OCD Counselling

Understanding OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) aimed at reducing distress. These patterns can become time-consuming and interfere with daily life, work, and relationships.

OCD manifests in various ways, including:

• Contamination OCD – Fear of germs, illness, or uncleanliness leading to excessive washing or sanitizing.

• Checking OCD – Repetitive checking behaviors to prevent harm (e.g., checking locks, appliances, or safety measures).

• Intrusive Thoughts – Disturbing or unwanted thoughts related to harm, morality, or self-identity.

• Symmetry & Ordering OCD – A need for exactness, order, or symmetry to alleviate discomfort.

• Hoarding Behaviors – Difficulty discarding items due to emotional attachment or fear of needing them later.

OCD is more than just liking things neat or double-checking locks—it can be debilitating, leading to significant anxiety and distress.

Common Experiences with OCD

People struggling with OCD often experience:

• Intrusive & Distressing Thoughts – Unwanted mental images, fears, or doubts that won’t go away.

• Compulsions & Rituals – Engaging in repetitive behaviors or mental rituals to relieve anxiety.

• Fear of Losing Control – Worrying about acting on thoughts, even when they don’t align with values.

• Perfectionism & Doubt – Struggling with uncertainty and needing things to be “just right.”

• Guilt & Shame – Feeling embarrassed or isolated due to the nature of obsessions and compulsions.

How Counselling Can Help

OCD treatment focuses on reducing distressing thoughts and behaviors, helping individuals regain control over their lives. Therapy can help by:

• Understanding Thought Patterns – Identifying and challenging obsessive thinking.

• Reducing Compulsive Behaviors – Learning techniques to resist rituals and compulsions.

• Developing Coping Strategies – Managing anxiety in healthier ways.

• Improving Emotional Regulation – Addressing guilt, shame, and fear with self-compassion.

• Enhancing Daily Functioning – Breaking free from OCD’s hold on time, energy, and relationships.

Our Approach

At Latitude Counselling, we use evidence-based therapies tailored to OCD treatment, including:

• Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) – A gold-standard treatment that helps individuals gradually face fears without engaging in compulsions.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps reframe obsessive thought patterns and develop healthier responses.

• Mindfulness-Based Strategies – Encourages present-moment awareness to reduce reactivity to intrusive thoughts.

• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Focuses on accepting discomfort while working toward personal values and goals.

• Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) – Helps reduce self-criticism and increase self-acceptance.

Taking the Next Step

OCD doesn’t have to control your life. With the right support and therapeutic tools, it’s possible to reduce its impact and regain a sense of freedom. If you’re struggling with intrusive thoughts and compulsions, seeking counselling is a proactive step toward healing.

Related Topics & Resources

• Anxiety Counselling

• Emotional Regulation Support

• Guilt & Shame Counselling

• Self-Compassion

If you're ready to explore counselling for OCD, reach out today to book a consultation.