cognitive behavior therapy
Inference-Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy for OCD
near San Jose, California
Inference-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy (IB-CBT) is a newer approach that addresses OCD symptoms by targeting the cognitive processes underlying obsessions and doubts.
While Exposure with Response Prevention is still the first line treatment for OCD, IB-CBT is considered evidence-based, especially when ERP hasn't fully resolved OCD symptoms.
How Inference-Based CBT WORKS
Inference-Based CBT is a totally different way of understanding OCD and getting out of the cycle of fear and compulsions. IB-CBT is structured around 12 modules that guide you step-by-step in understanding and dismantling OCD’s patterns. Each module builds skills to help you recognize OCD’s false narratives, separate from imagined doubts, and reconnect with reality and ultimately giving you the tools to get out of OCD and back into your life. Here is an overview:
Identify the Doubt
IB-CBT teaches you to pinpoint the obsessional doubt, not just the intrusive thought. It’s about recognizing the specific false narrative or “story” that the OCD is generating, which is often rooted in imagination and not current reality.
Exit the OCD Narrative
Rather than engaging with the content or proving the doubt wrong (as in traditional CBT), learn to step out of the OCD story entirely. This means stopping the mental review, reassurance-seeking, or compulsions that fuel the narrative.
Inferences versus Perception
Learn to distinguish between Inferential confusion (doubt based on imagination, possibility, or "what ifs"), and
perceptual reality (what is directly observed or experienced through the senses). Spot when OCD is generating a false narrative based on imagined scenarios, not facts.
Reconnect with the Present
The final step is about reconnecting with the real world, present moment, and one’s values and intentions. You focus on who you are, what you perceive, and what’s real — instead of who OCD says you might be or what might happen.
What is Right for Me:
Inference Based CBT or
Exposure with Response Prevention?
Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) and Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP) are two effective treatments for OCD, each with a unique focus.
ERP helps individuals gradually face feared situations while resisting compulsions, allowing the brain to learn that anxiety naturally decreases over time.
Inference-Based CBT targets the thought process behind obsessions—specifically the faulty reasoning and doubt that leads a person to believe intrusive thoughts are real.
Choosing between the two often depends on the person’s style of thinking and readiness for exposure; some find I-CBT’s cognitive approach a better fit, while others benefit from the experiential learning of ERP.
Personalized TREATMENT
Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT) is highly personalized. We will take the time to understand the specific themes, triggers, and reasoning patterns that drive your OCD. This is not a one size fits all treatment. Together we will map out the unique “story” behind your intrusive thoughts—identifying how doubt takes hold and what keeps it going.
I tailor interventions to match your thinking style, whether you struggle with perfectionism, guilt, fear of harm, or existential worries. For clients across California, online sessions offer the same individualized approach, ensuring that your treatment is not only evidence-based but deeply relevant to your lived experience.
IB-CBT in San Jose: What to Expect
In our initial intake session, we’ll explore your history with OCD, the types of intrusive thoughts you experience, and how they impact your daily life. I’ll also introduce the core concepts of IB-CBT and begin identifying the reasoning patterns that may be fueling your obsessions.
As we move forward with treatment, sessions will focus on mapping out specific OCD “narratives,” challenging faulty inferences, and strengthening your ability to trust your senses and present reality. Each session is collaborative and structured, with tools tailored to your thought process—not just your symptoms.
Whether you’re meeting with me in person in San Jose or through secure online therapy anywhere in California, sessions are structured around your real-life experiences and goals. You’ll leave with practical strategies you can use between sessions—not just insights, but actual changes.
Why is it important to work with an OCD specialist?
Specialized Expertise: An OCD specialist has specific training in evidence-based treatments for OCD. Many therapies that help with other disorders like anxiety and depression can actually make OCD worse.This includes traditional CBT!
Personalized Treatment: OCD specialists develop personalized treatment plans that address your unique symptoms, triggers, and goals. This individualized approach is crucial in OCD treatment, as everyone's fears and cycles are unique.
In-Depth Understanding: OCD specialists have a deep understanding of the complexities of OCD, including its various subtypes and how it can show up differently in individuals. For ERP to work, it is important that we individually conceptualize the ways that OCD is impacting you.
Proven Track Record: Choosing an OCD specialist means opting for a professional who has successfully helped many others overcome OCD symptoms.
Getting Started with Inference-Based CBT
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How do I make an appointment?Complete the Potential Client Form and I will be in touch with you within 24 hours to set up a consultation call. If we are a fit, we will will book an intake session from there. After our initial meeting, most clients meet with me weekly for 45-minute sessions, ideally at the same day and a time each week. We will meet more or less depending on your needs. If you need to change your appointment time or cancel, I require 48 hours notice to avoid a full session charge.
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How much does therapy cost and do you take insurance?My fees are $340 per 60 minute initial assessment session and $255 per 45-minute therapy session. I am an out-of-network provider for all insurance panels. If you have a PPO you may be eligible for out of network benefits and I will submit electronic claims on your behalf so that you may be partially reimbursed for your CBT sessions. You can contact your insurance company directly to find out more information about your out of network coverage.
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Do you offer in-person/face -to-face sessions?YES! It has been so good to be back in the office! I offer both in person and online therapy. My in person office is in Campbell, CA, serving the Silicon Valley region. I can provide online therapy to residents throughout California.
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Do you work with children and teens?Most of my therapy clients are adults, young adults and older teenagers. I don’t often work with children under age 11 but if you feel your child could be a good fit for me I am happy to speak with you. I also offer Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) treatment for parents seeking to help their children with anxiety disorders and OCD.
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What will our sessions be like?CBT is more structured than other types of therapy. We will start by setting an agenda and intention for the session. Then the majority of our session time will be spent on discussing your problems and applying CBT interventions. We will end with an action plan for you to take into your week. CBT, is at its core, flexible and collaborative so we will tailor our sessions to your needs.
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How long does therapy take?It truth is that treatment length varies a lot! The severity of your symptoms and how long you've had them , your motivation to work outside of session, and your life circumstances will all factor in to treatment length. Most clients start to feel some noticeable relief within three months and may achieve their goals by six months. For others it can take a year or more.
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What is a Good Faith Estimate?You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
About CAITLYN
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with a master’s degree in clinical psychology. I have been working as a therapist since 2009, specializing in Cognitive Behavior Therapy for anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive disorders. Before starting my own practice in 2021 I worked at a specialty anxiety/OCD group practice for many years, as well as community mental health, and school settings.
My practice is located in Campbell, CA in the South SF Bay Area, near San Jose, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Los Altos, Mountain View, Sunnyvale and Cupertino.
I have been working primarily with clients struggling with anxiety since 2012. Read more about my speciality training here.
My approach to anxiety and OCD treatment is compassionate and personalized. This work is challenging but we will go at your pace and focus on the symptoms that are getting in the way of your life.
Ready to get started or have more questions?
Located in CAMPBELL near SAN JOSE
Address
51 E Campbell Ave
Campbell, CA 98005
What to EXPECT
My office is located near San Jose in Campbell in the historic Heritage Village Offices. Conveniently located near restaurants and shops, my office is quiet with a peaceful courtyard view. There is plenty of parking. When you arrive at the Campbell Ave entrance, you will be greeted by our front desk staff and I show to to my private office.