Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is a mental health condition involving persistent intrusive thoughts, images, urges or doubts, along with repetitive behaviours or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response.
Psychologists consulting at The Victorian Psychology Clinic 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. Therapy can help people better understand OCD patterns and begin responding to intrusive thoughts in more helpful ways.
Signs and Symptoms of OCD
OCD commonly involves both obsessions and compulsions, although the way they appear 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
Experiencing some of these symptoms does not necessarily mean someone has OCD. An assessment with a qualified mental health professional can help clarify what may be going on and what support may be helpful.
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 avoidance, and build confidence in responding differently to intrusive thoughts and anxiety.
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, mindfulness-based approaches and support around the impact OCD is having on day-to-day life.
Psychologists consulting at VPC may draw on approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, including Exposure and Response Prevention where appropriate, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and other evidence-based strategies depending on the person’s presentation and goals.
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
Psychologists consulting at VPC understand the impact OCD can have on daily life, relationships and overall wellbeing. Therapy provides a safe, respectful and non-judgemental space to better understand 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
Where appropriate, psychologists consulting at VPC may also work collaboratively with families, GPs, psychiatrists or other treating professionals involved in a client’s care.
We have a number of psychologists consulting at VPC who work with OCD. TO learn more, visit our Psychologists page.
