Noelle Lepore

From a young age, I took an interest in the actions and behaviors of those around me. I was drawn to the field of psychology as it explored and named things that I had observed. In middle school, I began to struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder. The majority of my obsessive thoughts centered around avoiding the seven deadly sins. When I told my mother what was happening to me, she recognized it was something she’d heard of—OCD. After reading about what it was, I created my own treatment plan. After initial discomfort and anxiety in resisting my compulsive behaviors, I noticed that the dreaded outcomes I feared never came to pass. This early ERP work helped me overcome my childhood OCD for decades and helped me live a fulfilling and happy and OC-'free' life. Seeing my ability to improve my own mental state—and even help others around me with anxiety and depression—developed my interest in becoming a therapist.

As someone who knows the struggle of OCD, I wanted to gain knowledge about the disorder so I could stay ahead of it. After having children, I especially wanted to recognize any early signs of OCD and “nip it in the bud” if it showed up in them. I believe people with OCD are superheroes. Living with OCD is hard, and ERP is hard work. Everyone who chooses to battle their OCD is amazing to work with. It is an honor to be the Alfred to your Batman.

Over the years, I have helped clients struggling with anxiety, depression, postpartum anxiety/depression, suicidal ideation, and relationship issues. Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health struggles for people in the world. After giving birth to my twins in 2019, I struggled with postpartum depression, and my husband struggled with paternal postnatal depression and anxiety (who knew that was a thing?). I came to realize there is a major lack of support for new parents, and I wanted to help fill the gap.

You can do hard things! I’m not going to give you reassurance, because it won’t help you. I’m doing that on purpose. Think of me as that fitness trainer who makes you work until your muscles are beaten and you're exhausted. You’ll probably get angry with me—that’s OK! I'm here to support you. I won't make you do anything I wouldn’t do myself. You are in control of your exposures, you are in control of your anxiety, and you will be in control of your OCD.

I understand. Know that I will not judge you for the thoughts that are entering your mind. You can’t control your intrusive thoughts any better than you can control your dreams. (In fact, controlling your dreams is probably easier than controlling intrusive thoughts!) You are not your OCD. OCD is something that is happening to you, not who you are. I know that. The thoughts you’re ashamed or afraid of are not something that describes your character.