Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Counselling

What you need to know about OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common, long-term condition marked by thoughts that make you feel anxious (obsessions) and behaviours you engage in to reduce this anxiety (compulsions).

Anxiety-provoking thoughts can preoccupy the mind and will not disappear, despite your best efforts not to think of them.

Thoughts could centre on contamination by germs, or that someone will be harmed because of your negligence. You may see pictures in your mind of violent or sexual images which are completely out of character; however, importantly you do not act upon these images.

To help reduce the anxiety caused by these negative thoughts you may have rituals such as washing hands repeatedly, constant checking, and constantly asking for reassurance from others that everything is okay.

OCD can disable life to such a dramatic extent that depression can also be a problem, as well as damage personal and professional relationships.

OCD can be diagnosed if the obsessions and compulsions take up excessive amounts of time (approx. more than an hour), lead to significant distress and interfere with daily functioning in domestic life, study, work, social life, relationships. 

If you suffer from any of the issues listed, you may benefit from making an appointment with an OCD therapist.

What is counselling for OCD?

Counselling and psychotherapy can be highly successful methods in overcoming obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Counselling treatments for OCD involve working through a therapy programme to control the obsessions and associated rituals that maintain the disorder.

Cognitive behavioural therapy, in particular, has been proven to provide relief from intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.

In the safe and confidential environment of the therapy room, you and your therapist will begin to untangle anxiety from reality and fact automatic intrusive thoughts, breaking the cycle between these thoughts and damaging compulsions.

You and your therapist can explore the underlying causes to your OCD ensuring that these issues have been addressed to prevent future episodes.

All activities undertaken during the therapy session will be at your own pace, and you will not be made to undertake activities that you do not wish to do. 

Benefits of counselling and psychotherapy for OCD:

• Helps you to understand the root causes of your OCD
• Examines the thoughts, feelings and behaviours that maintain the cycle of OCD
• Gain self-understanding and insight, including identifying triggers
• Develops tailor-made coping strategies to replace safety behaviours.

OCD treatment at Harley Therapy™, London

Harley Therapy will connect you with a therapist experienced in treating obsessive compulsive disorder. Together you will address the underlying causes of the issue, gain control over your obsessions and/or rituals and get equipped with the necessary tools to lead a healthier life.

Please call to arrange an initial assessment for your specific issues. 

Further reading on OCD

• Do you have OCD? What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
• Self-Help: Managing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder with a Four-Step Model 
• 'Getting Over OCD: A 10 Step Workbook for Taking Back Your Life' (2009). J. Abramowitz. 
• 'Obsessive Compulsive Disorder' (2002) by Frederick Toates & Olga Coschug-Toates

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Issues for OCD Counselling

• Checking
• Contamination Fears, e.g. excessive washing
• Compulsive Habits
• Intrusive thoughts (sexual, religious, violent, magical thinking)
• Mental Rituals
• Hoarding
• Symmetry and Ordering