Obsessive compulsive disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition involving obsessive thoughts and compulsions to act in particular ways.

OCD is quite common in our society. About 1 in 50 people develop OCD at some point in their lives, with men and women affected equally. People of all ages, including children, can develop OCD. 

Obsessions are unpleasant thoughts, images or urges that keep coming into a person’s mind. Obsessions tend to feel more intrusive and repetitive than normal worries. Common obsessions focus on hygiene and cleanliness, safety and tidiness, though there are many others.

Obsessions cause distress; compulsions are the things that people do to try to relieve that distress. Common compulsions include hand-washing, checking that a door is locked and repeating specific phrases.

The nature of obsessive compulsive behaviour

The words compulsive and obsessive are often used in relation to behaviours such as gambling, drinking and exercising. However, these behaviours can be pleasurable. The obsessions and compulsions of OCD are never pleasurable – they are always experienced as an unpleasant demand or burden. Not all people who demonstrate compulsive behaviour have OCD.

A person with OCD knows that their obsessions and compulsions are excessive or irrational. However, they find it difficult or impossible to resist them. Compulsions aren’t about being safe, clean or tidy, for example; they are about stopping the obsessive thoughts.

Initially the compulsive behaviour relieves the anxiety created by the obsessive thought, but that relief is only temporary. The obsessive thought recurs and the person feels compelled to repeat the compulsive behaviour. This can become a self-perpetuating cycle.

Many people with OCD feel great shame. They think they should be able to get it under control. Often they keep their obsessions and compulsions secret and may not seek help for fear of being judged. 

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Counselling can help those with OCD

OCD can be treated with therapy, which may be accompanied by medication. An experienced therapist will help someone suffering from OCD to gradually increase their capacity to cope with anxiety. This will enable them to resist their compulsions for longer, which in turn will gradually reduce their anxiety.

Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, is often mentioned in connection with OCD, but other types of therapy can also be effective.

Our therapists are carefully picked for their experience, warmth and empathy. They won’t judge you.

If you would like further information, please contact us or book an initial consultation

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Counselling for individuals

Personal counselling can be about anything that is on your mind.

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Couples counselling provides space for couples to discuss problems in their relationship and find solutions.

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Our therapists

We have over 30 qualified and experienced therapists to choose from.

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One Therapy London

Counselling, psychotherapy, couples counselling in London since 2006

Roz Urquhart

Roz is a psychoanalytic psychotherapist, who offers both long- and short-term psychotherapy She works with a varied client group offering a welcoming, safe and confidential therapeutic space in which to help her clients explore and process the issues that are bringing them into therapy Roz supports her clients to focus on unconscious processes, inner conflicts and...

Oxford Circus

Natasha Maidment

Natasha is a person–centred counsellor and psychotherapist who will provide you with a safe, empathetic and non-judgemental space to explore any thoughts or concerns you wish to bring She works with a range of issues including anxiety, stress, critical thoughts, trauma, relationship issues, identity, depression, loss and low self-esteem Natasha offers a...

Oxford Circus

Yussef Ferguson

Yussef is a psychodynamic psychotherapist who offers both long and short term personal therapy to individuals He has experience of working with a diverse range of clients and can provide a warm, confidential space to explore and gain insight into any past or present personal difficulties and experiences Yussef works with issues such as anxiety, depression, loss,...

Oxford Circus

Therapist Rhiannon Whipps
Rhiannon Whipps

Rhiannon is a psychodynamic counsellor and psychotherapist with over ten years experience of working within the field of mental health Rhiannon provides an empathic and non-judgemental therapeutic space for her clients to explore any difficulties which they may be facing Within the safety of a confidential environment, she encourages her clients to openly explore...

Soho

Therapist Stamatia Lorentzou
Stamatia Lorentzou

Stamatia draws on a broad range of theories of psychotherapy She works collaboratively with her clients to understand the causes of their concern and find ways to move forward Stamatia offers both short-term and longer-term therapy She has worked in various organisational settings with individuals seeking to address relationship issues, low self esteem, separation,...

Bloomsbury

Therapist Barbara Perini
Barbara Perini

Barbara is an accredited member of BACP, holding an MSc in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and adhering to the BACP ethical framework Her approach is open-ended, offering both short-term and long-term therapy Barbara has also trained in Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT), a short-term (16 sessions), semi-structured individual therapy developed for mood...

Oxford Circus

Therapist Catherine Hammett
Catherine Hammett

Catherine offers a safe, confidential space for clients bringing a wide range of issues to therapy  These include anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, anger and work-related stress  Catherine also supports clients experiencing depression, bereavement and life transitions  Among her specialist interests are post-traumatic growth and working with adult...

Oxford Circus

Therapist Evan Bates
Evan Bates

Evan is a psychodynamic therapist, offering both long and short term therapy He creates a non-judgemental and reflective space to help clients explore their difficulties and concerns Working together to understand the connections between past and current relationships, Evan supports clients in developing a deeper awareness of their recurring emotional patterns and further...

Soho

Therapist Mita Hiremath
Mita Hiremath

Mita has been involved in the field of counselling and psychotherapy for over 30 years and has a wealth of experience working in the voluntary sector, the NHS and private practice She is a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist Additionally, she holds an MSc in Psychotherapy and is a trained EMDR therapist She has also facilitated support groups in the voluntary...

Bloomsbury

Therapist Silvi Naskinova
Silvi Naskinova

Silvi is a psychodynamic psychotherapist offering both long- and short-term therapy  She aims to provide a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space for her clients to explore whatever is on their minds Her work helps individuals understand how their experiences (both past and present) and any unconscious forces might be impacting their relationships and ways of coping...

Oxford Circus