Dr. Lawrence Needleman
Psychologist (he/him)
SUMMARY
Helping people suffering from OCD, PTSD, health anxiety, and other anxiety disorders to decrease their emotional pain and live fuller, more meaningful lives has been the central focus of my life and my career. It has been both my passion and privilege to do this work for many decades. My approach combines an empathic and collaborative style with the most effective research-supported treatments, while also honoring each client’s unique strengths, personality, and circumstances.
Personal History
My dedication to this work is rooted not only in decades of clinical experience, but also in my own history. Early in life, I experienced trauma that led to struggles with mood and anxiety. This motivated me to seek out ways of healing, growing stronger, and living a full, meaningful life. That journey gave me not only tools for recovery, but also a lifelong fascination with understanding people and their suffering — and a strong calling to use what I’ve learned to help others. I practice what I preach, and my personal history continues to inspire me to stay curious and committed to finding the best ways of helping clients heal.
Other Background
I recently retired from a faculty position at the OSU Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, where I developed and—for over 10 years—directed the CBT training program for psychiatry residents. During that time, I supervised and taught psychiatry residents and psychology trainees, wrote a widely regarded textbook on CBT, and received the department’s Excellence in Teaching Award.
TREATMENT APPROACH
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
My primary approach for treating OCD is Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP), often integrated with mindfulness and motivational strategies. ERP helps clients face avoided situations while resisting safety behaviors that keep symptoms going. I use a structured 12-session protocol that is highly effective for many clients. At the same time, I recognize that ERP is not always the right fit—especially for those with multiple co-occurring conditions or high levels of life stress. In those cases, I work flexibly and creatively to tailor treatment to each person’s needs.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
I also specialize in a breakthrough treatment called the Reconsolidating of Traumatic Memories (RTM) protocol (see https://thertmprotocol.com). Designed to treat PTSD, RTM has shown remarkable results in clinical studies, often resolving PTSD symptoms within just a few sessions. In RTM, clients are guided through visualization procedures that shift the way traumatic memories are stored, so that they no longer feel real or threatening in the present.
I also draw on Internal Family Systems (IFS), which helps clients compassionately connect with different “parts” of themselves. These include parts that carry old pain and parts that try to defend against future pain, though often in extreme or counterproductive ways. IFS allows clients to quickly gain deep insight into their inner struggles, cultivate compassion and appreciation for their defenses, and ultimately work through difficulties more efficiently while making meaningful behavioral changes.
In addition, I use somatic and somatosensory approaches, which recognize that trauma is often carried in the body. By focusing on sensations, posture, and movement, these approaches help clients release trauma and restore a greater sense of safety, regulation, and resilience.
Other Anxiety Disorders
Beyond OCD and PTSD, I have extensive experience with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for a wide range of anxiety disorders, including Panic Disorder (using a brief protocol I developed), Agoraphobia, Health Anxiety, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Therapy Focus
Many people can experience dramatic improvement from time-limited, focused treatment—especially when symptoms are more recent and life circumstances are stable. Over the years, I have emphasized developing and delivering these kinds of rapid, highly effective treatments, because I want my clients to return to living fully as soon as possible. At the same time, I also work with individuals whose histories of complex trauma require a longer-term, steadier approach, building stability and resilience before deeper healing.
Closing
If you are struggling with OCD, PTSD, health anxiety, or another anxiety disorder, please know that healing is possible. I would be honored to partner with you in finding relief and helping you create a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Dr. Needleman is an independent contractor at Columbus OCD and Anxiety Clinic.