Tracie Howell

At a young age, I found my passion in helping others. I knew the pain of feeling alone in my struggles. Having someone to talk with who understood made a difference. In high school, I was asked to join a peer group to help others who were seeking support, someone to talk with and help them see they weren't alone. From there, I knew I would become a therapist. At 50 years young, I've not once looked back with regret.

As a mom of a teenage daughter, I started to see anger and struggles. Our home was consumed with her anger. For months, we couldn't figure out what was causing the discomfort. We discovered she had OCD and suffered from perfectionism. It was debilitating to everyone in the family. I began to do research and take courses; from there, I knew I wanted to specialize. I knew the control OCD can have over the home, and I wanted to help other individuals and their families better understand it. I want to give those families hope that they can live life without OCD controlling it. My daughter went on to be a mom of five and has maintained control of her OCD. She has been able to use the tools she was taught to help her daughter face fears.

I have worked with many people who have OCD, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. I've suffered from anxiety and depression, and I know it's something that can control you, just like OCD. Having come through my own struggles—and having lived years without the darkest in control—I felt a need to share with my clients, to let them know they too can live the life they've always wanted.

Before starting therapy, you should know it's a safe place. Although many people come to their first session nervous (which is natural), it is also a place to feel safe. Treatment may seem difficult at first, but it works. Time after time, I've seen so many people—of all ages and fears—do the work and gain control of their lives. You don't have to live in pain. You are not alone. You too can live the life you desire. It will require a daily commitment from you. It's like building a new muscle or learning a new task. It takes practice, not perfection.

Tell me you're afraid; that's OK. For some, saying their thoughts out loud can be scary. We can discuss other ways that might make it easier for you to share. There is not an OCD type I haven't worked with. I know some thoughts are so disturbing they're hard to share with anyone. We can work together to help you feel safe as you start to understand that your intrusive thoughts are your OCD, they are not you.