Clara Somogyi, LISW
As a therapist who specializes in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders, I strive to create a therapeutic space that is compassionate, collaborative, and individualized. I value getting to know my clients as people and understanding what matters most to them. My goal is to help you develop new ways of responding to OCD and anxiety so that these challenges have less influence over how you live your life.
I specialize in the treatment of OCD using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), an evidence-based treatment that helps people learn to face feared situations and uncertainty while reducing the compulsions and avoidance that keep OCD going. I have worked with individuals with OCD for approximately three years and have developed a strong commitment to this area of practice.
Therapist (she/her)
My connection to OCD treatment is also personal. After struggling with symptoms for much of my life, I was diagnosed with OCD about six years ago and completed ERP myself. ERP changed the trajectory of my life and gave me a firsthand appreciation for both how difficult this work can be and how meaningful the results can be. This experience is one of the reasons I am so passionate about helping others access effective OCD treatment.
I earned both my undergraduate degree and Master of Social Work from Ohio University and am a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Ohio, Michigan, and Massachusetts. After graduate school, I remained in the Athens area, where I worked with young children and families and developed a particular interest in supporting individuals during the perinatal period.
In my clinical work, I primarily use ERP, which is considered a first-line treatment for OCD. I completed three months of specialized ERP training through the NOCD Academy and subsequently provided OCD treatment through NOCD for nearly two years. I also have experience using Habit Reversal Training (HRT) to treat body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), including skin picking and hair pulling. In addition to OCD and BFRBs, I have experience treating anxiety disorders, specific phobias, and depression using evidence-based approaches including ERP, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), behavioral activation, and person-centered interventions. I have also completed specialized training in perinatal mental health through Postpartum Support International. I find it especially gratifying to help new parents who are struggling with OCD.
Outside of work, I am happily married and share my home with two cats that my husband and I love doting on. I enjoy live music, reading, crafting, spending time with friends, and being outdoors in the sun.
Starting ERP can feel intimidating, particularly when OCD has spent a long time convincing you that your fears need to be avoided or resolved. My role is to help you approach this work at a pace that is challenging but manageable, while providing support, encouragement, and a clear rationale for what we are doing. Seeking treatment is an important first step, and I look forward to helping you build greater freedom from OCD and anxiety.