For Clinicians

Pediatric OCD is increasingly understood as a neurodevelopmental and neuropsychological condition, with neuroimaging research highlighting the involvement of specific threat‑detection and habit‑formation circuits (Abramovitch, Mittelman, Henin, & Geller, 2012). For children ages nine to twelve, who rely heavily on concrete thinking, developmentally attuned, neuroscience‑informed explanations are essential for engagement, but more is often required for sustained change. OCD a

At home, the push and pull of family dynamics, like how attuned caregivers are to a child’s emotions, whether parents lean toward overprotection or withdrawal, and even a family history of pain, can lead harmless sensations to be interpreted as threatening. Early experiences of secure attachment teach children that their feelings matter and can be soothed. In contrast, attachment disruptions leave threat circuits on high alert, making pain and dizziness more likely to take ro

Because when parents and therapists align, healing can begin.