Testimonials

"OCD is a very powerful disease and can change the way you look at life completely. It was torture, misery, fear, and entanglement all in one. I couldn't take a step without ritualizing. I couldn't be called by my own name. I could only say certain words. I was becoming a prisoner to OCD very quickly. I couldn't play or talk to my sisters. I couldn't interact with my pets. I was only able to live in two rooms of my house. I then began to look into treatment programs. I came across a place in California and decided to seek treatment there. After three weeks of treatment my life changed tremendously. I began to become freer and to have more control over my life. I am able to visit with my family, hang out with my friends, go to the movies, and do many things I could never do before. I still often wondered why I ever got selected to have this particular disorder or what I did to disserve this. But that doesn't matter right now. What matters is that I'm a lot better. And I have more control over my life and can be free again."

"My 6-year old daughter went to bed on April 22, 2004 and woke up a different child. She finished the 3-week intensive treatment with Dr. Gorbis of the Westwood Institute for Anxiety Disorders. My daughter's onset was acute, dramatic, and very scary. On May 20, 2004, Dr. Gorbis accurately diagnosed my daughter with OCD (PANDAS). My daughter immediately responded to the treatment. Within 4 days of treatment she scored a 14 on the YBOCS down from her initial scoring of 21. Dr. Gorbis has incredible insight, and dedication to her patients. I believe she feels a genuine bond with those that she treats; therefore creating the much-needed trust for successful outcomes. She was able to precisely create and adjust the treatment to my daughter's problems. The result of the treatment was very successful. On the last day of treatment her score was a 1."

"I have suffered from OCD for most of my childhood and young adulthood. I have tried various medications and have worked with many different therapists and I have had little success. After attending a three-week session with Dr. Eda Gorbis, I can proudly say that I have control over my life again. When I came to her, I couldn't do many things. I couldn't live a normal life. I was afraid of going blind, going deaf, contamination, and had a fear of dying...I never thought I could manage OCD, but thanks to Dr. Eda Gorbis I can function again. The program was a miracle for me. I can control my OCD, and do anything..."

"We realize that this is your job -- to work with OCD. But you go so far beyond anything any other therapist has ever done. You are such a shining star in your field. Before we met you, it seemed that there was no hope for relief from a devastating, mysterious illness -- and R was suffering so greatly. We are eternally grateful for you and for all your efforts. You are a skilled doctor who also has a compassionate heart. R loves you and trusts you. We love you and trust you. We don't know what you do or how you do it. We just know that whatever you do, works."

"Three weeks ago I came to LA not knowing what to expect. I truly believed I desired to be miserable. I thought my OCD was me. I thought I was my OCD, my thoughts and feelings were all entwined like dreadlocks that get worse and worse over time. Your encouragement and dedication means more to me than I can express. I thank you from the bottom of my heart...Thank you Dr. Gorbis for everything. This must be the best thing anyone has ever done for me. Dr. Gorbis, you are an inspiration to me. Your energy, enthusiasm, motivation, and warmth are a true afflatus. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from you! You've left footprints in my heart and I will never ever be the same."

"Our daughter J, recently experienced an outstanding week working with both Dr. Eda Gorbis and Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz...J,15, had an acute onset of OCD two years ago as a result of the first strep infection she ever had. Since then, she has worked with excellent doctors and therapists in Chicago, but the ER&P for her thought compulsions...have not been responding to therapy. The symptoms have made even day to day choices of where to walk or sit extremely anxiety producing. We are very pleased with the results. I honestly believe that Drs. Gorbis and Schwartz have an approach which combines existing therapeutic models and goes beyond at the same time. Their suggestions and ways of coping with J's particular thoughts has given J the ability to move forward, to once again take charge and do exposures throughout the day."

"I just wanted to write you a short note to let you know that not a day goes by that we don't think of you and thank God for all your patience and skill. I know it was all the hard work, unwavering determination and desire on your part and K's that has given K a new lease on life. He is doing very well and continually comments on what 'a miracle worker' you are...He is free to actually enjoy life. He is doing well in New York. He goes to High School for a few classes, he is home schooled for two and is in the school play. He has made a few friends and is really coming into his own. How can a parent thank you for all of that?"

"I know of no other therapist in the field of OCD therapy anywhere in the United States--and I dare say the world -- who can begin to compare with Dr. Gorbis. Under the care of Dr. Gorbis, our son has found this [OCD] to be a manageable condition that is annoying at times but no longer devastating to him and to his family."

My 18-year-old daughter, E, arrived at Dr. G's door in October 2010 despondent, defeated, barely functional and suicidal. Dr G's evaluation of Ewas unforgettable, not only because it was thorough, taking Eve hours over two consecutive days, but within the first 15 minutes after listening to Dr. G comment and elaborate on E's answers to questions, Eand I realized that wehad found a medical professional who understood the very demons Emily had been Hghtingl Sitting on opposite sides of the room, our eyes locked in that moment of recognition. Feelings of immense relief and hope filled my heart. l knew instinctively, after four years of regular visits with therapists and psychiatrists, that the expert before us was going to diagnose E correctly, that we would find the core of E's problems, the source of her agony, no longer only treating symptoms but the disease itself. E placed her complete trust and hope in Dr. G, pleading to be admitted for treatment.

Learn more about E's story here:

"Thank you, thank you, thank you for believing in her as we did. I believe we have a new girl -- a girl with the tools she will use for the rest of her life. We knew this would work, but it is only you that could get through to her. Thank you for saving our girl from that terrible prison she was in--the doors are now open."