Chris Palcsak, LISW
Therapist (he/him)
I am an independently licensed social worker specialized in treating OCD. I also work with social anxiety and other anxiety-related conditions. Trained in several treatment approaches, I offer cognitive-behavioral (CBT), acceptance and commitment (ACT), and exposure therapies (e.g., exposure with response prevention) aimed at reducing distress, tolerating uncertainty, and getting more of what you want out of life. What would you be doing if not for anxiety or OCD? I want to take you there!
We get to choose a lot in life - Where to live, what we do for work, who our friends are, what we eat for dinner, etc. Unfortunately, we cannot choose our moods, worries, fears, or automatic thoughts. But we can learn to change our relationship with these thoughts and feelings, and to behave in ways that take us closer to the kind of person we want to be. This attitude of openness and workability can lead to a rich and meaning life, even when there is discomfort or distress. A life where one feels more connected to the people and things that are important to them. So that even when our thoughts and moods are difficult, uncomfortable, and unwanted, we can move through life adding purpose and value, cultivating self-compassion, and building confidence.
As an OCD and anxiety therapist, my goal is to teach effective ways of responding to worries, fears, and rumination so that you can come away from difficult experiences feeling proud of how you have handled yourself, and knowing that the anxiety or OCD was not calling the shots. By learning and applying skills, you can learn to treat your thoughts like thoughts, giving them less power and influence over your behaviors and moods, and to stop mental health symptoms from keeping you from what matters to you.
Treatment can be scary. It takes courage and grit. But it can also be incredibly empowering to stand up to your fears and gain mastery over your mental health symptoms. For me, the most rewarding part of this work is seeing people add value back into their lives. OCD and anxiety can shrink your world so dramatically that people often deprive themselves of important relationships, personal, professional, and educational goals, and limit contact with their interests and passions. Helping people overcome their fears and live in accordance with their values is what most motivates me as a clinician.
My social work career began in community mental health serving the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV. There, I helped launch and manage a community-based therapy program for people living with HIV. I have since worked in private practice helping adults cope with a variety of conditions.
Beyond my work as a therapist, I bring the perspective of someone who has worn many hats. I have pursued careers as a chef, Spanish teacher, and geographer—experiences that enhance my ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life. My approach tends to resonate with those who sometimes feel out of step with the mainstream, such as geeks, artists, and other creative spirits.
As a father of two incredible boys, I cherish creativity, exploration, and connection. Outside of work, I am passionate about music, travel, and great food. These interests reflect my belief in finding joy and meaning in life’s everyday moments; a philosophy I bring into my therapeutic work. If this interests you, please contact me for a telehealth visit.
Chris Palcsak’s license can be verified here.