Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

How does Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affect people?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterised by experiencing frequent, intrusive, and distressing thoughts (called ‘obsessive thoughts’) about a variety of topic areas (harm, sex, contamination, violent acts) and engaging in behaviours to attempt to stop such thoughts.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is classed as a common health condition, which makes it highly treatable with much evidence-based research. It is characterised by a cycle of obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that trigger anxiety or discomfort. Compulsions are repetitive behaviours that aim to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared outcome.

For example, if an individual has an obsessive thought about passing on germs to a family member, they might find themselves frequently washing their hands (this is called a ‘ritual’ or ‘compulsive behaviour’) to ensure that what is feared does not materialise. OCD can be distressing and significantly interfere with day-to-day life.

CBT therapy vs counselling: which is best?

Signs that you should seek treatment for OCD

You should consider treatment for your OCD when:
You are experiencing intrusive thoughts that cause significant anxiety. These could be thoughts about contamination, harm to yourself or others, or needing things to be perfectly ordered, which you can't shake off despite knowing they are irrational.
You are engaging in compulsive behaviours to alleviate anxiety. This might include excessive hand washing, checking things repeatedly (like locks or stoves), counting, arranging things in a specific way, or needing to perform rituals in a particular order.
You feel unable to control your thoughts or behaviours. Even when you recognize that your obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours are unreasonable, you feel compelled to engage in them.
You spend a considerable amount of your day dealing with obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours, impacting your work, social life, or sleep.
You avoid of situations that trigger anxiety. For example, avoiding certain places or activities because you fear you may experience an intrusive thought.
You feel significantly distressed by your symptoms, which interfere with your relationships, work, or overall quality of life.
What do Onebright offer?
We offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for OCD, as there is a good evidence base to suggest this is one of the most effective treatments available.
Book an appointment
Benefits of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is an evidence based, goal-oriented and collaborative psychological therapy approach that focuses on understanding the past and present connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours (termed the ‘formulation’). It also offers powerful tools, strategies, and techniques to identify, challenge and reframe unhelpful thought patterns and associated feelings and behaviours, helping to significantly improve mental health and quality of life.
Find out more
Get started by answering some simple questions below or call 020 8175 4908

Begin your journey

Onebright client liaison are available Monday to Friday between 9am-5pm (excluding bank holidays).
You must be aged 18 years or above to access our therapy services.

Frequently asked questions

There is one single cause of OCD, but research does suggest that it can develop from a number of things such as genetics, neurological, environmental and behavioural factors. Life events can trigger OCD or worsen the symptoms.
Without treatment, OCD can become chronic. It can worsen over time or fluctuate in severity. With the right treatment and support, many people can see significant improvements and learn effective strategies to manage symptoms.
If you experience intrusive thoughts and compulsions that are persistent and affect your daily life or are extremely time-consuming, it may be time to seek a medical professional for an assessment. One of our trained OCD therapists can help provide a thorough evaluation and discuss what treatment options are best for you.