Helping Professionals Interview Series: Treating OCD and Anxiety Related Disorders with Samantha Welch, LPC of St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute
We are excited to share with you our recent interview with Samantha Welch, LPC of St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute about her approach to treating OCD and anxiety related disorders.
Samantha Welch, LPC
Samantha is a St. Louis therapist skilled at working with kids, teens and adults all over Missouri who experience OCD or other anxiety related disorders. Read more about Samantha, how she became interested in counseling and what working with her would look like below!
Why did you choose to become a counselor in St. Louis?
I was born and raised about an hour north of St. Louis and hoped to settle in the St. Louis area. When I was looking for jobs, I was hoping to find somewhere close by that specialized in treating OCD and anxiety related disorders. At that point, I found St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute and looked into doing a practicum with their Center for OCD and Anxiety Related Disorders. I completed my practicum (9 months) and post graduate fellowship (2 years of training) with the center and now work as a counselor for outpatients and individuals in the intensive outpatient program.
What kind of treatment do you provide and can you briefly share what people can expect from it?
The theoretical framework I utilize is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a focus in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I also incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well as interventions from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
When patients engage in therapy for treatment of OCD and related anxiety conditions, you can expect to be empowered to face your fears head on. I remind patients I work with that we will go at their pace and that they are in charge of their treatment. I strive to help patients feel supported, seen, and understood as they do the hard things to overcome their mental health conditions.
What ages do you work with?
I work with individuals of all ages. The youngest patient I have worked with was 5 years old. I work with kids, adolescents, and adults. I have some experience working with older adults at the IOP level of care.
How long have you been working with OCD and anxiety related disorders?
4 years
What happens during a first appointment with you?
During a first appointment I will go over typical topics like confidentiality, what to expect during appointments, etc. After that I spend time getting to know the individual and begin completing an initial evaluation.
Basically, I am working to get a comprehensive look at an individual’s mental health history and what symptoms are currently impacting them. Getting to know patients is crucial to providing treatment that is tailored to meet their needs.
Could you talk a little about your approach and how it plays into your work with people recovering from OCD and anxiety related disorders?
I use a strength-based approach when working with individuals with OCD and anxiety related disorders. I believe individuals with these conditions are extremely strong and compassionate. When given the right tools, individuals can learn how to manage their mental health conditions and live happy and fulfilling lives.
OCD, anxiety, panic, depression, and trauma can be very debilitating. I try to empower those I work with. I focus on shifting the mindset from defeated to “I can do this.” I firmly believe the mindset people approach CBT/ERP with impacts treatment outcomes.
I also work to make sure patients know they are in complete charge of treatment and its pace. However, I do remind them that if I feel they are getting stuck/having difficulty moving forward I will gently push and provide suggestions.
Who are your favorite types of clients to work with and when would you refer out?
I love working with individuals with OCD of all ages but particularly kids. OCD can really take a toll on a child and their family. I love to walk along side the kids and families as they navigate treatment for OCD. I find it extremely rewarding to be a small part in someone’s recovery journey.
I would refer out if someone I was working with needed specialized treatment for an area outside my expertise. For example, sometimes people come to therapy desiring help with their OCD or anxiety related condition, but we find that another more pressing concern is interfering with their ability to meaningfully engage in treatment. Examples include the following: substance use, mood disorders, eating disorders, difficulty regulating emotions, etc. At that point I would provide referrals and share that if they are able to get this area addressed, they are always welcome to come back for therapy for OCD or anxiety related disorders.
Is online therapy a good fit for anxiety or OCD treatment?
Virtual appointments can be a good fit for OCD and anxiety treatment. However, if I am working with a younger kid who struggles with attention or focus, I may trial doing shortened appointments such as 30 minutes. Some kids, I have found, do better with in-person treatment while others do just fine virtually.
As a clinician I try to get more creative with rapport building virtually but it is certainly doable. I would say some kids are also more comfortable doing session in an area that feels safe, such as their home. I recognize that isn’t always the case for kids though.
I’ve also found that a lot of triggers for an individual’s OCD and anxiety can be found in their home or out and about in public. Virtual appointments give us the opportunity to challenge their fears and do exposure work while engaging in the counseling session. I have found when someone struggles with severe depression or social anxiety, it can be therapeutic to have them come in office for appointments though.
Another benefit I have found to virtual appointments is the flexibility it gives to individuals and families. In working with kids and adolescents it can allow them to do appointments right after school from home or at times from a counseling office at school. Adults do just fine virtually as well. However, I think it can be challenging for older adults from a technology perspective.
What do you wish people knew about getting treatment for OCD and anxiety related disorders?
It feels super scary up front but it is SO worth it. The treatment gives people their life back. There is so much more than struggling with debilitating OCD and anxiety related disorders. I firmly believe people can live a fulfilling life with or without a mental health condition.
The other thing I would say is that if you are waiting to “feel ready” for treatment, you likely never will. Part of treatment is going unready, facing your fears, and feeling the uncomfortable feelings. You can do this. If you’re afraid you can always bring a family member or friend with you to your first appointment for support. You do not have to struggle alone.
How can people learn more and contact you?
Call St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute’s Intake Department and request an appointment with Samantha Welch, LPC.
Phone: 314-289-9411
Email: SLBMI.Intake@uhsinc.com
Share one fun fact about you that most people don’t know.
I grew up doing competitive dancing and still love to line dance.
Curious to learn more about getting treatment for anxiety? Wondering if you need to connect with a therapist in St. Louis? Contact Compassionate Counseling St. Louis to set up a free 15-minute phone consult. We’ll talk about what’s going on and best next steps - and if we’re not the right fit, we’ll connect you with other wonderful St. Louis-based therapists, like Samantha!
Curious to learn more about anxiety and anxiety-driven anger? Reach out to us at hello@compassionatecounselingstl.com. As child anxiety experts, we love working with kids, teens, college students and parents to help manage their anxiety, stress, and anger. Compassionate Counseling St. Louis is located in Clayton, MO and works with families by offering both in-person counseling and online therapy throughout Creve Couer, Ballwin, Town and Country, Brentwood, and Ladue. We also provide online therapy Missouri -wide to teens and college students. You can set up your first free consult on this website, on our consultation page.