What Is OCD?
Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that involves intrusive, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) that are carried out to reduce anxiety or prevent feared outcomes.
OCD is not simply about being neat or liking things in order – it can be exhausting, time-consuming and deeply disruptive to daily life.
Common experiences include:
- Intrusive thoughts or images that feel frightening, disturbing or out of character
- Repeated checking, cleaning or counting behaviours
- Mental rituals such as repeating words, analysing memories or seeking reassurance
- Fear of harm coming to yourself or others if certain actions are not carried out
- Avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety or obsessions
- Feelings of shame, guilt or isolation about your thoughts or behaviours
OCD can affect anyone, regardless of age or background, and often co-occurs with anxiety, depression or stress.
How Can Therapy Help?
Therapy provides a safe, confidential space to talk about your experiences without judgment. It can help you:
- Understand how OCD works and what maintains the cycle of obsessions and compulsions
- Learn practical tools to reduce compulsive behaviours and avoidance
- Build resilience in tolerating uncertainty and anxiety
- Develop compassion for yourself, especially if you feel ashamed of your symptoms
- Address any related difficulties, such as trauma, stress or low mood
Therapy does not aim to eliminate every intrusive thought, which are a normal part of being human, but to change your relationship with them, so they feel less powerful and overwhelming.
What Approaches Might Be Used?
Evidence-based therapies can be highly effective for OCD, including:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): the recommended first-line therapy for OCD, particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which helps break the cycle of obsessions and compulsions
- Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT): helps reduce shame and build self-kindness when intrusive thoughts feel distressing or unacceptable
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): supports you in relating differently to intrusive thoughts and focusing on your values rather than avoidance
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR): may be helpful if past trauma contributes to your OCD symptoms or distress
Your psychologist will discuss with you which approach, or combination, may be most helpful.
Is Therapy Right for You?
Therapy may be helpful if you are:
- Spending significant time each day on compulsions or rituals
- Distressed by intrusive thoughts, images or urges
- Avoiding situations or activities because of OCD
- Feeling guilty, ashamed or isolated because of your symptoms
- Struggling with related anxiety, low mood or self-criticism
- Wanting to understand your OCD and develop new ways of coping
At Seven Lion Yard, we offer thoughtful, evidence-based therapy for OCD, tailored to your individual needs. Our aim is to support you in breaking free from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions so you can live with greater freedom, clarity and confidence.
