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. 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 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.
Appointments available
Mondays to Fridays
7.30 am until 8.30 pm
Saturdays and Sundays
8.00 am until 6.00 pm
Call to book a first appointment
0333 207 9330
OCD and its symptoms are treatable. Two common ways of alleviating OCD are cognitive behavioural therapy and through the use of medication, but other types of therapy can also be effective. 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.
When I trained as a psychotherapist, me and my fellow students were given the assignment of doing something we’d never done before. The course tutors wanted us to get in touch with how scary it can be to do something new, to feel the fear of the unknown. I chose to …
Read more
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a practical talking therapy that helps people with problems and issues by addressing and changing how they think and behave. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy focuses on the present problems that are happening now and the relationships between thoughts…
Read moreOur personal counselling services take place in a supportive, non-judgemental atmosphere.
Read moreCouples counselling provides space for couples to discuss problems in their relationship and find resolution.
Read moreOur therapists bring a wealth of experience and training to the therapy services we provide.
Read more
Amrita works with adults in an integrative way, drawing on various therapeutic approaches tailored to meet the needs of each client She provides a safe space to help clients better understand themselves She offers short term and long term therapy Amrita has experience of working with clients on issues such as trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, relationship...
Bloomsbury
With a Masters degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, Annie offers both short and long term, open-ended therapy to individuals Her experience includes depression, stress and anxiety, bereavement, loss, personal development and trauma Annie has additional, specialist training working with survivors of rape, and adult and childhood sexual...
Soho
Antonella is a psychodynamic therapist offering short- and long-term therapy to adults She also sees couples facing issues within their relationship Since obtaining her Master’s degree in Psychodynamic Therapy & Counselling, Antonella has worked in different organisational settings (charities, NHS and university counselling services) helping people from diverse...
Bloomsbury
Kensington
Barbara brings a warm, non-judgmental, and accepting attitude to her work with clients As an integrative Psychotherapist, she draws from a range of theoretical perspectives which allows her to tailor therapy to the needs of the client Barbara thinks that healing and individual growth happen when difficulties in living are explored with empathy, and the client's unique...
Fitzrovia
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
Ben believes that at times we all struggle with the challenges life has to offer and therapy provides a safe, confidential, non-judgemental space to explore this Ben works with individuals to make sense of who they are and how they respond to the world today, and to explore new ways of being Ben is also sensitive to how difficult it might be for a client to talk to a...
Oxford Circus
Ben is an experienced psychotherapist who has helped many people through difficult times in their lives He works with clients with a wide range of personal issues around depression, anxiety, bereavement, trauma, abuse, loneliness, stresses within the workplace, low self esteem, relationship and sexual problems including performance anxiety, erectile dysfunction and...
Oxford Circus
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
Ceri works with adult clients wanting to explore a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship and family problems, issues arising from physical, emotional or psychological abuse and confidence and self-esteem issues He has particular experience of working with bereavement and loss Ceri’s training in psychodynamic and person-centred approaches to...
Soho
People come to therapy for many different reasons; whatever your reason, therapy is a unique experience It can offer you an environment where you begin to make sense of your experiences, both past and present, and discover how you feel about them Cora likes to create a space that is both safe and supportive in which she can work collaboratively with her clients...
Oxford Circus
