Childhood OCD & Repetitive Behaviour Support in Coquitlam
Does your child feel "stuck" in certain loops of thought or behaviour? You might notice them needing to wash their hands repeatedly, checking locks, or asking for the same reassurance dozens of times a day. At Strong River Counselling, we understand that Childhood OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) can feel overwhelming for the whole family.
We provide a compassionate, evidence-based approach in Coquitlam to help children understand their "Worry Bully" and regain control over their daily lives.
Symptoms of OCD in Children: What to Look For
OCD in children doesn't always look like "tidiness." In fact, it's often messy and confusing. It involves Obsessions (scary or "stuck" thoughts) and Compulsions (actions taken to make the scary thoughts go away). You might notice:
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Reassurance Seeking: Asking "Are you sure?" or "Is this okay?" repeatedly, even after being answered.
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Symmetry and Order: Intense distress if items are moved, touched, or not "just right."
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Checking Rituals: Repeatedly checking light switches, doors, or homework to ensure everything is "safe."
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Intrusive Thoughts: Fears about germs, bad things happening to loved ones, or "scary" thoughts that the child feels ashamed to share.
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Avoidance: Avoiding certain "unlucky" numbers, colors, or places to prevent anxiety.
Why OCD Happens: It’s a "Brain Glitch," Not a Choice
In our Tri-Cities practice, we explain OCD to children as a "brain glitch." The part of the brain that signals danger is overactive, sending out "false alarms."
The OCD Loop
When a child performs a ritual (a compulsion), it provides temporary relief, but it actually "feeds" the OCD, making the loop stronger. We use Play Therapy and CBT techniques to help children recognize this loop and learn how to "starve" the OCD by resisting the urge to perform the ritual.
Our Approach: ERP-Informed Play & Connection
Treating OCD requires a specialized approach. We combine the gold-standard treatment, ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention), with a child-centered, attachment-based lens.
Externalizing the "Worry Bully"
Children often feel a lot of shame about their OCD. We help them "externalize" the disorder by giving it a name, like the "Worry Bully" or the "Glitch." This allows the child and parent to team up against the OCD, rather than the parent feeling frustrated with the child.
Gentle Exposure & Mastery
We don't "force" children into scary situations. We use play to create "bravery challenges." In our Coquitlam office, children practice being "bossy" to their OCD in a fun, supportive environment, building their confidence one small step at a time.
Parenting Support for OCD Families
One of the biggest challenges with OCD is "Accommodation." Because you love your child, you likely help them with their rituals to stop their crying. We provide Parent Coaching to help you:
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Identify Accommodations: Recognizing where you are inadvertently "feeding" the OCD.
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Support Without Supplying: Learning how to validate your child’s fear without performing the ritual for them.
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Create a "Bravery Team": Turning your home into a place where brave steps are celebrated.
Meet Your OCD Specialist:
Destinee Kreil, MCP, RCC
Destinee Kreil brings a warm, clinical expertise to the treatment of childhood OCD. By combining evidence-based ERP-informed tools with a deep understanding of attachment, she helps Tri-Cities families break the cycle of OCD and find their way back to a joyful, "un-stuck" childhood.
FAQ: Childhood OCD in the Tri-Cities
Is it just a "phase" or is it OCD?
While many children have "rituals" (like needing a specific bedtime story), OCD rituals are driven by high distress and interfere with daily life. If your child spends more than an hour a day on these behaviors or is missing out on school and fun because of them, it is time to seek support from an RCC.
What is ERP, and is it scary for kids?
ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) involves slowly and safely facing the things that trigger the "Worry Bully" without doing the ritual. At Strong River, we make ERP child-friendly. We use games and rewards to help the child feel like a "Super-Hero" in training.
Can OCD be linked to ADHD or Autism?
Yes. There is a high overlap between OCD and Neuro-affirming ADHD Support or Autism. Sometimes what looks like OCD is actually a sensory need or a need for "sameness." We help you tease apart these differences.
Does my child need medication for OCD?
As counsellors, we do not prescribe medication. However, research shows that for many children, a combination of therapy and medication is very effective. We can work alongside your family doctor or pediatrician in Coquitlam to coordinate care.
How do I help my child at school with their OCD?
OCD can make school very difficult (e.g., erasing work until the paper rips). We provide advocacy tips for SD43 parents to help teachers understand that these behaviors are involuntary and need "bravery-based" support, not discipline.
