Effective OCD Treatment Anywhere in Michigan

Jody Begley, LMSW-C

Psychotherapist
Licensed Master Clinical Social Worker
Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional
International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Professional Member

Why I Do This Work

My professional training and life experiences have culminated in a commitment to help individuals manage the distressing symptoms of OCD, anxiety, and panic. I specialize in working with adults who are ready to challenge the patterns that keep them stuck and apply evidence-based strategies that lead to lasting change.

I’m particularly passionate about treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related conditions, including health anxiety, panic disorder, emetophobia, perinatal and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD), and intrusive thoughts that feel impossible to shake. I offer individual therapy sessions for adults and provide a respectful, inclusive experience for clients from diverse backgrounds.

In 2001, I earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. I’m a fully licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience in clinical and educational settings. I’m also a parent of teenagers and understand how complex and demanding life can be.

I provide therapy exclusively via telehealth, offering secure, real-time video sessions to clients throughout Michigan. This format makes it easier to access consistent, quality care from the comfort and privacy of your own space. My style is straightforward and practical, with a dose of humor that can help ease the heaviness of this work.

Explore My Specialties

My clinical focus includes the treatment of OCD and related conditions through structured, evidence-based therapy designed to support long-term recovery and real-life change:

How We’ll Work Together

I use evidence-based treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT). These approaches are tailored to help people struggling with intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, overwhelming worry, and fear-driven decision-making. Therapy with me is collaborative, structured, and focused on building the skills you need to move forward with more clarity and confidence.

You won’t just be asked how something makes you feel. We’ll work together to develop a plan that helps you respond differently to anxiety and begin living in a way that reflects your values instead of your fears.

A Respectful and Inclusive Approach

I offer individual therapy sessions for adults and provide a respectful, affirming experience for clients from all backgrounds. Northend Counseling welcomes people of all races, ethnicities, national origins, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, faiths, body sizes, and relationship structures.

I understand that many of the thoughts and fears experienced by people with OCD are ego-dystonic, meaning they go against your values, identity, or sense of self. These thoughts can feel intensely distressing and isolating. In my practice, no fear is too taboo, too strange, or too unacceptable to name. You will not be judged for the content of your obsessions.

Whether your intrusive thoughts involve harm, identity, sexuality, relationships, religion, health, or something else entirely, my goal is to help you understand the OCD cycle and apply effective strategies to step out of it. You are not alone, and you deserve support that meets you with clarity, competence, and respect.

I am committed to serving individuals in Michigan who live in remote or underserved areas of the state, including Northern Michigan, the Upper Peninsula, and residential island communities where in-person access to a therapist trained in evidence-based OCD treatment may be limited. If this is you, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

A Note on Effective OCD Treatment

If you’re seeking help for OCD, it’s important to work with a therapist who is trained in evidence-based treatment. Research supports the use of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), often integrated with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT), as the most effective approach to treating OCD. Traditional talk therapy or generalized methods can sometimes make symptoms worse.

Whether you work with me or another provider, please seek someone with the right training and experience. You can find qualified professionals through the International OCD Foundation’s provider directory linked here.

You Don’t Have to White-Knuckle This Alone

Reaching out when you're overwhelmed is difficult, especially when anxiety makes it feel like no one will understand. But support is available, and effective treatment exists. If you’re ready to take the next step, I offer free consultations to help determine whether I’m the right fit for your needs.