The gold-standard treatment for OCD, including P-OCD, is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP helps individuals face their fears gradually and safely, without turning to compulsions. he cornerstone of ERP involves developing distress tolerance, or the ability to tolerate the distress of one’s intrusive thoughts, images and sensations, without performing the compulsions that reinforce and strengthen the cycle of OCD.

With the guidance of a trained ERP therapist, you’ll:

• Build a personalized plan to confront triggers in a manageable way

• Learn how to tolerate anxiety instead of trying to eliminate it

• Develop tools to resist compulsive behaviors and break free from the OCD cycle

This isn’t about proving anything to yourself—it’s about trusting that you are more than your thoughts, and that healing is possible.

Why This Matters

Proposed budget changes in Colorado could reduce funding for Medicaid and ACA marketplace plans, potentially limiting access to essential mental health services. Many of our clients and community members depend on these programs for therapy, medication, and crisis prevention. These cuts could also impact mental health providers, making it harder to sustain services and support the workforce that delivers care.

Research shows that mental health services help prevent emergency room visits and hospitalizations by providing early and consistent treatment. Limiting access to care doesn’t reduce healthcare costs—it shifts them elsewhere and places a greater burden on individuals and emergency services.

What You Can Do

If you are concerned about these potential changes and want to share your perspective, organizations like the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative recommend calling your legislators. Phone calls and voicemails are one of the most effective ways to make your voice heard.

Why EMDR? The Evidence Speaks for Itself

Trauma can rewire the brain, keeping distressing memories stored in a way that makes them feel immediate and overwhelming—long after the actual event has passed. EMDR has been extensively studied and is endorsed by the American Psychological Association, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the World Health Organization as an effective treatment for PTSD.

• A study found that 84-90% of single-event trauma survivors saw significant PTSD symptom reduction in just three EMDR sessions (Shapiro, 2018).

• Another study showed that 77% of combat veterans no longer met PTSD criteria after completing EMDR treatment (Carlson et al., 1998).

Unlike traditional talk therapy, which focuses on verbal processing, EMDR helps the brain reprocess trauma so it no longer holds the same emotional charge—allowing clients to regain a sense of control over their thoughts and reactions.

As the seasons change, it’s essential to be aware of how this shift may affect your mental health. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can empower you to take proactive steps to care for yourself. Whether it’s through staying active, or seeking professional support, you don’t have to navigate this seasonal challenge alone.

What can you expect from your therapist when discussing politics? Therapists enter the counseling room with a goal of complete acceptance of who you are as the client. Your therapist will likely validate your feelings as they do on any topic you bring to counseling. However, expect your therapist to refrain from getting into a discussion or debate about candidates or policy. Instead, your therapist will get curious about what emotions come up for you when you discuss or read about politics and how these emotions impact your daily life.

ACT challenges the common belief that happiness is the norm and that something is wrong with us if we are not happy.

The goal of ACT is not to eliminate difficult feelings, as this has been shown to be harmful and nearly impossible. Instead, it focuses on accepting challenging emotions and thoughts and learning how to live a more meaningful life.

Studies have shown that individuals who received greater support after psychedelic therapy had greater positive behavioral changes. 

Providing a safe space for Ketamine integration aligns with Ignite’s whole-hearted approach to counseling. As clinicians, we are dedicated to meeting our clients where they are, and providing them with a unique and compassionate experience. With the legalization of Ketamine therapy in Colorado, Ignite is working to fill a much-needed void of psychotherapeutic support, and providing a space for group work further de-stigmatizes what it is to be human through connection.

Photo credit: David Clode on Unsplash

Neuroception is a fundamental aspect of our nervous system that influences how we perceive and respond to the world around us. In somatic therapy, understanding neuroception is essential for creating safe therapeutic environments, regulating the nervous system, and facilitating healing from trauma and emotional challenges. By integrating practices that promote embodied awareness and regulation, somatic therapy offers a holistic approach to mental and emotional well-being.

Some practical somatic applications to try….

Grief is an unavoidable part of life. When we experience loss of any kind - whether it be the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or moving through different phases of life - grief will inevitably show up in one way or another.

While we all experience our grief differently, it can often feel overwhelming, isolating, and make it difficult to participate in daily life. When you are grieving, it is important to be gentle with yourself as you process the loss and adjust to a new way of being.

Source Photo by Mike Labrum on Unsplash

When someone is struggling with their mental health, the impact stretches beyond the individual to their loved ones. Loved ones can see their relationships, employment, and financial situation affected by their loved one's illness. Loved ones may experience various emotions, including sadness, fear, guilt, grief, resentment, fatigue, and anxiety for the future. Taking care of your mental health and well-being will allow you to support your loved one to the best of your ability.

Growing up in a narcissistic environment can deeply impact one's sense of self-worth and identity. Constant criticism, manipulation, and invalidation can leave individuals feeling lost, doubting their worth, and disconnected from their authentic selves. However, reclaiming your identity is not only possible but also essential for healing and living a fulfilling life.

The holiday season, with its festive celebrations and gatherings, often brings a mix of joy and stress. As we navigate the whirlwind of activities, it's essential to find moments of calm where we can reconnect with ourselves.

Somatic practices, which focus on the mind-body connection, can be powerful tools for cultivating a sense of serenity during this busy time.

Let's explore how incorporating somatic practices into your holiday routine can enhance your well-being.

In practicing therapy through a mindfulness-based lens, one of the foundations of my therapeutic work is learning to embrace the small and the big life changes instead of fighting against them. To accept change though, is an intentional practice that we must learn and just that, practice. 

Fall is a beautiful season that offers unique opportunities for self-care activities that can have a positive impact on mental health. It’s important to lean into self-compassion and relaxation through the ups and downs of the changing seasons.

Lean in to these practices to maximize your Autumn season mental wellness!

Ketamine Integrated Therapy is the healing alchemy that’s created when the medicinal aspects of ketamine are combined with the meaning-making experience of psychotherapy. Ketamine Integrated Therapy - The Ignite Way….

Group Therapy exists for a variety of concerns and populations such as substance use-specific groups, grief and bereavement groups, parenting groups, life-transition support groups, LGBTQIA groups,  or treatment support groups. Group Therapy is offered at a variety of mental health locations such as community mental health clinics, hospitals, and group practices (like Ignite!).

The Holidays can be a difficult time, even for those who are not experiencing grief. There are so many expectations, traditions and activities that must be met, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed. For those who are grieving, the holidays can be a particularly difficult time. Holiday stress can be even more acute for those who have lost a loved one, as the holidays are often filled with memories of happier times. It is important to remember that you are not alone, and there are many resources available to help you through this difficult time.

Are you feeling completely overwhelmed with everything on your plate? Are you counting the down the days till Winter break? The holidays and end of year festivities can really put many of us in a tailspin but then the stress of finals and work on top of it is a complete recipe for burnout. The good news is there are a few fairly simple tips that can help you manage your stress this winter!

If you are suffering from OCD, you’re likely a pro at masking your symptoms, making creative excuses to avoid things/people/situations, and white-knuckling through your triggers. Why? Because OCD is lonely. It’s a fair assumption that someone who does NOT have OCD might have difficulty understanding the nuances of your unique experience. Besides the widely-held misconception that OCD is just about being organized and tidy, there can be a lot of confusion about the recovery process as well.