Supporting Children and Teens with OCD | Calgary Child Therapy | Creative Sky Psychology
About 1 in 100 children experience OCD symptoms, making it more common than many parents realize. With early support and therapy, most kids learn powerful coping skills to calm their minds and reduce compulsive behaviors.
What is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where individuals experience persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and feel compelled to repeat certain actions (compulsions) to reduce anxiety.
For children and teens, OCD can feel overwhelming, confusing, and exhausting. Many describe it as being “stuck in their head,” caught between thoughts they don’t want and actions they can’t seem to stop. With the right understanding and support, however, children and teens can learn to manage symptoms, regain confidence, and reconnect with what matters most.
OCD can show up in different ways and vary greatly from one person to another. Some children struggle with visible rituals, like repeated handwashing or checking, while others experience mental compulsions—like counting in their heads, repeating certain words silently, or seeking reassurance.
Understanding the Two Parts of OCD
OCD is generally made up of two parts:
1. Obsessions – Unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause distress.
Common examples include:
Fears of germs or contamination
Worries about harm coming to themselves or others
Intense need for things to feel “even” or “just right”
Fear of saying or doing something “bad” or “wrong”
2. Compulsions – Repetitive behaviors or rituals done to reduce anxiety caused by obsessions.
These might include:
Excessive handwashing or cleaning
Repeatedly checking doors, locks, or appliances
Arranging items until they feel “perfect”
Seeking constant reassurance from parents or teachers
While these behaviors may provide temporary relief, they reinforce the OCD cycle—making anxiety stronger over time.
It’s also important to note that OCD often coexists with other challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or eating disorders. This can make daily life even more complicated and exhausting for children and teens, who are still learning how to understand and express their emotions.
Signs Your Child or Teen May Be Struggling with OCD
Because OCD can look different from child to child, it can sometimes go unnoticed. Some kids hide their rituals out of embarrassment or confusion. Parents might sense that something is “off” but can’t quite pinpoint what’s happening.
Here are some common signs to look for:
Repeating certain actions or rituals until they “feel right”
Extreme distress if routines are interrupted
Avoiding people, places, or objects they believe are “contaminated”
Spending excessive time worrying about safety, mistakes, or harm
Seeking constant reassurance (“Are you sure I locked the door?”)
Struggling at school or withdrawing socially due to obsessions or compulsions
If you notice these signs, approach your child gently. Remember that OCD-related behaviors are not about attention-seeking or stubbornness—they’re coping attempts to manage anxiety.
How Parents Can Support a Child or Teen with OCD
When a child is struggling with OCD, parents often feel helpless or unsure how to respond. The instinct to reassure or stop the ritual is understandable, but it may unintentionally strengthen the OCD cycle. The key is to respond with empathy, consistency, and gentle boundaries.
Here are ways to help:
Start with open conversations: Approach your child gently, with curiosity and compassion. You might say:
“I notice you’ve been checking your backpack a lot. That must feel really tiring. I wonder if that’s OCD making you feel you have to.”
Normalize the experience—let them know that intrusive thoughts and compulsions are symptoms, not character flaws.
Listen and reassure: Validate their feelings without feeding the OCD. For example:
“I can see that feels really scary, but I know you can handle it. Let’s practice taking a deep breath together.”
Let your child know they’re not alone—many kids and teens experience OCD, and help is available.
Seek professional help: Reach out to a child psychologist or therapist in Calgary for an assessment if you’re concerned. OCD often requires specialized treatment, and early support can make a big difference in long-term outcomes.
Stay connected: OCD can make children feel isolated or ashamed. Maintain warmth and connection through family activities, laughter, and shared time that reminds them they are more than their OCD.
Avoid accommodating rituals: It can be tempting to help your child perform a compulsion to ease their stress, but that often strengthens OCD’s control. Instead, support them in resisting rituals gradually, at a pace guided by their therapist.
Treatment Options for OCD in Calgary
Treatment for OCD is highly effective and focuses on helping children gain control over their symptoms rather than letting symptoms control them. Therapy is tailored to each child’s age, comfort level, and developmental needs.
Evidence-based treatments often include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT helps children and teens recognize and challenge the thought patterns that fuel anxiety. It teaches them how to respond differently to intrusive thoughts—reducing fear and empowering choice.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): A cornerstone of OCD treatment, ERP gently guides children to face their fears while resisting the urge to perform compulsions. Over time, their anxiety decreases and confidence grows.
Family Therapy (Parent-Child Therapy), Parent Counselling, and Parent Coaching: Parents learn how to support progress at home—offering empathy without reinforcing compulsions. Family therapy also helps reduce stress, build consistency, and create an understanding, compassionate home environment.
At Creative Sky Psychology in Calgary, therapy is collaborative and strength-based. We believe in meeting children where they are—helping them understand that their thoughts do not define them and that OCD is something they can learn to manage, not something that defines who they are.
Creating a Supportive Environment at Home
Keep routines predictable: Structure provides comfort when anxiety feels unpredictable.
Celebrate small steps: Whether it’s resisting a ritual once or talking about a worry, recognize effort and courage.
Practice relaxation together: Breathing exercises, nature walks, or quiet reading time can help lower stress for the whole family.
Focus on strengths: Encourage your child’s interests, creativity, or humor; these help build resilience and remind them of their worth beyond OCD.
Stay informed: Attend parent workshops, join Calgary-based support groups, or read about OCD to better understand your child’s experiences.
Small acts of understanding can make a big difference in helping your child feel safe, capable, and loved.
Final Thoughts
OCD can be confusing and painful—for both children and their parents—but it’s also highly treatable. With compassion, education, and professional guidance, families can learn to interrupt the OCD cycle and replace fear with confidence.
At Creative Sky Psychology, we specialize in assessment and therapy for children and teens with OCD. Our approach is gentle, empowering, and focused on helping children reclaim their joy, curiosity, and freedom from intrusive thoughts.
Together, we can help your child or teen build resilience, confidence, and a sense of peace
📍 Visit us: #5, 2005 37 Street SW, Calgary, AB T3E 3A5
📞 Call: 587-331-4464 ext. 1
✉️ Email: info@creativeskypsychology.com
🌐 Book online today to help your child thrive. 👋 Meet our team
Looking for therapy for older teens, post-secondary students, or adults? Visit our sister clinic, NU Psychology in Calgary, where mental health support is available at every stage of life.
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Many children have routines, but OCD involves distressing, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that interfere with daily life. A Calgary child psychologist can provide clarity through assessment.
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OCD usually requires treatment. While symptoms may change over time, professional support such as CBT or exposure therapy is highly effective in helping children manage OCD.
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Stay patient, avoid criticism, and work with professionals. Providing reassurance, maintaining connection, and involving your teen in treatment decisions can make a big difference.
