OCD and Anxiety Therapy in Boston,
MA & San Diego, CA

You can live differently

Does it ever feel like your mind is turning against you?

That might sound dramatic, but if you’re living with OCD and anxiety, you probably know exactly what I mean. OCD can feel like an unwanted passenger that hijacks your thoughts and decisions. Maybe you’ve had stretches of time where things felt manageable, when the thoughts weren’t as loud, but when OCD flares up, it can be all-consuming.

Over time, anxiety, shame, guilt, or feelings of disgust can grow stronger. It’s hard to think about anything else but your OCD fears. The rules OCD demands you follow become more rigid. And all of it is exhausting—endless mental loops, Googling for reassurance, talking with others about your fears, hoping they will tell you they won’t come true, checking and rechecking, trying to feel just right through rituals that never seem to actually bring relief.

It can feel like everyone else is existing in a different world from you as you become more consumed by your worries. Connecting with others feels nearly impossible. Hobbies stop being fun. Work feels overwhelming. And somewhere in all of that, it can start to feel like you’re losing touch with who you really are.

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What if it’s OCD and something else?

OCD rarely shows up alone. It often tags along with things like phobias, body-focused habits (like skin picking or hair pulling—called body-focused repetitive behaviors), other kinds of anxiety, or struggles in relationships. That’s very common—and you’re not alone if it feels like more than just OCD.

While I can help with those co-occurring challenges, I focus on working with people who are trying to sort through OCD, social anxiety, and relationship or dating anxiety. Sometimes it’s hard to tell what’s what—like, is this an obsessive thought or just relationship anxiety? Is it social anxiety or something else? We can untangle this together. Whether you're dealing with thoughts stuck on repeat about your relationship, fear of judgment, or anxiety that gets in the way of connection, we’ll work through it in a way that’s compassionate, clear, and totally tailored to you.

Click here to find a breakdown of common relationship patterns and struggles that often show up alongside OCD. The good news? Some of the things that make relationships feel confusing or uncomfortable can improve with the same kinds of therapy used to treat anxiety and OCD.

You don’t have to be trapped in this cycle- I can help you find your way forward with specialized OCD therapy services. Click the button below to book an intro call.

I thought OCD was just about hand-washing - so why is mine so different?

OCD looks different for everyone. That’s because people are nuanced, complicated, and have different life experiences and cultural backgrounds. How your OCD presents is also going to be unique to you.

There are so many different OCD themes, and they can change over time. It would be impossible to list every single one—but I’ve listed a few of the more common types on the Common OCD Themes page.

I’m nervous about starting therapy - what will it actually be like?

It’s understandable if you’re nervous about starting therapy, especially if it’s your first time or if past experiences didn’t feel helpful. In our first session, we’ll just have a conversation. I’ll ask about your day-to-day life—things like your job, living situation, routines, and what your typical week looks like. We’ll also go over any past experiences with mental health, therapy, current medications, and whether you’re working with a prescriber. Most importantly, you can share anything you feel I should know.

Then we’ll start to focus on what OCD or anxiety looks like for you. Everyone’s experience is different, so it’s important we take time to really understand how it shows up in your life, moment to moment.

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Once we have that foundation, we’ll talk through the therapy approaches that are most likely to help based on your symptoms and goals. This all usually happens within the first two sessions, so we can start working with a clear, personalized plan.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, so I work hard to make the process feel safe, transparent, and collaborative. We’ll have a plan and strategy guiding our work, making sure we’re challenging things and making changes in a way that’s effective but not too much to handle.

Can I talk about other things besides anxiety and OCD?

Absolutely. I know anxiety and OCD aren’t your whole story. You're a full person, and sometimes other things—like stress, feelings of sadness, or life changes—need attention too. Even though I use evidence-based approaches, I stay flexible so we can focus on what matters most to you each session. I don’t think therapy should feel like you’re being boxed in by a diagnosis or a rigid method. 

As an OCD therapist, I aim to create a relationship that’s built on mutual respect, honesty, and authenticity—so you can show up as yourself and feel genuinely supported.

Through this work, many people find that their relationship with fear, doubt, and difficult thoughts starts to shift. They begin to trust themselves more, feel free to do the things they care about, and show up more fully in their relationships.

I often see clients return to activities they love but have been avoiding because of anxiety, build genuine confidence, and handle uncertainty without feeling overwhelmed.

Real change can happen — and I’ll be here to support you along the way.

Let’s talk details

I work with adults in Massachusetts and California through secure, confidential video sessions (yep, all from the comfort of your couch). Sessions are typically 50 minutes long.

My cat is usually curled up on my lap during sessions — she’s a quiet presence, but I like to think of her as my unofficial co-therapist.

OCD Therapy in Massachusetts & California

In my work with clients, OCD therapy focuses on breaking free from the constant cycle of doubt and fear. Together, we practice loosening rigid control, accepting the uncertainties that naturally come with relationships, letting go of perfectionism, and developing deeper self-trust.

If you recognize these challenges in your own life, know that help is available. I provide online OCD and anxiety therapy for adults across Massachusetts and California, so starting doesn’t require you to live in Boston or San Diego. Wherever you are, OCD therapy can bring clarity, tools, and relief to your daily life.

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Begin OCD Therapy in Boston, MA, or San Diego, CA

Living with OCD and anxiety can feel exhausting, but you don’t have to manage it on your own. As a dedicated therapist offering OCD therapy in Boston, MA, and San Diego, CA, I provide individualized, evidence-based care to help you manage intrusive thoughts, reduce compulsions, and feel more at ease in your daily life. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that reflects your unique needs and goals.

Here’s how to get started:

  1. Book a free, 15-minute consultation to connect with me directly and ask any questions.
  2. Schedule your first OCD and anxiety therapy session in Boston, MA, or San Diego, CA.
  3. Begin moving toward greater calm, clarity, and balance with supportive, one-on-one care.

Other Services Offered

I'll help you better understand and normalize your experience

Alongside one-on-one OCD therapy, I also offer additional support designed to meet the specific challenges many clients face. On the Common OCD Themes page, I explore recurring thought patterns and behaviors that often appear with OCD, helping you better understand and normalize your experience.

I also provide resources on OCD and Social Life, offering guidance for navigating relationships, friendships, and dating while managing OCD and anxiety. These services are meant to complement therapy, giving you deeper insight and practical tools that support healing both inside and outside of sessions.

Let’s step out of the OCD and Anxiety Cycle

You don’t have to suffer. I can help

I'm Jen Lescher, LCSW/LICSW, a therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety.
Let’s work together to help you move forward.