Elizabeth Keating

I always knew I wanted to work with people and help them in some way. By age 11, I was volunteering at after-school programs and helping. I also really liked creating art. I got a dual degree in art therapy and counseling. I had family members who were in denial around their mental health. When I got started, I really enjoyed working with kids and starting to change the way they viewed mental health, showing them that it's okay to have feelings and talk about them. You don't have to avoid them.

I've always had an interest in conditions involving anxiety, because I have anxiety, and I have family members with OCD and hoarding disorders. During the pandemic, I started educating myself about OCD and similar conditions. I wanted to broaden my work, so I came to NOCD. What I really love about treating OCD and the other related disorders is how well teletherapy can treat them. The exposures I've done with members are so powerful, because we can do them in their home, sometimes with the help of family members. It's amazing that I get to help so many different people, who may be miles apart, in their homes in one day.

I have a lot of experience with trauma and sexual abuse. My first job was in a child sexual abuse program. I've also worked with children and young adults with eating disorders. I worked for six years in crisis counseling, in which I often had just one visit to make a plan for someone to be safe and get help in the worst moments of their life. I got really good at making people feel at ease. I also have experience helping people who have mid-to-high functioning autism, ADHD, anger, general anxiety, social anxiety, and depression. I feel drawn to the conditions that are typically most misunderstood by the general public. I feel that I can help people understand and help people feel understood.

As with all therapy, it may feel like things are getting worse before they get better. That's because you're finally letting someone know about things you've avoided for so long. That vulnerability can be really tough. But that's a good sign. Things are going to get better pretty quickly, especially with ERP, because of how effective it is.

That's very common and normal. Talk to me about it. I can help you understand the whole process. Know that this is a judgment-free zone. I'm here to help you understand that your thoughts are not you—they’re OCD.