MARY HOSBROUGH, LCPC, OCD THERAPIST

Choose what you do based on what you love instead of based on what you fear.

You find yourself doing the same things again and again, trying so hard to figure things out. You may not even remember what it is like to feel like you have a choice.

When you struggle with OCD, feeling in control of making your own choices is...everything. This is why I named my practice Autonomy Alliance.

Autonomy: Your right and capacity to choose your own way.

Alliance: You and I working together to help you find and follow your own way.

You deserve a therapy experience where you feel heard.

If you’ve been to treatment for OCD before, you may have felt like the process was too rigid—being led through approaches such as ERP that didn’t feel right for you or simply did not work. Rather than someone telling you what you need, you’re looking for someone to guide you toward guide you in choosing an approach that feels right for you.

In my time treating OCD, I’ve realized that ERP is not the only (nor necessarily the best) approach, and I believe it is important to offer effective alternatives for people who have not benefited from or do not want to do ERP.

Because, at the end of the day, I believe that you are the expert in your own life. I’m simply here to help you use that expertise to make lasting changes that feel right to you.

Where you have your own strengths, wisdom, motivations, values, intimate knowledge of your history and what works and doesn’t work for you, I have the skills and the science of change to help you find those qualities within yourself and put them to use.

People do not change when they feel pressured, criticized, forced, or told what, when, or how to do it.

I want to offer you a place where you can make changes in the way that’s right for you.

I’m here to…

  • Help the therapy process feel safe. 

  • Support you as you explore and resolve your ambivalence. 

  • Provide the structure to help you move towards change, at your pace. 

  • Work with you as you make decisions and learn the skills and strategies you need.

  • Empower you to make your own choices rather than feeling controlled by OCD.

Learn more about how I treat OCD.

MY THERAPY STYLE

I listen. You feel heard. Then we do.

My clients describe me as “real.” I’ve been told so many times that I am the first person they’ve ever told about the thoughts that haunt them. My clients tell me I’ve helped them have courage and helped them feel safe.

My clients tell me I help them feel heard, understood, and respected. This is actually something I ask in every session. I strive to create a safe enough space and strong enough therapeutic alliance that they are comfortable telling me when I miss the mark in some way as well.

I’m not perfect, and I am going to make mistakes. I help my clients feel comfortable enough to tell me when something is just not quite right, and could be a bit better. This is one more way we become a team. This helps me help you better. I know it can be scary giving feedback. I work hard to make it easier in order to make this experience just right for you.

While the talking parts of therapy are extremely important, therapy with me is more than talking. We take action starting in session to do the things that help your brain, beliefs, and emotions change. 

What you can expect from me:

I WILL NOT:

  • Judge you.

  • Make assumptions about you.

  • Tell you what to do.

  • Ask you to do anything I wouldn’t do.

  • Keep doing the same things if you’re not getting better.

I WILL:

  • See you with compassion and listen with empathy.

  • Listen to you and believe you.

  • Help you figure out what’s right for you.

  • Do exercises with you—even (and especially) the scary things.

I will also monitor your progress, listen to your feedback, and make adjustments to our approach when needed.

My Qualifications

 

Education & Licensure

  • Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
    License # 180011543

  • National Certified Counselor

  • MA, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Bradley University 2015

Training & Experience

  • My ongoing I-CBT training is in consultation with Frederick Aardema, co-creator of I-CBT. I am part of a grass roots group of clinicians who are bringing awareness of I-CBT to the US. I cofacilitate weekly learning discussions for therapists learning and practicing I-CBT.

  • Trained in ERP through NOCD and Cognitive Behavior Institute. I participate in ongoing consultation through IOCDF.

  • I participated in Rumination Focused ERP training with creator of the approach, Dr. Michael Greenberg.

  • Trained in Motivational Interviewing through multiple trainings by Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers members, and through MINT Training of New Trainers.

  • Past and continued training in Feedback Informed Treatment through International Center for Clinical Excellence.

Professional Associations

  • Member of International OCD Foundation

  • Member of Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers