Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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OCD can present itself in various ways. You might find yourself stuck in a cycle of intrusive thoughts that cause distress, followed by repetitive behaviours or rituals aimed at reducing that distress. These behaviours can range from checking things repeatedly, needing to count or organize, or feeling the need to avoid certain situations. Living with OCD can be exhausting, especially when these thoughts and behaviours interfere with daily life. Figuring out where to start when seeking help can also be overwhelming.
OCD is another condition I help people manage, so if you’re struggling with compulsive thoughts or behaviours, feel free to book a time with me to discuss your experiences.
OCD Symptoms
OCD affects people differently, and understanding its symptoms can be a helpful first step. It’s more than just wanting things to be clean or organized; OCD involves cycles of intrusive thoughts and behaviors that feel difficult to control. Common signs of OCD include:
- Intrusive thoughts or images that cause distress
- Repetitive behaviors or rituals aimed at reducing distress and anxiety (such as checking, washing, counting)
- A strong urge to perform certain actions to feel "safe" or reduce anxiety
- Feelings of distress or frustration when unable to complete rituals
- Significant impact on daily life due to time-consuming rituals
Getting Help with OCD
The approach to treating OCD can depend on the causes of your symptoms and what you want to achieve. The main treatment for OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which is a treatment I offer. Sometimes it alone is enough to completely resolve the OCD and other times it is important to do other therapy in addition to the ERP (the additional therapy could come before or after the ERP). For example, it is not unusual for people experiencing OCD to have gone through difficult experiences earlier in life. Often we complete a course of ERP and the OCD symptoms reduce substantially and then we do some additional therapy looking at the difficult experiences earlier in life to reduce the OCD symptoms further.
It is important to know that most treatments for OCD, ERP in particular, are quite intense but also can be relatively quick. Treatment can (and should be) adjusted to your circumstances, but if you would the fastest most effective relief then be prepared to put in 30 minutes to 2 hours a day for the period of treatment (because there is a lot of homework). The good news is that the psychological treatments of OCD are very effective and if you do the homework people can see major changes in 1-3 months. If you cannot stand doing homework it can still be possible to make progress in therapy sessions alone but ultimately this may cost you more time, more money and prolong your suffering.
Services and Resources to Help You with OCD
There are many resources and services that can support you. I’ve included a list here, but remember that it might take some time to find the approach that works best for you. I am also not endorsing these resources but providing options to help you get started.
I am a big believer in people educating themselves as much as possible about OCD. Unfortunately, OCD is often a condition that is difficult to make big inroads into without some professional support early on in the process.
I think the first port of call should be your GP who depending on your circumstances should refer you to a psychologist and/or a psychiatrist.
If you have mild OCD a psychologist alone is likely to be helpful.
If you are the moderate to severe end then a psychiatrist is often very helpful or even essential.
If you and your health professionals determine that you have a more severe form of OCD then I would start researching and planning for an inpatient OCD program (see the section on inpatient programs below). It is helpful to start planning this early because the appropriate private health cover can drastically reduce the cost of this and there can be a wait time. Doing an inpatient program when the OCD is severe can be a great way to get off on the right foot.
Professional Treatments for OCD
Seeing a General Practitioner (GP)
As above, this is usually the place to start with OCD. A GP will assess your symptoms and refer you for psychological treatment under a Mental Health Treatment Plan (allowing you to claim rebates for psychological services) and/or to see a psychiatrist. Your GP can also discuss whether medication may be beneficial and get you started. Your GP can also refer you to an inpatient program at a private hospital.
Seeing a Psychologist
Doing Exposure and Response Prevention should almost always be considered as the first or one of the first treatments and I think it is accurate to say that psychologists are the main providers of this treatment. Psychologists can also help you work through other mental health difficulties that might be exacerbating or even causing the OCD. Unfortunately, psychologists cannot prescribe medication nor refer you to an inpatient program.
Seeing a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists, as medical doctors, can prescribe medications to help with OCD. Some also offer psychological therapies, and in severe cases, they can refer you for additional treatments or inpatient programs.
Programs at Private Hospitals
Programs at Private Hospitals are can be incredibly helpful if you have severe OCD or are finding that doing therapy with your psychologist is not working. I’m not endorsing either of the programs below as experiences will vary, I’m sure what is incredibly helpful for one person might be a negative experience for another person.
Some private hospitals in Melbourne offer treatment programs for OCD:
Self-Help and Community-Based Treatments for OCD
Community Health Services
Some local councils offer low-cost or free mental health programs, including for OCD. Check your city council’s health service offerings.
Free Telephone, Online Chat, and Online Counselling Services
Beyond Blue Support Service
Beyond Blue offers free, 24/7 counselling for people experiencing depression, anxiety, or mental health challenges. Their counsellors can provide advice, emotional support, and practical strategies to manage low mood.
MensLine Australia
MensLine is a 24/7 service offering free counselling for men who are experiencing emotional or mental health difficulties, including low mood and depression. They provide professional support and practical advice.
Kids Helpline (for young adults up to 25)
Kids Helpline provides 24/7 free counselling for young people up to 25 years old. Their qualified counsellors offer support for managing low mood, depression, and other mental health concerns.
Support Groups
Hosts forums and resources for those struggling with anxiety and OCD.
Provides in-person support groups around Melbourne for people with OCD and other mental health challenges.
Peer-led support groups focused on recovery from mental health issues, including OCD.
Self-Help Books and Online Resources
You might find that certain books or online tools resonate more with you than others.
When I work with people we usually work through Treating Your OCD with Exposure and Response (Ritual) Prevention Therapy – Workbook by Elna Yadin, Edna Foa and Tracey Lichner.
I also usually give people some readings from Exposure Therapy for Anxiety – Principles and Practice (Second Edition) by Jonathan Abramowitz, Brett Deacon, and Stephen Whiteside.
It can also be very helpful to start learning Mindfulness. Smiling Mind can be a place to start for this.
Online OCD Program
OCD Stop!: Click Here – Swinburne University’s National eTherapy Centre (NeTC) (funded by Australia’s Federal Department of Health) offers an online OCD program.
I hope this information offers insight into the support available. If you’re navigating OCD and seeking help, I’m here to support you.
