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OCD Specialist · DC · Maryland · Virginia

Compassionate, Science-Based Treatment for OCD

If you're stuck replaying the same thought, checking the same thing twice, or avoiding what used to feel normal, that's not a character flaw. It's a pattern, and patterns can change. I help people across DC, Maryland, and Virginia get their lives back from OCD.

Could this be OCD? Take the 4-minute reflection Contact us now
You're not overreacting

Does this sound familiar?

Intrusive thoughts you can't switch off

Unwanted images or "what if" thoughts that grab your attention and won't let go, even when you know they don't make sense.

Checking, again

The door, the stove, the text you sent, a symptom. Checked once isn't enough, so you check again. And again.

Reassurance you can't stop asking for

From a partner, a friend, Google. The relief never lasts long enough, so you go looking for it again.

Avoiding what used to feel normal

Driving, flying, certain rooms, certain people, certain thoughts. The list of what you avoid keeps growing.

Needing things to feel "just right"

Redoing a task until it feels done, even after it already looks done.

Replaying conversations

Combing back through what you said, looking for the exact moment you think you got it wrong.

Understanding OCD

What is OCD?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that involves obsessive thoughts, feelings, sensations, urges, and compulsive behaviors.

The obsession

An obsession involves intrusive and unwanted thoughts that create significant anxiety, uncertainty, and discomfort. Most people with OCD will report that their obsessions greatly impact their quality of life and make it hard to cope with daily life.

“What if I left the stove on?”
“What if I don’t really love my partner?”

The compulsion

A compulsion is an overt or covert repetitive behavior done in an attempt to reduce the anxiety and uncertainty created by intrusive thoughts. These compulsions are very time-consuming and only reinforce the obsession.

  • Overt means something others can see: checking, washing, asking for reassurance.
  • Covert means something done in your head: reviewing, counting, praying, overthinking.
The OCD cycle: Obsession Anxiety Compulsion Short-lived relief The obsession comes back stronger

Symptoms of OCD

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves obsessions and compulsions. Many people with OCD also suffer from depression, hopelessness, low self-worth, and significant self-criticism.

Explore the types of OCD
  • Severe degrees of anxiety, panic, worries, and fear.
  • High levels of uncertainty, anticipatory anxiety, and dread.
  • Feeling “stuck” in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
  • Feeling like their “brain broke” and that something is wrong with them.
  • Lack of motivation to engage in daily activities.
  • Struggles to stop compulsive behaviors and feel bad about themselves for this.
  • Questions their diagnosis of OCD and worries “What if my thoughts are true?”
Meet Giovonni

Healing that begins with hope and freedom.

As a multicultural lesbian, I am dedicated to creating safe and affirming spaces of healing for women and LGBTQ+ individuals.

My clinical approach is personable, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive. I strive to create a collaborative and authentic space to foster radical holistic healing and liberation.

With intention, dignity, and humor (when appropriate), I support clients in reclaiming their voice, embracing authenticity, and cultivating self-compassion.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Specializing in OCD Treatment Trained & Certified in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Afro-Latina, Biracial & Lesbian Therapist LGBTQ+ Affirming
Mission & vision

I'm on a mission to help you restore your faith, have hope for the future, and elevate. I envision a world that doesn't end in shackles and chains, but begins with hope and freedom.

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How treatment works

What is ERP, and why does it work?

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the most proven, most studied treatment for OCD. The idea is simple, even if the practice is hard: you gradually face the thoughts or situations that trigger your anxiety, without doing the compulsion that usually follows. Over time, your brain learns what it needed to learn all along: the fear passes on its own, and you can handle it.

Step 1 of 3

We map your patterns

Together we figure out exactly what triggers the fear, and exactly what you do in response: the checking, the avoiding, the asking.

Step 2 of 3

We build a plan

A personalized ladder of exposures, starting where you can actually begin, not the scariest thing first.

Step 3 of 3

We practice, together

In session and between them. You do the hard part; I'm with you while you do it.

Ways to work together

Services

Individual

1:1 Therapy

Weekly, ERP-based individual therapy for OCD. In person in Washington, DC on Sundays, or virtual for clients across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Private pay.

  • 60 or 45 minute sessions
  • A personalized exposure plan, built together
  • Superbills provided for out-of-network reimbursement
Group Coming soon

Relationship OCD Group Therapy

I help millennial women in DC, Maryland, and Virginia who are in serious dating or early relationships reduce Relationship OCD symptoms with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), so they can stop overanalyzing and build trust. Cutting overthinking by 60 to 80% and shrinking reassurance seeking from daily to weekly or less in 12 weeks, even if therapy hasn’t helped before.

New e-book Coming soon

But Do I Really Love Them?

A Gentle Guide to Relationship OCD

For when doubt about your partner won't let go. Start understanding Relationship OCD at your own pace, from home.

Also by Giovonni

Soil: Guided Journaling & Poetry Workshops

The goal: to encourage emotional expression, self-reflection, and insight through creative writing. In the soil, we build anew.

Visit Soil
From people who've done the work

What clients say

"I used to check the stove five times before I could leave the house. Now I check once and walk out the door."
"Giovonni didn't just tell me to stop the compulsions. She showed me how, and stayed with me while I practiced."
"For the first time in years, an intrusive thought is just a thought. It doesn't run my whole day anymore."
Questions

Frequently asked questions

What happens in a first session?

We'll talk through what's been going on, how long, and how it's affecting your life. There's no right way to describe your experience. By the end, you'll have a clear sense of whether ERP is a fit and what treatment could look like.

What is ERP, and does it actually work?

Exposure and Response Prevention is the most-researched, most effective treatment we have for OCD. It works by gradually facing the thoughts or situations that trigger anxiety, without performing the compulsion that usually follows, so your brain learns the fear passes on its own.

Do you offer telehealth, or do I need to come in person?

Both, depending on where you live. I see clients in person in Washington, DC, and virtually for clients in Maryland and Virginia.

How much does therapy cost?

Individual sessions are $260 for 60 minutes and $220 for 45 minutes. A 15 minute phone consultation is $75 (a superbill is not provided for consultations). Payment is made at the time of your session. See full pricing.

Do you take insurance?

At She Is Resilience, we are a self-pay provider, which means we do not bill insurance directly. We are happy to provide you with a superbill, a simple receipt you can send to your insurance company to ask for reimbursement or to use your HSA/FSA card. Every plan is different, so check with your insurance about out-of-network coverage before starting sessions. Neither She Is Resilience nor Giovonni Hinton can promise your insurance will pay or reimburse for your sessions. Questions to ask your insurance.

What is a Good Faith Estimate?

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate that explains the expected cost of your care. You can request one for any non-emergency service, and it should be given to you in writing at least 1 business day before your appointment. If you receive a bill that is $400 or more higher than your estimate, you have the right to dispute the charge. Learn more about your rights.

What if I'm not sure I even have OCD?

Most people who come to me aren't sure either. You don't need a diagnosis to start. We'll figure out what's going on together, and go from there.

If you're in crisis right now

Therapy, including this practice, isn't equipped to respond to emergencies. If you're in danger or thinking about suicide, please reach out right now:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988, 24/7, nationwide

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741

Washington, DC

Access HelpLine: 1-888-793-4357, 24/7

Maryland

Dial 211, option 1, Maryland Crisis Hotline, 24/7

Virginia

CrisisLink: 703-527-4077, or dial 988

Life-threatening emergency

Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room

Not sure what you're dealing with?

Take a gentle 4-minute reflection. You'll get a personal read on what you're noticing, sent to your inbox, plus support that fits where you are.

Could this be OCD? Take the 4-minute reflection Or book a 15 minute consultation
Get in touch

Contact us now

Have a question, or ready to get started? Call, email, or book a 15 minute consultation.

Call 202-738-9211 Email giovonni@sheisresilience.com Instagram @sheisresilience
Book a 15 minute consultation