OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
How it might feel
You might find yourself stuck in loops of unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that cause distress and feel driven to do certain behaviours (compulsions) to neutralise or relieve that distress. This could look like checking, counting, cleaning, repeating phrases, seeking reassurance, or mentally reviewing things on repeat.
These thoughts might be about harm, contamination, morality, relationships, health, or making mistakes and they can feel deeply distressing, especially if they go against your values. You might worry, “Why am I thinking this?”, “What if I acted on it?”, or “What if I never get certainty?”
OCD can feel exhausting, confusing and isolating, especially if no one sees what’s going on internally. You may feel ashamed or scared of your own mind, even though the thoughts themselves are symptoms, not reflections of who you are.
How we’ll work together
We’ll start by mapping your OCD cycle, this is the triggers, thoughts, meaning you give the thoughts, and the compulsions that follow. We’ll explore how compulsions (even subtle ones like mental checking or reassurance-seeking) might be keeping you stuck.
CBT for OCD focuses on Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which helps you gradually face feared thoughts or situations without performing the usual safety behaviours. This isn’t about proving your fears are wrong, it’s about retraining your brain to tolerate uncertainty and reduce distress. We’ll go at your pace, with lots of collaboration, support and preparation.We’ll also look at shifting unhelpful beliefs about responsibility, danger, or what thoughts “mean,” and build strategies for self-compassion and resilience.