel “sure”
Seeking validation online or through comparison
These behaviors are understandable attempts to reduce distress, but they maintain obsessional doubt rather than resolving it.
ERP Therapy: Learning to Tolerate Uncertainty
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard treatment for reassurance seeking OCD.
ERP helps you:
Gradually face uncertainty without seeking reassurance
Resist checking, asking, or mental reviewing
Learn—through experience—that anxiety decreases on its own
Rebuild trust in yourself and your decisions
Example ERP Practice
A student submits an assignment without asking classmates if it is “good enough,” then practices allowing uncertainty while noticing anxiety rise and fall naturally.
Over time, the nervous system learns: I can tolerate not knowing.
A Gentle Clinical Illustration
Jordan, a college student in Chicago, struggled with obsessional doubt related to academic performance. Each assignment triggered intense reassurance seeking. Through ERP at Chicago Counseling Center, Jordan practiced submitting work once and resisting reassurance. Anxiety initially increased but gradually subsided. Over time, confidence improved and academic stress decreased significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is reassurance seeking part of OCD?
Yes. Reassurance seeking is a common compulsion driven by obsessional doubt and intolerance of uncertainty.
How does ERP help with reassurance seeking?
ERP helps retrain the brain to tolerate uncertainty by preventing reassurance and allowing anxiety to decrease naturally.
Do you offer OCD therapy in Chicago?
Yes. We provide specialized OCD therapy, including ERP, for students and young adults in Chicago.
Is telehealth effective for reassurance-seeking OCD?
Yes. ERP is highly effective via telehealth and allows real-world practice in daily environments.
Start OCD Therapy in Chicago
If reassurance seeking or obsessional doubt is interfering with your school, work, or relationships, support is available.
Begin your journey towards peace of mind today by booking an appointment with us. Services are available in person in Chicago and via telehealth throughout Illinois.
References (APA 7th Edition)
Abramowitz, J. S. (2006). The psychological treatment of obsessive–compulsive disorder. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 51(7), 407–416. https://doi.org/10.1177/070674370605100702
Salkovskis, P. M. (1999). Understanding and treating obsessive–compulsive disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 37(Suppl. 1), S29–S52. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0005-7967(99)00049-2