JB
Jake Barry
NCS Registered
Counsellor
OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) involves distressing, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours or mental rituals. With the right therapy — typically CBT with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) — OCD is highly treatable.
NICE guidelines recommend CBT with ERP as the first-line treatment for OCD. Your therapist will work with you to gradually face feared situations without performing compulsions, reducing OCD's power over time.
CBT with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the NICE-recommended first-line treatment for OCD and has the strongest evidence base. It involves gradually facing feared situations without carrying out compulsions, which reduces OCD's hold over time.
OCD is highly treatable — most people see significant symptom reduction with the right therapy. While some people experience it as a lifelong condition that needs managing, many achieve lasting recovery. The key is finding a therapist who specialises in OCD and uses ERP.
Often yes. Without treatment, compulsions tend to grow and the range of triggers tends to expand. Early treatment is much more effective than trying to manage it alone for years. If you think you might have OCD, speaking to a specialist sooner is worth it.
NCS Registered
Counsellor