Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Therapy

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition where you have intense obsessions which you relieve temporarily through compulsive behaviours. It is a complex disorder that can range from mild to severe.

OCD is often misunderstood as obsessions with cleanliness or tidiness, but this is a damaging misconception. Real OCD symptoms take over a person's life and can be terrifying, but therapy has shown to help.

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Ruminations - The lengthy indulgence and deliberations on thoughts and ideas in an undirected and unproductive way. Often, ruminations are time-consuming and won't lead to any conclusions, but will instead make you preoccupied, detached and deep in thought.

Intrusive thoughts - Disturbing, repetitive and often horrific thoughts about anything, arising suddenly and involuntarily. These could be about e.g. death or causing harm to a loved one. You'll go to great lengths to avoid the thoughts as they can be highly distressing and feel shameful.


Checking - Checking your memory, door locks, gas knobs, other people etc. to prevent perceived damage, fire, leaks or harm.

Preventing contamination - Needing to clean or wash due to an obsessive fear that something is contaminated or may cause illness or death.

Hoarding - Inability to get rid of insignificant, useless or worn-out things to the extent that you've accumulated a lot of things.

Orderliness and symmetry - Needing to have everything lined up, tidy or 'just right' in order to prevent discomfort or perceived harm.

Avoidance - Going to great lengths to avoid places, people or objects that trigger symptoms, e.g. the hours of rituals you'll be compelled to perform.


Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be seen as a spectrum of symptoms of which you can have many different combinations of obsessions and compulsions. These can all be expressed differently and to a different extent between people, but they will all affect your life in some way. Below are some other, more specific disorders related to OCD.


Condition where you find it extremely difficult and distressing to part with your things. You may have a strong feeling that you need these objects, so you end up with excessive amounts of things you've been unable to throw out.


Anxiety disorder that causes you to have a distorted view of how you look, perhaps thinking you are 'defective' or ugly. You obsess a lot over how you look and how other people look, judge and notice the perceived 'faults' you have.


Condition where you feel compelled to pull out your bodily hairs. It's considered an impulse-control disorder as you can't stop yourself from doing it. The act gives you a sense of relief.


Impulse-control disorder where you can't stop yourself from picking or scratching your skin, to the extent that it's causing you sores, bleeding and scars. The act is often ritualistic, repetitive and gives a sense of relief.


- Rohan

Why Use PlusGuidance

If what we describe above sounds like you, it may be worth talking to a qualified therapist that can help you work your way through this. PlusGuidance is a convenient way to get access to the right therapist for you. The website has a broad list of therapists specialising in OCD and other challenges so you’re bound to find the right one for you.




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