OCD | Help for Obsessive Compulsive Behaviour

Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) typically include recurring obsessive thoughts, and repetitive compulsions in response to the obsession.

OCD is quite common in our society. About 1 in every 50 people develop OCD at some point in their lives, equally amongst men and women. This adds up to about 1 million people having OCD in the UK. People of all ages, including children, can develop OCD. The causes of OCD are unclear but it is believed that a number of factors contribute to the onset of OCD symptoms.

Obsessions are unpleasant thoughts, images, or urges that keep coming into a person’s mind. Obsessions will often feel more intrusive and repetitive than normal life worries. Common obsessions include fears about hygiene and cleanliness, fears about doors being locked or electrical appliances being left on or a persistent need for exactness in how things are ordered or arranged. These are just a few examples. There are many others.

Compulsions are thoughts or actions that a person feels must be done or repeated. Usually the compulsive act is in response to an obsession. A compulsion is a way of trying to deal with the distress or anxiety caused by an obsession.

The nature of obsessive compulsive behaviour

The words ‘compulsive’ and ‘obsessive’ are used frequently to describe certain behaviours (like gambling, drinking and exercising). However, these behaviours can be pleasurable. The compulsions in OCD are never pleasurable – they are always experienced as an unpleasant demand or burden. Not all people who demonstrate compulsive behaviour have OCD.

OCD affects people in different ways. The severity of OCD can range from mildly inconvenient to causing severe distress.
A person with OCD knows that the obsessions and compulsions are excessive or unreasonable. However, they find it difficult or impossible to resist them.

In addition, OCD can have a self-perpetuating effect: the more a person struggles with anxious thoughts the more profound the anxiety may become. As anxiety increases, attempts to alleviate the anxiety through compulsive actions can increase. This can create a frustrating cycle of behaviour for people suffering from OCD. Equally, there is often much shame and secrecy around OCD and many people with OCD do not tell their doctor or anyone else about their symptoms.

Counselling can help those with OCD

OCD and its symptoms are treatable. Two common ways of alleviating OCD are cognitive behavioural therapy and through the use of medication, including anti-depressant medication. In some cases of OCD, therapy and medication may be used together to alleviate OCD symptoms.

A GP or an experienced psychotherapist can discuss options for treatment for those suffering from OCD. Please get in touch if you would like further information.

A number of our counsellors are experienced in helping with OCD problems. Your first appointment will look at how obsessive compulsive behaviour might be affecting your life and we’ll consider your best options for moving forward. 

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a common mental health issue and successful treatment of OCD and its symptoms is possible.

Google Rating

4.4

Based on 37 reviews

One Therapy London

4.4

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Ana

19:38 11 Jun 21

I have just finished my last session with Ben Marks today after almost a year of therapy. Ben has helped me a lot in the last year and as a result I have seen so much progress in my personal life since I came to see him a year ago (in my work, social life and relationships). I am very happy with where I am right now in all areas of my life and going to therapy has played a huge role in that. I am also very happy to say that Ben has helped me with many practical things that I can continue to use as coping mechanisms even when not going to therapy.

Fabian Brighi

22:19 07 May 21

Professionalism and quality of therapy go way beyond any expectations. Was able to talk freely and openly, felt supported and understood, challenged and eventually learnt so much from the experience. Thank you Ben!

Stephen Nock

10:53 22 Mar 21

I only attended 2 sessions at one therapy (solely because I wanted to find somewhere closer to home) but found the 2 sessions I did have extremely useful to help me find a strategy for dealing with a short term relationship crisis. Highly recommended 😊

Graeme Padden

12:29 17 Dec 20

One Therapy provided a very professional service and kept me up to date with any communcation I needed, especially with the changing circumstances of this years events. The therapy itself was always conducted in a way where I felt comfortable, and done sensitively. It gave me confidence in how my needs were being handled and I would definitely recommend them.

Lin

13:58 16 Sep 20

Beauty Bee

13:56 16 Sep 20

Charlie Timson

12:53 08 Jul 20

My experience with One Therapy really helped me form a relationship with my mental health that I didn't have before. I feel more confident and comfortable in myself than I ever have. In terms of the therapy itself, my therapist made me feel comfortable and allowed me to open up with trust. Would definitely recommend for anyone looking into getting therapy.

William Antoniazzi

08:53 15 Jun 20

Great help and support just when I needed it. I am so grateful to my therapist for her help. Thank you, One Therapy.Will.

Milly Newman

18:26 07 Feb 20

We had couples therapy sessions with Delia at One Therapy for about 8 months. Delia made us feel comfortable pretty much instantly, but she didn't let us off easy! She challenged us and pushed us to open up (especially me, usually otherwise a closed book!) We initially started going as an alternative to traditional "marriage prep" courses which the church were offering. We knew that we had a couple of issues we'd really like to sort out before we got married, and in doing so we started to work through a lot of our own individual baggage too. Doing this together, in front of each other, definitely made us closer. It helped us to understand each other, which in turn helps us to communicate and to make each other happy. Therapy isn't a quick fix - it's not a magical process in which everything gets sorted out and you leave with a perfect relationship, but Delia definitely gave us some valuable insight and dished out a few light bulb moments which made us say "of course, that makes perfect sense, that's why I do that!". Over time we've made an effort to remember what she taught us about ourselves and each other, and we are much stronger because of it. I highly recommend Delia I think she's fantastic at what she does!

R M

21:51 22 Oct 19

I can’t recommend One Therapy enough. My experience with Ben was absolutely delightful, well as delightful as therapy can ever be I suppose. We got along from the jump and what followed was months of hard work but I’m so grateful to Ben for being a great listener, compassionate therapist and just providing a safe space for me to explore my thoughts and feelings. He is the right blend of supportive and yet challenging. I will forever be thankful for the work we did during our time together because I feel like a better me because of it.

James Fraser

13:40 15 Oct 19

The space provided by One Therapy is very welcoming and relaxing. My time with Ben was amazing. He made me feel comfortable enough to discuss any subject and feel completely supported and not judged. He was friendly and caring and helped me think through things in ways I wouldn’t have done so by myself. It was and excellent choice for therapy and I would highly recommend One Therapy to anyone!

Nicola French

15:46 13 Oct 19

Very good experience in every way: responsive and helpful after my initial contact, flexible with appointment time to accommodate work, supportive yet challenging therapist. Definitely recommend.

Kat Seale

11:01 27 Sep 19

My experience with Delia was one that has stuck with me since our very first session together over two years ago now. When I began I was quite cautious and unsure about whether therapy was for me, but over the sessions I gradually found myself relaxing into the pace with the help of Delia's patience and kindness. Working our way through each concern I brought to Delia, and by looking back at my past experiences, we were able to learn a lot about the hows and whys of my behaviour in certain difficult situations, which allowed me to tackle new arising situations from a place of more understanding. I would often leave the sessions feeling lighter than I did when I came in, and what we had discussed that day would stay with me for the next week, which allowed me the chance to observe our findings in action as well as change the way I acted according to what we had discussed. Since our sessions ended I find myself referring back to some of the things Delia taught me whenever other tricky or difficult situations in life arise, particularly in my relationships with friends, family and my wonderful girlfriend, and in doing so I am able to approach them from a more thoughtful and understanding position. Delia was always very kind, patient and understanding, and when needed she was able to - as we referred to it - "hold those feelings" that I wasn't yet able to fully sit with on my own, which I am ever grateful for. I will always be very grateful for everything Delia helped me with, and would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking therapy.

Patrick Heneghan

09:42 16 Sep 19

Sze Wing Choi

20:15 15 Sep 19

Delia is so wonderful! She's professional, kind, understanding and insightful. Would recommend to anyone.

Nick Pahl

18:49 15 Sep 19

Sarah Adewale

07:01 29 Aug 19

I attended One Therapy London and did sessions for a year. I found the sessions extremely helpful and would recommend anyone considering Therapy to give it a go. I feel it has benefited my mental health tremendously. Absolutely everyone I worked with at One Therapy were extremely professional, polite and attentive. A great experience all round.

Juliana Lopes

17:56 04 Aug 19

One Therapy London played an essential role helping me deal with important personal issues, and I always felt comfortable speaking with my therapist, who would make relevant remarks and challenge my truths without being judgemental. If I am now at a completely different stage in my life, I believe the sessions I had at One Therapy London were instrumental in my journey to reconnect with myself, as cliché as it may sound.I can't recommend it enough.

Kat Na

10:55 27 Jul 19

Great, helpful sessions that helped me go through a rough time and understand what helps me cope better. My therapist, Kate was very professional and always punctual. She had a very efficient approach, was always calm and careful with her responses and had a very positive, calm aura. I'd like to thank her for all her help and guidance! As for the company itself, it would be good if cancellation policies were less rigid and strict.

karen mattock

15:04 26 Jul 19

My only reference for One Therapy were the reviews I read online and I consider myself incredible fortunate to of found a therapist that was incredible knowledgeable and insightful who provided me with the tools I needed to deal with the lost of my brother and a massive relationship challenge. I wholeheartedly recommend Josephine.

Elias Lorenzzi

12:58 17 Jan 19

I was impressed with One Therapy right from the beginning. They were warm, professional and they answered my initial emails very quickly. Making my first appointment with them was an easy experience.I want to thank my therapist more than anything else. We spent almost 6 months together talking about my life. So much happened in our sessions and I felt like she was able to understand me in ways that I had not been able to before. She gave me a new perspective on myself and for her help I’m very grateful.I cannot recommend One Therapy highly enough. Again, I just want to say ‘thanks’.

M Dantas

14:18 15 Jan 19

After going through a very difficult time, this was my first experience of counselling. My meetings with my therapist were more helpful than I had expected. She was patient and I felt we had a good connection. I want to thank One Therapy for their help. I would recommend this service to anyone looking for therapy. Thank you.

Marjia Monsur

21:29 04 Aug 18

My therapist Mita Hiremath was an absolute delight, her warm and compassionate nature created a very safe and supportive environment, which enabled me to face some very deep and personal matters and ulitmately get through the most difficult period of my life. She helped me find myself again, start trusting myself again, love life again. It wasn't an easy journey but I have now completely turned my life around and owe a great deal to Mita. I would encourage anyone considering therapy to take the plunge and would highly recommend One Therapy as a reliable and professional service.

ElectricFilms

00:10 30 Aug 17

I have been receiving outstanding, compassionate and intelligent support from my therapist from day one. Eye-opening, life-changing, life-saving and worth every penny.

Jeff Moody

20:50 03 Oct 16

I can't recommend this service highly enough. The support I received from my counsellor in Brighton made all the difference in my life. Thank you

Katya Larina

15:32 20 Sep 16

I was attending sessions at Onetherapy practice for about 1,5 year. I am very happy with the result, sessions there really helped me. I am really grateful to my therapist, someone recommended him to me as a high professional and it proved right, thank you

hon diec

12:35 19 Sep 16

I approach One Therapy for short term counselling in May this year. I felt good about my therapist right from the beginning and the sessions with her were so useful. It helped me to resolve some issues in my career. I felt more confident to deal with the problems and stress at work.I would recommend One Therapy.

A Google User

16:15 14 Sep 14

I was recommended Psychotherapy UK by a friend, and would now not hesitate to recommend them to others. From my first session – although it's difficult to be open straightaway – I was made to feel comfortable. The consultation rooms were also clean and beautifully decorated.Sessions were directed by what I wanted to discuss that week, and I never felt pressured. The counsellors are very skilled, and some of the challenges/advice sent my way have stayed with me many years later!

Nicolas Aubry

20:39 06 Jun 14

I had debated for a long time about getting therapy for a number of personal issues as I was sceptical about whether these could be helped through talking to a complete stranger. I finally decided to take the plunge and I called Psychotherapy UK. I immediately felt completely at ease as they were very professional while showing genuine care and interest in helping me. The therapy was tailored to my specific needs and with their help, I was able to confront many issues which I had so far chosen to ignore despite their negative effects on my personal relationships and happiness. I would have no hesitation in recommending Psychotherapy UK to anyone looking to improve their relationships and self-esteem.

Mike Dolan

14:12 02 Jun 14

I had been to a variety of different services both NHS and non-NHS, but in the end I found that Psychotherapy UK Counselling Services was suited for me. My therapist gave me a sense of comfortability and ease I couldn't find with the other services, which was essential for me to open up.It is a commitment but in the end, I felt I had the tools needed to over come the issues which prohibited me going forward.For me the long term effects became evident with my ability to pounce back and deal with problems more constructively.They accommodated the price to my lifestyle and they always were patient and accepting to my individual preconceptions and scepticisms.The main thing I liked was the fact that I was always to made feel welcomed back.I highly recommend their services, and once making the step, you will not regret it.

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