Karaoke Nights: Why We Love to Sing in Puerto Rico

Living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

By: Dujardin Bonet, LCSW, MSW, BTTI

Dujardin Bonet, LCSW, MSW, BTTI is a psychotherapist and clinical social worker specializing in anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder. He provides in-person and Telehealth therapy in Rincón, Puerto Rico, at Caribbean Counseling and Wellness Center, where he works with children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups. Fluent in English, Spanish, and “Spanglish”, he offers culturally responsive care tailored to the diverse needs of his clients. Dujardin has dedicated his career to serving Latinx and BIPOC communities. He has extensive training in multicultural therapy and evidence-based treatments, including completion of the Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) for OCD. His experience spans grassroots organizations and major institutions such as Montefiore-Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Columbia-New York State Psychiatric Institute, and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. His approach integrates psychotherapy with holistic wellness to support clients in achieving a balanced and fulfilling life.

Hope, Help and Healing in Puerto Rico

What Is OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often misunderstood as simply being “neat” or “perfectionistic.” In reality, OCD is a serious mental health condition that involves persistent, unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to relieve distress. Left untreated, OCD can interfere with work, school, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Obsessions can include fears of contamination, doubts about safety or morality, unwanted aggressive or sexual thoughts, fear of offending God, fear of harming others or excessive concern with order and symmetry. Compulsions are strong urges to perform certain behaviors or mental acts in an effort to neutralize fear, reduce distress, or prevent a feared outcome. They can take many forms, such as excessive washing, checking, counting, avoiding situations, hoarding, arranging or organizing objects for symmetry, repeating words or phrases, or seeking reassurance from others. While these rituals may provide temporary relief, they ultimately reinforce anxiety, trapping individuals in a painful cycle.

In Puerto Rico, where residents already face the ongoing stress of climate disasters, power outages, political uncertainty, and financial strain, the impact of OCD can be especially challenging. Daily stressors may exacerbate intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, leaving individuals feeling isolated, misunderstood, and exhausted.

The Hidden Toll of Untreated OCD

When OCD is not properly treated, it can lead to depression, anxiety, insomnia, substance use, and other co-occurring mental health conditions. Physically, chronic stress and compulsive rituals can contribute to fatigue, sleep problems, and weakened immune response. In families, OCD can strain relationships, as loved ones may unintentionally accommodate compulsions or become frustrated with behaviors they don’t understand.

Unfortunately, stigma and misinformation prevent many people from seeking help. Too often, individuals suffer in silence, believing their symptoms are untreatable or a sign of personal weakness. But OCD is not a character flaw—it is a medical condition that responds well to evidence-based treatment.

Evidence-Based Treatment for OCD

The gold-standard treatment for OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a specialized form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). ERP helps individuals gradually face their fears and resist the urge to perform compulsions, breaking the cycle of obsession and ritual. Over time, this process reduces distress and builds confidence in managing uncertainty.

Medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may also be helpful for some individuals, especially when combined with therapy. Mindfulness-based practices, exercise, and stress-reducing activities can support recovery by improving resilience and emotional regulation.

For families, psychoeducation and support are critical. Learning how to respond without reinforcing compulsions allows loved ones to play a positive role in treatment and healing.

Finding Help Locally

At Caribbean Counseling and Wellness Center, we understand the unique challenges of living with OCD. Our mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care while recognizing the cultural, social, and environmental stressors that shape mental health in Puerto Rico. Through a blend of psychotherapies including ERP, holistic practices, and community support, we help clients reclaim their lives from the grip of OCD and move toward clarity and freedom.

If you or someone you know is struggling with obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors, remember that effective treatment is available. Reaching out for professional support is the first step in breaking the cycle and building a healthier, more fulfilling future.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit us online: www.ccwc.life