Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is a mental health condition involving persistent intrusive thoughts, images or urges, along with repetitive behaviours or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response. At The Victorian Psychology Clinic, we provide evidence-based OCD therapy for adolescents and adults in Essendon, Moonee Ponds and via telehealth.
OCD can affect many areas of life, including work, study, relationships and daily functioning. For some people, symptoms involve contamination fears or repeated checking. For others, OCD may centre around harm fears, intrusive sexual or religious thoughts, a need for certainty, or mental rituals that are not obvious to others. These experiences can be highly distressing and time-consuming, and they often continue despite the person recognising that the thoughts or behaviours do not make sense.
At VPC, we take a compassionate, collaborative and individualised approach to OCD treatment. We understand that seeking help can feel daunting, and we work with clients at a pace that feels manageable while using evidence-based approaches to support change.
Signs and Symptoms of OCD:
OCD commonly involves both obsessions and compulsions, although the way these present can vary from person to person.
Obsessions may include:
- intrusive thoughts, images or urges that feel unwanted or distressing
- contamination fears, such as fears about germs, dirt or illness
- repeated doubts about safety
- fears of causing harm to yourself or others
- a strong need for things to feel symmetrical, exact or “just right”
- distressing thoughts related to sex, religion, morality or responsibility
Compulsions may include:
- excessive cleaning or handwashing
- repeated checking of locks, appliances or mistakes
- counting, repeating, tapping or arranging things in a particular way
- reassurance seeking from others
- mental rituals, such as repeating words, phrases or prayers silently
- avoiding situations that trigger obsessions or uncertainty
Treatment for OCD
There are effective, evidence-based treatments available for OCD. Psychological therapy can help people better understand the cycle of obsessions and compulsions, reduce distress, and build confidence in responding differently to intrusive thoughts and anxiety.
At VPC, treatment for OCD is tailored to each person’s needs and may involve helping clients gradually face feared situations, reduce compulsive behaviours, and develop more flexible ways of responding to uncertainty and distress. Therapy may also include psychoeducation, anxiety management strategies, and support around the impact OCD is having on day-to-day life.
Where appropriate, treatment may be provided alongside support from a general practitioner or psychiatrist, particularly when medication is part of a person’s broader care plan.
How we can support you
Our psychologists understand the impact OCD can have on daily life and overall wellbeing. We aim to provide a safe, respectful and non-judgemental space where clients can begin to better understand their symptoms and work towards meaningful change over time.
Therapy for OCD may help with:
- understanding the cycle of obsessions, anxiety and compulsions
- reducing checking, reassurance seeking, avoidance and other compulsive behaviours
- managing distress associated with intrusive thoughts
- building tolerance for uncertainty
- improving day-to-day functioning, relationships and emotional wellbeing
