Hidden Gems: Meet Ken Cunningham of Anxiety and OCD Therapy Center

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ken Cunningham

Hi Ken, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been fascinated by understanding the human mind and how it works. Growing up, I witnessed my older sister struggle with severe mental health issues, which deeply impacted me and made me want to understand how to support others in similar situations. At the same time, I’ve always been on the sensitive side with a tendency to overthink and worry. I think the combination of these naturally led me to want to learn more about mental health and eventually, to help others.

Over the last decade, through both my professional experience and grad school, I have worked with clients facing a variety of mental health struggles. Although I’ve worked in different settings, I’ve always found myself drawn to working with anxiety and OCD, not only because these struggles are relatable to me but also because of the structured and evidence-based nature of their treatment. I am not necessarily saying that it is always easy to treat anxiety and OCD, but they are some of the mental struggles that are well studied and can be treated effectively with the right approach. I’ve always been drawn to therapies backed by research—what’s known as evidence-based therapy.

After ten years of experience, I launched Anxiety and OCD Therapy Center in December, 2024. It honestly felt like the natural next step in my journey. Starting my own practice had been a goal of mine for a long time because I wanted the freedom to focus on approaches I believe in and provide the best care for my clients. I finally decided it was time to make that happen.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting my private practice has certainly come with its challenges. Transitioning from a stable and structured role to running my own business has been a big leap. While I knew and assumed there would be a lot to manage, there are always unexpected aspects of running a business that you don’t anticipate—whether it’s handling administrative tasks, developing marketing strategies, or managing the logistics of the practice. At times, it feels overwhelming, but I’ve come to accept these challenges as part of the growth process. Building trust and establishing a reputation takes time, but I’m embracing these obstacles as part of my journey.

On a more personal level, losing my father in 2017 and my sister in 2021 has been a profoundly difficult life obstacle that I continue to navigate. These experiences have taught me that life is often beyond our control, and things don’t always go as expected or planned. There are always surprises. At the same time, these losses have helped me view life and people from a different lens. It was a very vivid reminder that life is difficult and comes with hard and sometimes painful experiences. As humans, that is the reality for all of us. We’re all in this together, and it has helped me have more empathy and compassion for those around me—especially for those I help treat.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Anxiety and OCD Therapy Center, I specialize in helping adults who are struggling with anxiety and OCD. While I know traditional talk therapy can certainly provide value by offering a space to be heard, I believe that sometimes we need to be more active in our approach to healing. Talking about our problems can feel good in the moment, but if we don’t take steps to actively address and work through them, progress can be slow or limited. My approach incorporates evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness techniques.

My goal is to equip clients with tools and strategies to overcome their struggles and build resilience. In a sense, I empower them to become their own therapist. Together, we create a personalized plan and move towards a life they truly want to live.

Anxiety and OCD can feel overwhelming and disruptive, but my focus is to guide clients to a place where these challenges no longer control their lives. It’s not about eliminating anxiety, because that’s not realistic. It’s more about better managing it so it doesn’t get in the way.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was always active, spending most of my time outside since my parents didn’t allow me to have video games (which, I am grateful for). Sports, especially soccer, was a big part of my life, and I loved staying active.

I was a bit shy in certain situations, but I was fortunate to have a great group of friends and always enjoyed being with them. I’ve also always been sensitive and curious. With my father being American and my mother Japanese, I had the unique experience of growing up with a mix of cultures, which shaped my perspective in many ways. I’d like to believe that my curiosity and studious nature have stayed with me, influencing both my personal and professional life.

Pricing:

• Session Fee: $200 per session (individual therapy)
• Sliding Scale: Available upon request for those with financial need

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aocdtherapy.com