Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a specific type of anxiety disorder in which a person struggles with obsessive thoughts and they engage in compulsions to manage the obsessive thoughts and therefore alleviate anxiety, even though these compulsions might be unsettling.
An obsession is an unwanted, intrusive, and unpleasant thought, image or urge that is impossible to ignore, causing extreme anxiety, feelings of unease and at times disgust. A compulsion is a repetitive behaviour or mental action that the sufferer feels has to perform in order to temporarily relieve the unpliant feelings triggered by the obsessive thought. For example, someone with an obsessive fear of contamination might repeatedly wash their hands, clean surfaces, door handles, etc. OCD repeats in cycles, a typical OCD cycle can be as follows:
- An unwanted and unpleasant obsessive thought enters your mind.
- The obsessive thought triggers extreme anxiety.
- Compulsion automatically occurs to manage the anxiety triggered by the obsession.
- Acting out the compulsion brings about temporarily relief.
A new cycle begins when another obsession enters your mind and triggers extreme anxiety.
My approach
I am a highly trained and experienced Psychologist with more than 10 years in clinical practice, offering evidence based psychological treatment tailored to your unique needs. My approach allows me to draw from different therapeutic models and skills to offer a thoughtful therapeutic service and the best psychological care.
My qualifications
I am a Chartered Psychologist HCPC, BPS and BACP registered with more 10 years of experience in the NHS, third sector and private practice. I am a highly trained and experienced practitioner psychologist providing evidence based psychological services to individuals and couples. I apply my clinical expertise in a wide range of psychological and emotional difficulties offering a psychological service tailored to your unique needs. I aim to help you develop insight into your difficulties, acquire healthy coping strategies in order to lead a meaningful life and build meaningful relationships.