Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Counselling in Exeter

Photo of Dr Ailsa Lee, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Ailsa Lee
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Exeter EX4
I specialise in supporting people with depression and anxiety difficulties, including OCD, Generalised Anxiety (GAD), Panic, Health Anxiety, Social Anxiety.
I am a warm and compassionate Chartered Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC). I have worked in mental health services within the NHS for over 10 years. I am based in Exeter and offer support to adults with anxiety and mood difficulties using a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach. I can meet with you face to face at my practice rooms in central Exeter or online via video call. My main approach is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and I incorporate ideas from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT) and Narrative Therapy where these may be helpful.
I specialise in supporting people with depression and anxiety difficulties, including OCD, Generalised Anxiety (GAD), Panic, Health Anxiety, Social Anxiety.
I am a warm and compassionate Chartered Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC). I have worked in mental health services within the NHS for over 10 years. I am based in Exeter and offer support to adults with anxiety and mood difficulties using a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach. I can meet with you face to face at my practice rooms in central Exeter or online via video call. My main approach is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and I incorporate ideas from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT) and Narrative Therapy where these may be helpful.
01392 321571 View 01392 321571
Photo of Cliodhna O Leary, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Cliodhna O Leary
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Exeter EX2  (Online Only)
I can support people with a range of difficulties such as anxiety, OCD, low self esteem and trauma related difficulties.
I am a qualified clinical psychologist with 9 years experience supporting people with mental health difficulties in the NHS. My aim when supporting someone is to hear their story & help build an understanding of who they are & what they would like to work on. My hope is to provide a safe space for people to explore their difficulties and move towards their goals. If you would like to learn more about yourself, your experiences and why you think and feel the way you do, I would like to support you on this journey.
I can support people with a range of difficulties such as anxiety, OCD, low self esteem and trauma related difficulties.
I am a qualified clinical psychologist with 9 years experience supporting people with mental health difficulties in the NHS. My aim when supporting someone is to hear their story & help build an understanding of who they are & what they would like to work on. My hope is to provide a safe space for people to explore their difficulties and move towards their goals. If you would like to learn more about yourself, your experiences and why you think and feel the way you do, I would like to support you on this journey.
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Photo of Bernadette Jones, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Bernadette Jones
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Exeter EX1
I specialise in supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, health anxiety and trauma.
I offer face to face and online therapy for individuals & couples. I am an experienced Person Centred and Cognitive Behavioural Therapist providing an environment helping you understand what maintains problems by exploring your thoughts, emotions, beliefs and behaviours; enabling you to move towards your goals. I have supported many clients experiencing anxiety (generalised/ health/ social), OCD, depression, panic & agoraphobia, Emetophobia and trauma. I support couples to identify problems and recurring negative patterns in their relationship using Person Centred & CBT approaches, helping you achieve shared goals and aspirations.
I specialise in supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, health anxiety and trauma.
I offer face to face and online therapy for individuals & couples. I am an experienced Person Centred and Cognitive Behavioural Therapist providing an environment helping you understand what maintains problems by exploring your thoughts, emotions, beliefs and behaviours; enabling you to move towards your goals. I have supported many clients experiencing anxiety (generalised/ health/ social), OCD, depression, panic & agoraphobia, Emetophobia and trauma. I support couples to identify problems and recurring negative patterns in their relationship using Person Centred & CBT approaches, helping you achieve shared goals and aspirations.
01308 800953 View 01308 800953
Photo of Karl Borthwick, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Karl Borthwick
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX1  (Online Only)
I specialise in working with clients with PTSD and trauma based symptoms. I also work with OCD and other mental health problem, through the use of CBT & EMDR. CBT works by the theory that we can manage and modulate our emotions through evaluating/changing our cognitions & behaviours accordingly. EMDR utilises bilateral stimulation (eye movements) to aid the reprocessing of symptoms of Trauma and PTSD, focusing on trauma memories whilst integrating and updating these with Adaptive Information Processing, aiding resolution of symptoms in the present
I specialise in working with clients with PTSD and trauma based symptoms. I also work with OCD and other mental health problem, through the use of CBT & EMDR. CBT works by the theory that we can manage and modulate our emotions through evaluating/changing our cognitions & behaviours accordingly. EMDR utilises bilateral stimulation (eye movements) to aid the reprocessing of symptoms of Trauma and PTSD, focusing on trauma memories whilst integrating and updating these with Adaptive Information Processing, aiding resolution of symptoms in the present
01572 491102 View 01572 491102
Photo of Kevin Dudman, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Kevin Dudman
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX1
Waitlist for new clients
Hello my name is Kevin. I specialise in the treatment of trauma including accidents, medical trauma, work place and childhood bullying, domestic abuse, rape, sexual abuse and traumatic grief. I can also help you with depression, anxiety, worry, low self -esteem, OCD, phobias, body and self esteem issues, chronic pain, porn and Internet addiction. I am an EMDR Consultant and Accredited CBT Psychotherapist with over thirty years’ experience in working in Mental Health within the NHS. Twenty of these have been in senior positions supervising and supporting the clinical practice of a wide range of psychological therapists.
Hello my name is Kevin. I specialise in the treatment of trauma including accidents, medical trauma, work place and childhood bullying, domestic abuse, rape, sexual abuse and traumatic grief. I can also help you with depression, anxiety, worry, low self -esteem, OCD, phobias, body and self esteem issues, chronic pain, porn and Internet addiction. I am an EMDR Consultant and Accredited CBT Psychotherapist with over thirty years’ experience in working in Mental Health within the NHS. Twenty of these have been in senior positions supervising and supporting the clinical practice of a wide range of psychological therapists.
01354 700709 View 01354 700709
Photo of John Doré, MBACP, Counsellor
John Doré
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX4
I specialise in the following areas although I recognise that each of us is unique and life's challenges and difficulties cannot always be easily categorised: Stress Anxiety/Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Depression, Bereavement, Trauma, Couples counselling, Abuse, Low self-esteem, Bipolar, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Sexuality, General counselling.
Coming to counselling can feel a little daunting; sharing some of our private thoughts and feelings with someone that we do not know can be hard and can feel a little strange. I will help to make you feel comfortable and at ease by offering you a safe, confidential space for you to talk openly, and at a pace that suits you. I am committed to ensuring that you will feel heard, accepted and understood and I will make every effort to appreciate what it is like to be you and to help you understand your feelings and emotions.
I specialise in the following areas although I recognise that each of us is unique and life's challenges and difficulties cannot always be easily categorised: Stress Anxiety/Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Depression, Bereavement, Trauma, Couples counselling, Abuse, Low self-esteem, Bipolar, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Sexuality, General counselling.
Coming to counselling can feel a little daunting; sharing some of our private thoughts and feelings with someone that we do not know can be hard and can feel a little strange. I will help to make you feel comfortable and at ease by offering you a safe, confidential space for you to talk openly, and at a pace that suits you. I am committed to ensuring that you will feel heard, accepted and understood and I will make every effort to appreciate what it is like to be you and to help you understand your feelings and emotions.
01392 321349 View 01392 321349
Photo of Jessica Sings, MBACP, Counsellor
Jessica Sings
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Exeter EX1
I hear from clients so many times how they feel defected, unlovable and unworthy. I’m here to tell you that its ok to be you! The first step is reaching out for help. The second step is being brave enough to let me walk alongside you through the difficult feelings that you have been carrying for so long. We will get to the other side of healing together. I am a open-minded counsellor, sex-positive, LGBTQIA+, Gender, Sexuality & Relationship Diversity (GSRD) affirming. Also working with clients who are diagnosed or self-diagnosed as neurodivergent (ASD, OCD, ADHD).
I hear from clients so many times how they feel defected, unlovable and unworthy. I’m here to tell you that its ok to be you! The first step is reaching out for help. The second step is being brave enough to let me walk alongside you through the difficult feelings that you have been carrying for so long. We will get to the other side of healing together. I am a open-minded counsellor, sex-positive, LGBTQIA+, Gender, Sexuality & Relationship Diversity (GSRD) affirming. Also working with clients who are diagnosed or self-diagnosed as neurodivergent (ASD, OCD, ADHD).
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Photo of Lou Stacey - Lou Stacey Counselling and Clinical Supervision, BACP, Counsellor
Lou Stacey Counselling and Clinical Supervision
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX6
I have wide and varied experience and knowledge of emotional and psychological stressors (Trauma) and have worked with many clients requiring support through difficulties such as anxiety, historical coercive and physical abuse, OCD work, chronic shame, disconnection from self, guilt and self hatred.
Hello. My name is Lou. I would like to support you. If you are feeling vulnerable or are in need of some help; maybe things are no longer in your control, than please get in touch. Not being able to trust or understand your own thoughts and feelings, yet finding yourself stuck in them, can be very overwhelming and I would like to support and help you find some peace and calm, so you can re-connect to yourself and your world around you again without so much pain, fear or sadness. I am available face to face in Exminster, as well as Telephone or Online via Zoom. Email me for further details or visit my website.
I have wide and varied experience and knowledge of emotional and psychological stressors (Trauma) and have worked with many clients requiring support through difficulties such as anxiety, historical coercive and physical abuse, OCD work, chronic shame, disconnection from self, guilt and self hatred.
Hello. My name is Lou. I would like to support you. If you are feeling vulnerable or are in need of some help; maybe things are no longer in your control, than please get in touch. Not being able to trust or understand your own thoughts and feelings, yet finding yourself stuck in them, can be very overwhelming and I would like to support and help you find some peace and calm, so you can re-connect to yourself and your world around you again without so much pain, fear or sadness. I am available face to face in Exminster, as well as Telephone or Online via Zoom. Email me for further details or visit my website.
01392 573839 View 01392 573839
Photo of Syeda Daniel, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Syeda Daniel
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX20
I am a person-centred therapist trained in Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensititisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), I have experience working with Trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, OCD, phobias and physical health conditions.
Many people from all walks of life can occasionally lose their direction or can struggle with stress, anxiety, and /or depression. Therapy can be a helpful process to work through these difficulties, supporting you towards improved well-being and healing of emotional difficulties. Within our sessions, we will work towards your goals, focusing on taking the time to understand you and your individual needs. You will be heard with non-judgment, compassion, kindness and empathy. Together we will work to find a way forward to improved well-being in a caring and meaningful way.
I am a person-centred therapist trained in Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensititisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), I have experience working with Trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, OCD, phobias and physical health conditions.
Many people from all walks of life can occasionally lose their direction or can struggle with stress, anxiety, and /or depression. Therapy can be a helpful process to work through these difficulties, supporting you towards improved well-being and healing of emotional difficulties. Within our sessions, we will work towards your goals, focusing on taking the time to understand you and your individual needs. You will be heard with non-judgment, compassion, kindness and empathy. Together we will work to find a way forward to improved well-being in a caring and meaningful way.
01837 516697 View 01837 516697
Photo of Caroline Shinner - Dr Caroline Shinner, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Caroline Shinner
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Exeter EX1
I can also help with difficulties including depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, and OCD.
Hello, I’m Caroline. I’m an HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist and ACAT-accredited CAT Practitioner. I offer assessments and therapy interventions to adults aged 18+. I aim to provide a compassionate and non-judgemental space in which to hear your story, and work alongside you to identify specific goals for therapy. Therapy interventions will be evidence-based and tailored to your needs. I have over 14 years' experience of working in NHS Adult Mental Health services, and services for adults with acquired brain injury and neurological conditions (including spinal injuries and Multiple Sclerosis).
I can also help with difficulties including depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, and OCD.
Hello, I’m Caroline. I’m an HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist and ACAT-accredited CAT Practitioner. I offer assessments and therapy interventions to adults aged 18+. I aim to provide a compassionate and non-judgemental space in which to hear your story, and work alongside you to identify specific goals for therapy. Therapy interventions will be evidence-based and tailored to your needs. I have over 14 years' experience of working in NHS Adult Mental Health services, and services for adults with acquired brain injury and neurological conditions (including spinal injuries and Multiple Sclerosis).
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Photo of Deshara Pariag - My Life Counselling UK, MBACP, Counsellor
My Life Counselling UK
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX1
At times, every one of us may face challenges and dilemmas. Reaching milestones in our lives and transition points can leave us confused or emotionally charged. I am a Counsellor and Cognitive Behavioural Therapist with NHS and Harley Street Experience - working with adults, children and young people who may be experiencing depression, anxiety disorders - health anxiety (hypochondria), social anxiety, generalised anxiety, separation anxiety, OCD, PTSD and panic disorder, trichotillomania (hair pulling), excoriation (skin picking), eating disorders and body dysmorphia, loss and bereavement and relationship problems.
At times, every one of us may face challenges and dilemmas. Reaching milestones in our lives and transition points can leave us confused or emotionally charged. I am a Counsellor and Cognitive Behavioural Therapist with NHS and Harley Street Experience - working with adults, children and young people who may be experiencing depression, anxiety disorders - health anxiety (hypochondria), social anxiety, generalised anxiety, separation anxiety, OCD, PTSD and panic disorder, trichotillomania (hair pulling), excoriation (skin picking), eating disorders and body dysmorphia, loss and bereavement and relationship problems.
020 3816 1559 View 020 3816 1559
Photo of Laura Jayne Sollis, MBACP, Counsellor
Laura Jayne Sollis
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX4  (Online Only)
Do you feel stuck, anxious or overwhelmed? Perhaps worry, lack of confidence or low self esteem is having a negative effect on your life, causing you to feel isolated and alone. Talking to loved one about what we are experiencing can feel difficult, we worry that we are putting to much on them or we don't want them to worry about us. Talking to a counsellor can be really helpful at these times and can show a way forward. However I understand that a good counselling relationship is vital to support you in moving toward your goals.
Do you feel stuck, anxious or overwhelmed? Perhaps worry, lack of confidence or low self esteem is having a negative effect on your life, causing you to feel isolated and alone. Talking to loved one about what we are experiencing can feel difficult, we worry that we are putting to much on them or we don't want them to worry about us. Talking to a counsellor can be really helpful at these times and can show a way forward. However I understand that a good counselling relationship is vital to support you in moving toward your goals.
01363 720245 View 01363 720245
Photo of Rebecca Isin, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Rebecca Isin
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX4
I work with adults and young people and offer both short and long term therapy. Sometimes life’s challenges may feel overwhelming, emotionally exhausting or relentless and we may seek professional support to help us find our way through. Anxiety, depression, feeling lost, lonely, confused or traumatised are some of the many issues people bring. Whilst our personal stories and the reasons for our distress are ultimately as unique as we are, I have found that clients of all ages share a common goal; the desire to gain new perspectives and deeper understandings of themselves and to explore the possibilities and means of change.
I work with adults and young people and offer both short and long term therapy. Sometimes life’s challenges may feel overwhelming, emotionally exhausting or relentless and we may seek professional support to help us find our way through. Anxiety, depression, feeling lost, lonely, confused or traumatised are some of the many issues people bring. Whilst our personal stories and the reasons for our distress are ultimately as unique as we are, I have found that clients of all ages share a common goal; the desire to gain new perspectives and deeper understandings of themselves and to explore the possibilities and means of change.
01392 321939 View 01392 321939
Photo of Heather Beveridge, MSc, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Heather Beveridge
Counsellor, MSc, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Exeter EX1
Is your life overwhelming? Is your mental health suffering?Do you feel that you need to offload and share whatever difficulties you may be facing? Are you are looking for a counsellor or psychotherapist that actively listens and understands? I am an experienced mental health practitioners and here to help. Sometimes children and young people get stuck and need a little help too. I also have a great deal of experience working with children and young people. When your child is struggling, trying to get help can feel an impossible task. I offer creative therapy without the stress of a long waiting list.
Is your life overwhelming? Is your mental health suffering?Do you feel that you need to offload and share whatever difficulties you may be facing? Are you are looking for a counsellor or psychotherapist that actively listens and understands? I am an experienced mental health practitioners and here to help. Sometimes children and young people get stuck and need a little help too. I also have a great deal of experience working with children and young people. When your child is struggling, trying to get help can feel an impossible task. I offer creative therapy without the stress of a long waiting list.
01392 321603 View 01392 321603
Photo of Jennifer Smith, PhD, BACP, Psychotherapist
Jennifer Smith
Psychotherapist, PhD, BACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Exeter EX4
Waitlist for new clients
I offer one-to one Psychodynamic, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. This is a well established and evidence-based talking therapy that can effectively treat emotional problems as well as a wide range of mental health conditions including: anxiety, depression and eating disorders. Sessions are booked for the same time every week and range from single to up to three sessions a week. They provide the space to talk about and reflect upon your emotional and relationship difficulties. These are thought about as they relate to your present circumstances but in this type of therapy, they are also considered in relation to your life history.
I offer one-to one Psychodynamic, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. This is a well established and evidence-based talking therapy that can effectively treat emotional problems as well as a wide range of mental health conditions including: anxiety, depression and eating disorders. Sessions are booked for the same time every week and range from single to up to three sessions a week. They provide the space to talk about and reflect upon your emotional and relationship difficulties. These are thought about as they relate to your present circumstances but in this type of therapy, they are also considered in relation to your life history.
01392 573819 View 01392 573819
Photo of Katrina J Campbell-Crocker, MBACP, Counsellor
Katrina J Campbell-Crocker
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX4
Hiya I am a fully qualified counsellor with experience of working with adults & young people from aged 13 yrs. I offer a FREE 15 minute call. I support with a range of complexities such as; •Attachment•Separation, Social Anxiety & Intergenerational Trauma. •Oppositional Defiant Dis•Anxiety & Depression & High-Functioning Depression •Abuse •Bereavement & Loss •Childhood Trauma•Domestic Abuse •Disability Discrimination•Low Self Esteem.& Self Worth •Narcissistic Personality Dis•Personality Dis •Dissociative Dis•Post-Traumatic Stress Dis•Racial identity&•ADHD. I believe that we all have the right 2 speak & be heard in a safe space.
Hiya I am a fully qualified counsellor with experience of working with adults & young people from aged 13 yrs. I offer a FREE 15 minute call. I support with a range of complexities such as; •Attachment•Separation, Social Anxiety & Intergenerational Trauma. •Oppositional Defiant Dis•Anxiety & Depression & High-Functioning Depression •Abuse •Bereavement & Loss •Childhood Trauma•Domestic Abuse •Disability Discrimination•Low Self Esteem.& Self Worth •Narcissistic Personality Dis•Personality Dis •Dissociative Dis•Post-Traumatic Stress Dis•Racial identity&•ADHD. I believe that we all have the right 2 speak & be heard in a safe space.
01626 242446 View 01626 242446
Photo of Shelley Bennett - Mind Body Recovery, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Mind Body Recovery
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Exeter EX5
If you are looking for someone with a caring warm and down to earth approach then this is what I offer. I have many years of experience supporting and guiding individuals to overcome struggles in their lives, whether it be coping with bereavement to living with chronic illness, insomnia, low self esteem, burnout, relationship issues, anxieties, depression and so forth. There aren’t many issues that I haven’t worked with over the years. I believe I am a particularly good listener and very committed to using all my knowledge and training to help you in your journey as best as I can.
If you are looking for someone with a caring warm and down to earth approach then this is what I offer. I have many years of experience supporting and guiding individuals to overcome struggles in their lives, whether it be coping with bereavement to living with chronic illness, insomnia, low self esteem, burnout, relationship issues, anxieties, depression and so forth. There aren’t many issues that I haven’t worked with over the years. I believe I am a particularly good listener and very committed to using all my knowledge and training to help you in your journey as best as I can.
01392 321730 View 01392 321730
Photo of Mo Ostler, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Mo Ostler
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX6
Hello; a warm welcome to my profile. Perhaps you are trying to change something in your life; perhaps you are wanting to give up old habits or create new ones. Maybe you are struggling with something, or perhaps you just want to take a look at your life and assess or reassess it. Together we can work out a way forward; by looking at and following your cues, which you may or may not be aware of right now, we can map a path that feels right for you. I truly believe that everyone carries their own answers within them; we just need to find out what they are!
Hello; a warm welcome to my profile. Perhaps you are trying to change something in your life; perhaps you are wanting to give up old habits or create new ones. Maybe you are struggling with something, or perhaps you just want to take a look at your life and assess or reassess it. Together we can work out a way forward; by looking at and following your cues, which you may or may not be aware of right now, we can map a path that feels right for you. I truly believe that everyone carries their own answers within them; we just need to find out what they are!
01952 454721 View 01952 454721
Photo of Emily Godfrey-King, MBACP, Counsellor
Emily Godfrey-King
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Exeter EX4
Everyone experiences difficulties at some point in their lives, even those who we may regard as the strong ones. It can be a lonely and overwhelming time, one of the hardest tasks is making the first step to reach out for help, so well done for managing to come this far. The aim of Counselling is to provide a safe, secure and non-judgemental environment in which any concerns or issues can be discussed.
Everyone experiences difficulties at some point in their lives, even those who we may regard as the strong ones. It can be a lonely and overwhelming time, one of the hardest tasks is making the first step to reach out for help, so well done for managing to come this far. The aim of Counselling is to provide a safe, secure and non-judgemental environment in which any concerns or issues can be discussed.
01392 321299 View 01392 321299
Photo of Jennifer Gledhill, MA, BACP, Counsellor
Jennifer Gledhill
Counsellor, MA, BACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX3
Making the first move to see a counsellor can feel like a big step, especially if this is the first time you've done it. Perhaps you feel like you’re worrying more than usual at the moment? Or maybe there is a specific issue on your mind that you can't seem to get past. Perhaps you've had enough of feeling anxious, or you're feeling low and 'stuck'. When we have the opportunity to share how we feel in a safe, confidential environment it can help us to develop a toolkit of coping strategies to deal with times when things get tough.
Making the first move to see a counsellor can feel like a big step, especially if this is the first time you've done it. Perhaps you feel like you’re worrying more than usual at the moment? Or maybe there is a specific issue on your mind that you can't seem to get past. Perhaps you've had enough of feeling anxious, or you're feeling low and 'stuck'. When we have the opportunity to share how we feel in a safe, confidential environment it can help us to develop a toolkit of coping strategies to deal with times when things get tough.
01392 321533 View 01392 321533
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See more therapy options for Exeter

Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Counsellors

How long does OCD treatment take?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often treated on a weekly or twice-weekly schedule, depending on symptom severity and the client’s preferences. Some clients may start to see a noticeable improvement in symptoms in as little as six weeks, but it’s also possible, especially in more severe cases, for treatment to take several months to a year before significant progress is made.

What happens if OCD is not treated?

Some people with OCD, especially those with mild symptoms, may find that they are able to adapt reasonably well to life with the condition, even if their symptoms never resolve completely. However, many people, particularly those whose symptoms are severe at the outset, find that their obsessions and compulsions grow more intrusive with time, making it harder to maintain relationships, hold down a job, or navigate the world successfully.

Are there medications for OCD?

Medication can be used to treat OCD. The class of drugs most often prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, which include fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, and sertraline, among others. In cases of treatment-resistant OCD, other classes of medication, such as tricyclic antidepressants or atypical antipsychotics, may be prescribed. Medication is frequently used in conjunction with therapy.

Can OCD come back after treatment?

Yes. Major life transitions, periods of stress, or other factors can cause symptoms to return or, if they were never fully eradicated, to ramp back up in intensity. For some, these relapses are brief and do not require additional treatment; identifying specific triggers and practicing the skills learned in therapy can help speed their course. For others, returning to therapy for a brief period can help address the underlying stress and strengthen coping mechanisms.