I am Dr. Johanna Wood (she/her), a clinical psychologist based in Wisconsin. I am passionate about using evidence-based treatment (in other words, using the most up-to-date science to guide clinical practice). I also “get OCD” on a personal level. Years ago now, my sister got married, and since I was in a serious relationship at the time, there was a lot of talk about when our own wedding would be. Perhaps due to the stress of their wedding being over, perhaps due to all that talk about marriage, or perhaps due to random chance, I found myself experiencing the thought “You need to break up with him.” This intrusive thought was the beginning of a spiral of desperation, anxiety, and guilt. Despite being in an OCD research lab, I had not heard about relationship OCD until I got the diagnosis. When I began treatment, I had a leg up; I already knew about ERP and OCD. In the process of completing my own therapy work, my thinking shifted. While still scary, I began to think of the idea of marriage as a leap of faith. Without uncertainty, there is no need for trust, no need for faith. Every exposure was a leap of faith, and I leaned in. Now, I am married to that man. Life is full of leaps of faith. Starting this practice was a leap of faith, too. That’s why I named it “Leap.” I want my clients to know that the risk is worth it, and that you are capable of taking those leaps, too.

Training and Experience

I earned my PhD in Clinical Psychology from Northern Illinois University in 2023. I completed my doctoral internship at Rogers Behavioral Health in the OCD and Anxiety Adult Residential Program. Since then, I have worked in a residential OCD, anxiety, and depression program as the supervisor of the clinical staff. In this role, I have gained experience with complex presentations of OCD, and built a strong toolbox to individualize treatment without sacrificing the core components of effective exposure therapy. I am a licensed psychologist in the state of Wisconsin and am a PSYPACT authorization holder.

I am a member of the Faith and OCD Action Council at the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). I am a part of the Clergy subcommittee; Our focus is providing resources and education to clergy, religious leaders, and mental health chaplains so they can better respond to folks experiencing scrupulosity and other forms of OCD. I have presented about OCD in a variety of settings, including a 2024 national webinar on scrupulous OCD and its treatment.

Just Me

In addition to being a professional and a person with OCD, I am also just a human who does regular human things. I have a wonderful husband and a sweet, cuddly dog. I enjoy playing board games and watching stand-up comedy, and I love listening to fantasy and sci-fi books on audible.