OCD Counselling and Therapy
in Sydney and the Sutherland Shire

OCD can become caught in a cycle of intrusive thoughts and compulsions. Living with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can be exhausting. Intrusive thoughts, persistent doubt and the urge to perform rituals or mental compulsions can take up a lot of time and leave you feeling anxious, frustrated or stuck.

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OCD involves unwanted intrusive thoughts, images or urges (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental rituals (compulsions). Compulsions are often used to reduce anxiety or create a sense of certainty, but the relief is usually temporary.

 

At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology in Menai, our psychologists and counsellors provide evidence-based OCD counselling and therapy for children, adolescents and adults across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire. Appointments are available in person and online.

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What keeps OCD going?

 

OCD can become caught in a cycle. An intrusive thought or feeling of uncertainty triggers anxiety or discomfort, followed by an urge to do something to feel safer or more certain. Carrying out the compulsion may bring temporary relief, which makes it more likely that the same response will happen again.

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​Compulsions are not always visible. They can include checking, cleaning, counting or arranging, but may also involve reviewing conversations, analysing thoughts, mentally repeating words or seeking reassurance.

 

​​OCD can occur alongside anxiety, autism, ADHD, depression and body dysmorphic disorder. Perfectionism and difficulties tolerating uncertainty can also play a role for some people.

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​​Signs and symptoms of OCD

 

OCD can affect each person differently. Common experiences include:

• Persistent, unwanted intrusive thoughts, images or urges

• Repetitive checking, cleaning, counting or arranging

• Mental rituals, such as reviewing conversations, neutralising thoughts or mentally checking

• Repeatedly seeking reassurance

• Fear of causing harm or being responsible for something going wrong

• A need for things to feel "just right", symmetrical or complete

• Difficulty tolerating uncertainty or doubt

• Avoiding people, places or situations that trigger obsessive thoughts

 

These experiences can become time-consuming and emotionally exhausting, affecting work, study, relationships, family life and the ability to do things that are important to you.

 

OCD in children and teenagers

 

OCD can begin during childhood or adolescence, although the signs are not always easy to recognise. Children and teenagers may ask the same questions repeatedly, seek reassurance, avoid certain situations, experience intrusive thoughts or feel compelled to complete rituals until things feel "right".

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OCD can affect school, friendships and family life. Therapy can involve parents where appropriate, helping families understand OCD and learn how to respond without unintentionally reinforcing compulsions.

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How can OCD therapy help?

 

OCD therapy focuses on helping you respond differently to intrusive thoughts and uncertainty, rather than trying to prevent or eliminate the thoughts themselves. As the reliance on compulsions and reassurance reduces, OCD can begin to have less influence over your choices and daily life.

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Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is an evidence-based approach commonly used for OCD. Therapy may also draw on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), depending on the person and their needs. For younger children, therapy may also include play-based strategies and parent involvement. Our psychologists have specific training in OCD and in delivering ERP.

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The aim is not to make you comfortable with every uncertain situation. It is to help you become more able to experience uncertainty without OCD deciding what you need to do next.

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How do I find an OCD therapist near me?

 

If you are looking for OCD counselling, OCD therapy or an OCD therapist near you, our psychologists and counsellors work with children, adolescents and adults across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire.

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Appointments are available in person at our Menai practice and online across Australia. We work with people from Menai, Miranda, Caringbah, Cronulla, Kirrawee, Engadine, Bangor, Illawong and surrounding suburbs.

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If you're considering support for yourself or your child, our Client Care Team can help you find a clinician based on your needs, preferences and availability. Call 02 8519 4197 or request an appointment using the button below.