OCD
What Is OCD?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is more than simply liking things tidy or wanting everything to be just right. It can involve unwanted thoughts, worries or images that keep popping into your mind, often causing significant anxiety or distress. To try to ease these feelings, someone might develop repetitive behaviours or mental rituals, such as checking, cleaning, counting or repeatedly seeking reassurance, but the relief is often short-lived and the cycle starts again.
At The Oak Tree Practice, our experienced psychologists offer a warm and understanding space where you can talk openly about what you are experiencing, without fear of judgement. Through tailored OCD counselling and therapy, we can help you work towards feeling more in control of your thoughts and daily life.
What Are Common OCD Symptoms?
OCD can affect people in different ways, but it often involves unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviours that can become difficult to control. Obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms may include:
Repeatedly checking doors, windows or appliances.
Excessive handwashing or cleaning due to fears of germs.
Intrusive thoughts that cause distress or anxiety.
Repeatedly going over conversations or events in your mind.
Spending significant time on routines or rituals that feel difficult to stop.
Feeling the need to count, repeat words or perform actions a certain number of times.
How To Treat OCD
Step 1: Recognise The Signs
Understanding your thoughts, feelings and behaviours is the first step towards making sense of your OCD and how it may be affecting your everyday life.
Step 2: Get To Know Your Triggers
Taking time to understand what brings on obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviours can help you see the patterns that have become part of everyday life.
Step 3: OCD Treatment
With the right support, OCD counselling can help you find new ways to respond to unwanted thoughts, gradually reduce compulsive behaviours and feel more comfortable everyday.
Are There OCD Therapists Near Me?
Yes, finding the right support doesn’t have to mean travelling far! The Oak Tree Practice offers OCD therapy in London at our clinics in Finchley (N3 1QB), Angel (EC1V 1LR), Brixton/Clapham (SW2 5UL) and Stratford (E15 1NT), as well as in Chapel Allerton in Leeds (LS7 4NY).
If getting to a clinic isn’t convenient, home visits may be available on request. We also offer online appointments and telephone counselling, so you can access support wherever you are in the UK, from Aberdeen, Bath and Birmingham to Manchester, Nottingham, Warwick, Windsor and beyond.
Does Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Help With OCD?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely recommended approaches for treating OCD, helping people understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. With the right OCD therapy, you can learn to respond differently to intrusive thoughts, gradually reduce compulsive behaviours and feel less controlled by the cycle of OCD.
At The Oak Tree Practice, we are here to help, so get in touch to find out how we can support you! Enquire via our contact form, book online, Whatsapp us on 07926 713 198 or call us on
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Frequently Asked Questions About Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
What Causes OCD?
OCD can develop for a number of reasons and there isn’t always one clear explanation for why someone experiences it. Genetics, differences in brain function, stressful experiences and significant life changes may all play a part, but OCD is never a sign of weakness or something you’ve done wrong.
Are OCD Symptoms In Women Different To Men?
OCD can affect both women and men, although the thoughts and behaviours someone experiences may vary from person to person. Women may notice changes in their symptoms during pregnancy or after childbirth, and other hormonal changes throughout life can also influence how OCD feels and presents.
Can OCD Be Cured?
Although there isn’t a guaranteed cure for OCD, it is absolutely possible to reach a point where it no longer takes over so much of your life. With the right support and treatment, many people learn to manage their thoughts and behaviours more comfortably and feel like themselves again.
Are You Born With OCD?
OCD isn’t usually something you’re simply born with, although genetic factors may make some people more likely to develop it. Symptoms can begin during childhood, teenage years or adulthood, sometimes following a particularly stressful period or significant life event.
Are There Different Types Of OCD?
Yes, OCD can show up in lots of different ways and it isn’t always about cleaning or checking things repeatedly. Some people struggle with intrusive thoughts about harming others, contamination, relationships, making mistakes or need constant reassurance, while others experience compulsions that happen entirely in their minds.
Can You Have ADHD And OCD?
Yes, it’s possible to have both ADHD and OCD, although they are two different conditions with their own patterns and challenges. ADHD can involve difficulties with attention, organisation and impulsivity, while OCD is associated with unwanted intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours, so having both can sometimes make everyday life feel particularly overwhelming. At The Oak Tree Practice, we can help you better understand and manage these challenges through tailored psychological support.
