Obsessive Compulsive Disorder/OCD Therapy & Counselling
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a serious and often debilitating mental health condition that affects people of all ages and walks of life, and occurs when a person gets caught in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions.
Most people have obsessive thoughts and/or compulsive behaviours at some point in their lives, but that does not mean that we all have “some OCD.” In order for a diagnosis of OCD to be made, this cycle of obsessions and compulsions must be so extreme that it consumes a lot of time (more than an hour every day), causes intense distress, or gets in the way of important activities that the person values
What exactly are Obsessions and Compulsions?
Obsessions
Obsessions are thoughts, images, or impulses that occur over and over again and feel outside of the person’s control. Individuals with OCD do not want to have these thoughts and find them disturbing. In most cases, people with OCD have some insight — they realize that these thoughts are illogical.
Obsessions are typically accompanied by intense and uncomfortable feelings such as fear, disgust, uncertainty, and/or doubt, or a feeling that things have to be done in a way that is “just right.” In the context of OCD, obsessions are time-consuming and get in the way of important activities the person values. This last part is extremely important to keep in mind as it, in part, determines whether someone has OCD — a psychological disorder — rather than an obsessive personality trait.
Common Obsessions in OCD:
- An excessive fear of being contaminated by dirt or germs
- Uncertainty and doubt leading to repetitive checking and counting
- A need to follow a strict routine
- Silently repeating a word or phrase or prayers
- Extreme thoughts about illness, accidents or death to the person or to others and the need to prevent this harm
- Unwanted sexual or violent thoughts
- Thoughts about acting inappropriately in public
- Preoccupation with religious or moral issues
- Needing reassurance from others
Compulsions
Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or thoughts that a person uses to neutralise or counteract the obsession — essentially to try and make their obsessions go away. People with OCD realise this is only a temporary solution, but without a better way to cope, they rely on compulsions nonetheless. Compulsions can also include avoiding situations that trigger obsessions. They are time-consuming and get in the way of important activities the person values.
Common Compulsions in OCD:
- Excessive house cleaning, hand washing, showering, tooth brushing. An obsession about germs may also lead to avoiding touching others’ hands and surfaces such as toilets
- Needing things to be orderly or symmetrical, or following certain patterns
- Hair pulling and skin picking
- Hoarding random objects
- Repeatedly checking that doors have been locked and appliances turned off
- Repeating routine activities and actions such as picking something up, opening a drawer, moving from one place to another
- Touching or tapping out a sequence a certain number of times
- Fixating on particular words or numbers that are considered “safe”
- Repeatedly asking questions
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder/OCD Treatment
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is a commonly used form of counselling for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). A specific type of CBT, called exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) [Linke it to Response Prevention Therapy] has been found to be effective for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. It involves being exposed to situations that provoke your obsessions, and learning to prevent your usual response (performing compulsions).
You start with exposure to situations or thoughts that cause the least amount of anxiety for you, and very gradually work up to situations that usually make you very anxious. You are slowly guided and supported to experience these situations and manage your anxiety without having to perform your compulsions. The aim is to show that performing your compulsions is not necessary to prevent the feared outcome.
This treatment, by its very nature, provokes anxiety because you are learning to confront your fears. But many people with OCD find that their symptoms and quality of life improve following this type of treatment. If you have severe symptoms, you may tolerate ERP better if you start medication before starting ERP.
Online OCD Counselling & Therapy Australia | OCD Clinic
We are trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP). We are also at Sehat Psychology, Beck Institute CBT Certified Clinicians that demonstrate our expertise in the most evidence-based psychotherapy treatment for OCD. You can contact us on (08) 7079 9529 or email admin@sehatpsychology.com.au to book an appointment (telehealth or face to face) with our OCD therapist.
Adelaide Psychology Clinic | Adelaide Psychologists & Therapists
Our treatment team of therapists stands out as being expert in the field of Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP), a proven and effective approach for treating OCD. With extensive experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of psychological issues, our clinic is committed to guiding you through your journey to emotional well-being.