Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Counselling in Belfast

Photo of Ann Twomey - CBT Online, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
CBT Online
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Belfast BT2  (Online Only)
What ever the issue, panic disorder, chronic worry, OCD, eating disorder, low mood.
Hello and welcome, as a BABCP accredited CBT therapist, I work with my clients to offer a supportive and confidential online space. Online therapy is exactly the same as in-person therapy, but you do it from the convenience of your own space. My approach is tailored to your needs. I used tried and trusted evidenced based therapies to help you meet your needs.
What ever the issue, panic disorder, chronic worry, OCD, eating disorder, low mood.
Hello and welcome, as a BABCP accredited CBT therapist, I work with my clients to offer a supportive and confidential online space. Online therapy is exactly the same as in-person therapy, but you do it from the convenience of your own space. My approach is tailored to your needs. I used tried and trusted evidenced based therapies to help you meet your needs.
028 9694 3930 View 028 9694 3930
Photo of Veronica Keenan, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Veronica Keenan
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Belfast BT6  (Online Only)
I have extensive experience working with adolescents, adults and older adults in both the public and private sector of mental health and well-being across Northern Ireland, Ireland and England. I work with clients with a range of mild to severe mental health and well-being problems from Depression, Anxiety to PTSD, whilst specialising in Health Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
I have extensive experience working with adolescents, adults and older adults in both the public and private sector of mental health and well-being across Northern Ireland, Ireland and England. I work with clients with a range of mild to severe mental health and well-being problems from Depression, Anxiety to PTSD, whilst specialising in Health Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
028 9124 4115 View 028 9124 4115
Photo of Mark Rowney, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Mark Rowney
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Belfast BT9
Over the last number of years, I have began to specialise in OCD and social anxiety.
The ideal client is someone who is motivated and determined to reach their therapeutic goals despite the presentation that they live with. Every client is an expert in their world, and therefore it is always a privilege for them to allow me to explore their difficulties in order to reach solutions that will increase their quality of life
Over the last number of years, I have began to specialise in OCD and social anxiety.
The ideal client is someone who is motivated and determined to reach their therapeutic goals despite the presentation that they live with. Every client is an expert in their world, and therefore it is always a privilege for them to allow me to explore their difficulties in order to reach solutions that will increase their quality of life
028 9692 8955 View 028 9692 8955
Photo of Dr Katie Davis, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Katie Davis
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Belfast BT1
With a background as a Principal Clinical Psychologist at the NHS trauma specialist service, I work with those impacted by trauma, PTSD, OCD, anxiety, low mood, low self-esteem and for those who are looking to make changes in their life, but aren’t sure where to start.
What if. Two words that send your mind down a well-worn path. Words and images that pop into your head at any moment and no matter how hard you try to push it away you find yourself stuck; thinking, feeling and doing the same thing over and over. Maybe it’s reliving the past, maybe it’s worrying about the future, or feeling you need to do something right now or something bad will happen. “What if” is hard to live with. But when your mind is stuck in the “what if’s” your brain is telling you there is something you need to figure out, something you need to rebalance.
With a background as a Principal Clinical Psychologist at the NHS trauma specialist service, I work with those impacted by trauma, PTSD, OCD, anxiety, low mood, low self-esteem and for those who are looking to make changes in their life, but aren’t sure where to start.
What if. Two words that send your mind down a well-worn path. Words and images that pop into your head at any moment and no matter how hard you try to push it away you find yourself stuck; thinking, feeling and doing the same thing over and over. Maybe it’s reliving the past, maybe it’s worrying about the future, or feeling you need to do something right now or something bad will happen. “What if” is hard to live with. But when your mind is stuck in the “what if’s” your brain is telling you there is something you need to figure out, something you need to rebalance.
0131 381 8063 View 0131 381 8063
Photo of Pierpaolo Paparo, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Pierpaolo Paparo
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Belfast BT1  (Online Only)
While I enjoy working with clients facing a wide range of difficulties, I have a particular interest in anxiety, OCD and trauma.
My interest in psychotherapy, spirituality and meditation began after the end of my marriage several years ago, which like many other types of losses, triggered a lot of suffering. ​Life transition, family and friends losses, the breakup of long-term relationships, stress, anxiety and depression are all part of human suffering. However, we have an innate capability, which we can strengthen, that allows us to navigate and, more importantly, learn from our most difficult life experiences.
While I enjoy working with clients facing a wide range of difficulties, I have a particular interest in anxiety, OCD and trauma.
My interest in psychotherapy, spirituality and meditation began after the end of my marriage several years ago, which like many other types of losses, triggered a lot of suffering. ​Life transition, family and friends losses, the breakup of long-term relationships, stress, anxiety and depression are all part of human suffering. However, we have an innate capability, which we can strengthen, that allows us to navigate and, more importantly, learn from our most difficult life experiences.
020 3667 5118 View 020 3667 5118
Photo of Sonia McCrory, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Sonia McCrory
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Belfast BT1
CBT is a talking therapy based on the theory that thoughts, feelings, what we do and how our body feels are all connected. If we change on of these we can alter the others. When people feel worried or distressed we often fall into patterns of thinking and responding that can worsen how we feel. CBT works to help us notice and change problematic thinking styles or behaviour patterns. CBT has lots of strategies that can help you in the here and now. CBT has good evidence for a wide range of mental health problems and is a recommended therapy for Anxiety Disorders, panic, PTSD, OCD, Social Anxiety and Phobias, Anger & sleep problems.
CBT is a talking therapy based on the theory that thoughts, feelings, what we do and how our body feels are all connected. If we change on of these we can alter the others. When people feel worried or distressed we often fall into patterns of thinking and responding that can worsen how we feel. CBT works to help us notice and change problematic thinking styles or behaviour patterns. CBT has lots of strategies that can help you in the here and now. CBT has good evidence for a wide range of mental health problems and is a recommended therapy for Anxiety Disorders, panic, PTSD, OCD, Social Anxiety and Phobias, Anger & sleep problems.
07446 125749 View 07446 125749
Photo of Liam Reilly - Belfast Psychology Services Ltd, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Belfast Psychology Services Ltd
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Belfast BT9
Welcome to Belfast Psychology Services. Please visit www.belfastpsychologyservices.com, go to the "book a consultation" page and schedule a date and time for your 15 minute call. Our therapists offer psychological support for a range of difficulties including stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, anger, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and trauma. Support is also offered for neurodevelopmental disorders including Tourette Syndrome (TS) and vocal and motor tics. ​ In addition, the service offers diagnostic assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - 2 (ADOS-2).
Welcome to Belfast Psychology Services. Please visit www.belfastpsychologyservices.com, go to the "book a consultation" page and schedule a date and time for your 15 minute call. Our therapists offer psychological support for a range of difficulties including stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, anger, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and trauma. Support is also offered for neurodevelopmental disorders including Tourette Syndrome (TS) and vocal and motor tics. ​ In addition, the service offers diagnostic assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - 2 (ADOS-2).
028 3829 8069 View 028 3829 8069
Photo of Stephanie Magee - SAME (Someone Also Might Experience), MBACP, Counsellor
SAME (Someone Also Might Experience)
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Belfast BT7  (Online Only)
I have worked with people of all ages who represent a wide range of gender, sexual, cultural and spiritual identities with varying concerns such as; emotional difficulties, bereavement & grief, stress, anxiety & depression, relationships (partner, family etc), work issues, identity, self-esteem & body image, OCD, health problems and more.
Hi, I'm Stephanie. Welcome to your first step in making a positive change. Reaching out takes courage and can be daunting but I am here to help you feel empowered and take control. Through my work with SAME counselling, I strive to help people overcome challenges in their lives and have a fair chance to be who they want to be by providing a respectful trusting environment to increase self-awareness, encourage self-confidence, and improve emotional wellbeing & mental health. I offer client-focused, confidential, empathetic, supportive and non judgemental integrative counselling sessions, adaptively tailored to suit individual needs.
I have worked with people of all ages who represent a wide range of gender, sexual, cultural and spiritual identities with varying concerns such as; emotional difficulties, bereavement & grief, stress, anxiety & depression, relationships (partner, family etc), work issues, identity, self-esteem & body image, OCD, health problems and more.
Hi, I'm Stephanie. Welcome to your first step in making a positive change. Reaching out takes courage and can be daunting but I am here to help you feel empowered and take control. Through my work with SAME counselling, I strive to help people overcome challenges in their lives and have a fair chance to be who they want to be by providing a respectful trusting environment to increase self-awareness, encourage self-confidence, and improve emotional wellbeing & mental health. I offer client-focused, confidential, empathetic, supportive and non judgemental integrative counselling sessions, adaptively tailored to suit individual needs.
028 9124 2083 View 028 9124 2083
Photo of Ian Robert William Wilson - Woodmere CBT, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Woodmere CBT
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Belfast BT8
My areas of practice in which I am experienced and hold relevant qualifications to practise include, working with anxiety, social anxiety, depression, panic disorder, type 1 and type 2 trauma, OCD and grief.
Woodmere CBT is a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy practice located in Belfast offering BACP accredited & NCPS Professionally Accredited psychotherapy services and specialised grief therapy interventions. Whatever your issue, Woodmere CBT will meet it with compassion, curiosity and care, using a contemporary, rational and evidence based therapy framework which aims to reduce your presenting symptoms and get you thinking, feeling and behaving like the human being you want to be.
My areas of practice in which I am experienced and hold relevant qualifications to practise include, working with anxiety, social anxiety, depression, panic disorder, type 1 and type 2 trauma, OCD and grief.
Woodmere CBT is a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy practice located in Belfast offering BACP accredited & NCPS Professionally Accredited psychotherapy services and specialised grief therapy interventions. Whatever your issue, Woodmere CBT will meet it with compassion, curiosity and care, using a contemporary, rational and evidence based therapy framework which aims to reduce your presenting symptoms and get you thinking, feeling and behaving like the human being you want to be.
028 9694 3938 View 028 9694 3938
Photo of Aimee McIvor, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Aimee McIvor
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Belfast BT9
Waitlist for new clients
I have been working with children and families for 12 years, the last 6 of which have been within the health service supporting individuals with a range of difficulties such as OCD, depression, anxiety, phobias, and low self-esteem.
I am a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist with experience providing psychological assessment and support to children, adolescents, and adults. CBT aims to provide a reflective model within which we can develop a deeper insight to our experiences and emotions, and to understand the impact of these on our daily lives. Often times, struggles such as anxiety or depression are a maintained by thoughts which have become stuck in negative cycles. CBT helps to identify these negative thought patterns and to challenge them, helping to highlight new perspectives and reduce the negative impact.
I have been working with children and families for 12 years, the last 6 of which have been within the health service supporting individuals with a range of difficulties such as OCD, depression, anxiety, phobias, and low self-esteem.
I am a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist with experience providing psychological assessment and support to children, adolescents, and adults. CBT aims to provide a reflective model within which we can develop a deeper insight to our experiences and emotions, and to understand the impact of these on our daily lives. Often times, struggles such as anxiety or depression are a maintained by thoughts which have become stuck in negative cycles. CBT helps to identify these negative thought patterns and to challenge them, helping to highlight new perspectives and reduce the negative impact.
028 9694 3474 View 028 9694 3474
Photo of Nona Fair, Psychotherapist
Nona Fair
Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
Belfast BT5
CBT is the recommended therapy for several difficulties including anxiety, depression, trauma, and OCD.
I am a qualified CBT therapist (PgDip), ready to work with you to help you towards your goals. I understand how difficult it can be to take the initial step of making contact, especially if you feel stuck. Whatever you would like to change, I am here to help.
CBT is the recommended therapy for several difficulties including anxiety, depression, trauma, and OCD.
I am a qualified CBT therapist (PgDip), ready to work with you to help you towards your goals. I understand how difficult it can be to take the initial step of making contact, especially if you feel stuck. Whatever you would like to change, I am here to help.
028 9124 3060 View 028 9124 3060
Photo of Dr Casey McGivern, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Casey McGivern
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Belfast BT4  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a fully registered Clinical Psychologist working in East Belfast. My practice is situated conveniently by the M2 and M3 motorways and close to Belfast city centre. I have over 7 years' experience working in Clinical Psychology and the area of mental health with adults, children and families. I work with a range of issues such as trauma, OCD, anxiety, depression, grief and interpersonal relationship difficulties. I have a special interest in working with new parents and pregnant people in distress or encountering difficulty related to their parenting journey (birth trauma, postnatal depression etc.).
I am a fully registered Clinical Psychologist working in East Belfast. My practice is situated conveniently by the M2 and M3 motorways and close to Belfast city centre. I have over 7 years' experience working in Clinical Psychology and the area of mental health with adults, children and families. I work with a range of issues such as trauma, OCD, anxiety, depression, grief and interpersonal relationship difficulties. I have a special interest in working with new parents and pregnant people in distress or encountering difficulty related to their parenting journey (birth trauma, postnatal depression etc.).
028 9694 3186 View 028 9694 3186
Photo of Talking Perinatal, PNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Talking Perinatal
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Belfast BT5  (Online Only)
Hello, thank you for visiting my profile. My name is Elizabeth Johnston. Becoming a parent is a significant life changing event, my aim is to help parents cope with mental health and wellbeing changes during the antenatal and postnatal period. I am an Integrative Therapist and offer ONLINE counselling which allows increased flexibility for parents to access services. Perinatal mental health themes: Antenatal anxiety, postnatal anxiety and depression Unhelpful thinking and/or intrusive thoughts. Perinatal OCD. Worry management. Other themes: communication, self confidence/ esteem, goal setting and life transitions.
Hello, thank you for visiting my profile. My name is Elizabeth Johnston. Becoming a parent is a significant life changing event, my aim is to help parents cope with mental health and wellbeing changes during the antenatal and postnatal period. I am an Integrative Therapist and offer ONLINE counselling which allows increased flexibility for parents to access services. Perinatal mental health themes: Antenatal anxiety, postnatal anxiety and depression Unhelpful thinking and/or intrusive thoughts. Perinatal OCD. Worry management. Other themes: communication, self confidence/ esteem, goal setting and life transitions.
028 9692 8966 View 028 9692 8966
Photo of Dr Rachel Reeves, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Rachel Reeves
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Belfast BT9
I am a qualified clinical psychologist with experience in working in both private practice and NHS services. I work with adults who experience a range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, stress & burnout, OCD, emotional regulation difficulties and interpersonal difficulties. I have a specialist interest in supporting people who have experienced trauma either in their early life or more recent traumatic experiences. I aim to support people to develop a better understanding of themselves and how their life experiences may have contributed to any current symptoms or difficulties.
I am a qualified clinical psychologist with experience in working in both private practice and NHS services. I work with adults who experience a range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, stress & burnout, OCD, emotional regulation difficulties and interpersonal difficulties. I have a specialist interest in supporting people who have experienced trauma either in their early life or more recent traumatic experiences. I aim to support people to develop a better understanding of themselves and how their life experiences may have contributed to any current symptoms or difficulties.
028 9694 3493 View 028 9694 3493
Photo of Elsa Steen, MBACP, Counsellor
Elsa Steen
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Belfast BT9
I have the skills to help clients with anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, health anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, generalised anxiety disorder, depression and stress.
Hello, welcome to my profile. I understand it can be daunting finding a therapist and hope the information below can help. I am a cognitive behavioural therapist (CBT) and currently work with adults and children. CBT is an evidenced and skill-based therapy which looks at understanding the links between our thoughts (cognitions), feelings (emotions) and actions (behaviours). My aim is to help individuals better understand their thoughts and behaviours, making a positive change in their life.
I have the skills to help clients with anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, health anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, generalised anxiety disorder, depression and stress.
Hello, welcome to my profile. I understand it can be daunting finding a therapist and hope the information below can help. I am a cognitive behavioural therapist (CBT) and currently work with adults and children. CBT is an evidenced and skill-based therapy which looks at understanding the links between our thoughts (cognitions), feelings (emotions) and actions (behaviours). My aim is to help individuals better understand their thoughts and behaviours, making a positive change in their life.
View
Photo of Dr Amanda Gleeson, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Amanda Gleeson
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Belfast BT8  (Online Only)
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist who has worked with adults and young people with a variety of different mental health difficulties. I am fully registered and offer a variety of evidence-based psychological therapies for a range of difficulties. I specialise in supporting individuals with psychological difficulties as a result of their experience of trauma and I have published research in this area. I also work with anxiety, stress/overwhelm, OCD, panic and relationship difficulties. I offer online appointments only, with both evening and weekend availability.
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist who has worked with adults and young people with a variety of different mental health difficulties. I am fully registered and offer a variety of evidence-based psychological therapies for a range of difficulties. I specialise in supporting individuals with psychological difficulties as a result of their experience of trauma and I have published research in this area. I also work with anxiety, stress/overwhelm, OCD, panic and relationship difficulties. I offer online appointments only, with both evening and weekend availability.
View
Photo of Rachael Orr, MA, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Rachael Orr
Psychotherapist, MA, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Belfast BT7  (Online Only)
I have experience treating a range of depression, eating disorder, and anxiety conditions including OCD, Panic Disorder, PTSD/Trauma and Health Anxiety.
My name is Rachael Orr and I am a Cognitive Behaviour Therapist with over 15 years' experience working within the NHS, voluntary, and independent sectors, treating a range of acute, and chronic difficulties.
I have experience treating a range of depression, eating disorder, and anxiety conditions including OCD, Panic Disorder, PTSD/Trauma and Health Anxiety.
My name is Rachael Orr and I am a Cognitive Behaviour Therapist with over 15 years' experience working within the NHS, voluntary, and independent sectors, treating a range of acute, and chronic difficulties.
028 9163 8608 View 028 9163 8608
Photo of Lesley Inglis Supervisor, COSRT Accred, Psychotherapist
Lesley Inglis Supervisor
Psychotherapist, COSRT Accred
Verified Verified
Belfast BT1  (Online Only)
anxiety, depression, OCD, BDD, self-esteem, perfectionism, procrastination eating distress, 6 sess negotiable.
Hello, I am a widely experienced, Psychosexual Therapist/Supervisor. If you want to understand yourself better,/change unwanted behaviours to 'feel' better I would be delighted to receive an EMAIL from you. I work with common & also unusual Sex & Relationship difficulties & Mental health conditions . I assess you & help you identify your goals for Therapy. I review how you think our work together is progressing. I explain the rational for my exploration & focus of the tasks I ask you to practice. I work collaboratively with you-as a team to reach your goals. Clients say this is a good way to work. Please email re Supervision.
anxiety, depression, OCD, BDD, self-esteem, perfectionism, procrastination eating distress, 6 sess negotiable.
Hello, I am a widely experienced, Psychosexual Therapist/Supervisor. If you want to understand yourself better,/change unwanted behaviours to 'feel' better I would be delighted to receive an EMAIL from you. I work with common & also unusual Sex & Relationship difficulties & Mental health conditions . I assess you & help you identify your goals for Therapy. I review how you think our work together is progressing. I explain the rational for my exploration & focus of the tasks I ask you to practice. I work collaboratively with you-as a team to reach your goals. Clients say this is a good way to work. Please email re Supervision.
01573 400476 View 01573 400476
Photo of Ann O'Hanlon - Dr Ann O'Hanlon, The I Can Centre, PhD, GMBPsS, Psychologist
Dr Ann O'Hanlon, The I Can Centre
Psychologist, PhD, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Belfast BT7
social anxiety, phobias, worry problems, panic and/or OCD.
Are thoughts of "I can't" holding you back? Talk to us in confidence about our range of supports and become someone who says: "I CAN manage stress / anxiety / worry / anger / low mood", OR "I CAN manage or stop rituals and compulsions incl counting / shopping / cleaning / hair-or skin pulling", OR "I CAN cope and be confident / sociable / productive / myself". Dare to believe at "The I CAN Centre". You CAN have the insights and tools to feel great, be inspired and live your best life!
social anxiety, phobias, worry problems, panic and/or OCD.
Are thoughts of "I can't" holding you back? Talk to us in confidence about our range of supports and become someone who says: "I CAN manage stress / anxiety / worry / anger / low mood", OR "I CAN manage or stop rituals and compulsions incl counting / shopping / cleaning / hair-or skin pulling", OR "I CAN cope and be confident / sociable / productive / myself". Dare to believe at "The I CAN Centre". You CAN have the insights and tools to feel great, be inspired and live your best life!
028 2502 2460 View 028 2502 2460
Photo of Jayden Josh James - Talking Therapies UK, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Talking Therapies UK
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Belfast BT1  (Online Only)
  I can help with Anxiety, Trauma, OCD, Depression, Eating Difficulties, Coping with stress, phobias, panic disorder, personality disorders, suicidal thoughts, and much more!.
My name is Jayden I am an advanced Psychotherapist with over 12 years experience of delivering psychological treatment for a range of mental health difficulties ranging from mild-moderate to severe and enduring.
  I can help with Anxiety, Trauma, OCD, Depression, Eating Difficulties, Coping with stress, phobias, panic disorder, personality disorders, suicidal thoughts, and much more!.
My name is Jayden I am an advanced Psychotherapist with over 12 years experience of delivering psychological treatment for a range of mental health difficulties ranging from mild-moderate to severe and enduring.
01923 961827 View 01923 961827
1

See more therapy options for Belfast

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.