Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Counselling in Sunderland

Beverley Ann Colman
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Hello, I’m Bev. Sometimes life can feel overwhelming and when our thoughts are disorganised it can be challenging to see a clear way forward and to make positive and healthy choices. Although it is helpful talking to others, many people feel more comfortable and more able to be fully open, talking to a trained professional. I am an Integrative Person-centered Counsellor and EMDR Practitioner. I have experience in supporting and helping clients overcome mental health issues including; bereavement, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties and trauma.
Hello, I’m Bev. Sometimes life can feel overwhelming and when our thoughts are disorganised it can be challenging to see a clear way forward and to make positive and healthy choices. Although it is helpful talking to others, many people feel more comfortable and more able to be fully open, talking to a trained professional. I am an Integrative Person-centered Counsellor and EMDR Practitioner. I have experience in supporting and helping clients overcome mental health issues including; bereavement, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties and trauma.
07446 869552 View 07446 869552
Deborah English
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Offices based in Sunderland & Easington. Are you experiencing life changes that are causing you stress, low moods and anxiety? Are you struggling with your mental health? Are you struggling with past trauma? Perhaps your using substances or alcohol to cope with life’s pressures that are spiralling out of control? Do you feel ready to talk, explore and work through your issues in a safe and confidential space? I can help you address your concerns without any judgement and at your own pace while building a trusting authentic therapeutic relationship.
Offices based in Sunderland & Easington. Are you experiencing life changes that are causing you stress, low moods and anxiety? Are you struggling with your mental health? Are you struggling with past trauma? Perhaps your using substances or alcohol to cope with life’s pressures that are spiralling out of control? Do you feel ready to talk, explore and work through your issues in a safe and confidential space? I can help you address your concerns without any judgement and at your own pace while building a trusting authentic therapeutic relationship.
0191 743 6562 View 0191 743 6562
Michael Colling
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Whether you are finding it difficult to make a tough choice, or if you are experiencing difficult times that are a little bit overwhelming for you; if its to do with bereavement, mental health/illness, depression, anxiety, phobias, relationships or something in the past that feels unresolved, then it would be a privilege for me as a qualified counsellor/psychotherapist to join you on your road to a better place. I bring with me insights from my experience in mental health nursing also. I am a trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming counsellor with an excellent reputation in this field.
Whether you are finding it difficult to make a tough choice, or if you are experiencing difficult times that are a little bit overwhelming for you; if its to do with bereavement, mental health/illness, depression, anxiety, phobias, relationships or something in the past that feels unresolved, then it would be a privilege for me as a qualified counsellor/psychotherapist to join you on your road to a better place. I bring with me insights from my experience in mental health nursing also. I am a trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming counsellor with an excellent reputation in this field.
0191 743 6578 View 0191 743 6578
CC Psychological Therapies
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward, navigating the challenges of anxiety, persistent low mood, or struggling with social anxiety, OCD, or the effects of trauma.
Using specific approaches, we’ll work on breaking unhelpful patterns. Together, we’ll make sense of your experiences so that you can reduce their long-term impact and build a stronger foundation for lasting change. I take an integrative approach, combining CBT and person-centred therapy to create a space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward, navigating the challenges of anxiety, persistent low mood, or struggling with social anxiety, OCD, or the effects of trauma.
Using specific approaches, we’ll work on breaking unhelpful patterns. Together, we’ll make sense of your experiences so that you can reduce their long-term impact and build a stronger foundation for lasting change. I take an integrative approach, combining CBT and person-centred therapy to create a space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered.
0191 743 2279 View 0191 743 2279
Mandi Purvis
Counsellor, MBACP
Welcome. Are you struggling at the moment? Connecting with a professional therapist you feel comfortable with can really help you step into your therapy journey. I invite you to read my full profile which has all the details about fees and availability. You may be grieving, lost, or have unprocessed traumas. You may feel anxious, about situations or issues in your life. You may be feeling ‘not good enough’ or perhaps you are going through work, identity or life changes or family struggles that are confusing and overwhelming. If you feel powerless at the moment or full of shame I’m here to empower you and help you.
Welcome. Are you struggling at the moment? Connecting with a professional therapist you feel comfortable with can really help you step into your therapy journey. I invite you to read my full profile which has all the details about fees and availability. You may be grieving, lost, or have unprocessed traumas. You may feel anxious, about situations or issues in your life. You may be feeling ‘not good enough’ or perhaps you are going through work, identity or life changes or family struggles that are confusing and overwhelming. If you feel powerless at the moment or full of shame I’m here to empower you and help you.
07803 708199 View 07803 708199
Tracy Woodhouse
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
I’m a qualified Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor with over 7 years of experience running my own practice. I’m deeply committed to helping clients navigate lifes challenges, working through anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, burnout, or relationship difficulties. I support children and adults, tailoring therapy to meet each clients emotional, developmental, and psychological needs. My approach is compassionate and grounded in the belief that clients deserve to feel safe, understood, respected, heard and supported. I take an integrative, person-centred approach, combining evidence-based therapies to best suit your needs.
I’m a qualified Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor with over 7 years of experience running my own practice. I’m deeply committed to helping clients navigate lifes challenges, working through anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, burnout, or relationship difficulties. I support children and adults, tailoring therapy to meet each clients emotional, developmental, and psychological needs. My approach is compassionate and grounded in the belief that clients deserve to feel safe, understood, respected, heard and supported. I take an integrative, person-centred approach, combining evidence-based therapies to best suit your needs.
0191 580 4413 View 0191 580 4413
Samantha Jane Johnson
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Hi, I'm Samantha Johnson, co founder of SR2 Therapeutic Solutions and I am a Person Centred Therapist (PCT) and Cognitive Behavioural therapist (CBT) for children and adults. I have been practising counselling PCT & CBT since 2020. I have previously worked for over 8 years supporting children and adults in educational settings. I have recently worked as a school lead in mental health counselling where I supported children with additional and complex needs, their parents and carers and their wider family. I currently have my own therapy space and offer a free telephone or video consultation in the first instance with all clients.
Hi, I'm Samantha Johnson, co founder of SR2 Therapeutic Solutions and I am a Person Centred Therapist (PCT) and Cognitive Behavioural therapist (CBT) for children and adults. I have been practising counselling PCT & CBT since 2020. I have previously worked for over 8 years supporting children and adults in educational settings. I have recently worked as a school lead in mental health counselling where I supported children with additional and complex needs, their parents and carers and their wider family. I currently have my own therapy space and offer a free telephone or video consultation in the first instance with all clients.
0191 743 9755 View 0191 743 9755
Robert Edminson
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
I am a qualified Person Centred Counsellor and Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT). I have over 20 years experience working with children and adults with complex needs. My focus is on helping clients understand and address thought patterns that may be impacting their emotional well-being and behaviour. My approach is compassionate and collaborative, aimed at providing a safe, non-judgmental space to explore life’s challenges. I work with adults and adolescents on issues including ADHD, addiction, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and low self-esteem.
I am a qualified Person Centred Counsellor and Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT). I have over 20 years experience working with children and adults with complex needs. My focus is on helping clients understand and address thought patterns that may be impacting their emotional well-being and behaviour. My approach is compassionate and collaborative, aimed at providing a safe, non-judgmental space to explore life’s challenges. I work with adults and adolescents on issues including ADHD, addiction, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and low self-esteem.
0191 743 2773 View 0191 743 2773
Counselling Direct
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Hi, my name is Vicky and welcome to Counselling Direct. Are you struggling with life's challenges such as anxiety, ADHD/ADD, ASD, bereavement, depression or low self-esteem, then counselling can help. I offer a warm and friendly professional service and provide a safe and confidential space where you can feel free to explore your thoughts, feelings and issues. I work with people with a range of difficulties, helping them to gain personal awareness, a clearer perspective on their life and make positive changes.
Hi, my name is Vicky and welcome to Counselling Direct. Are you struggling with life's challenges such as anxiety, ADHD/ADD, ASD, bereavement, depression or low self-esteem, then counselling can help. I offer a warm and friendly professional service and provide a safe and confidential space where you can feel free to explore your thoughts, feelings and issues. I work with people with a range of difficulties, helping them to gain personal awareness, a clearer perspective on their life and make positive changes.
0191 607 6440 View 0191 607 6440
Maureen Courtney
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MUKCP
I am a qualified and experienced Counsellor and Psychotherapist working in the Tunstall, Sunderland area. I offer one to one counselling and psychotherapy. My training was Integrative/ Transpersonal which means I learnt all the different Psychotherapy Theories and approaches in my 5 years of training. The great advantages of this training is you can tailor my work to suit each individual person best. I also work with couples & families as well as running one-to-one psychological Retreats offering.
I am a qualified and experienced Counsellor and Psychotherapist working in the Tunstall, Sunderland area. I offer one to one counselling and psychotherapy. My training was Integrative/ Transpersonal which means I learnt all the different Psychotherapy Theories and approaches in my 5 years of training. The great advantages of this training is you can tailor my work to suit each individual person best. I also work with couples & families as well as running one-to-one psychological Retreats offering.
01767 669710 View 01767 669710
Dr David Blakelock
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Examples include depression, generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and personality disorder.
I am one of a small number of dual trained Clinical and Sport Psychologists in the UK. I specialize in providing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These are evidence based interventions for a range of mental health problems and sport performance issues.
Examples include depression, generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and personality disorder.
I am one of a small number of dual trained Clinical and Sport Psychologists in the UK. I specialize in providing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These are evidence based interventions for a range of mental health problems and sport performance issues.
0191 917 4532 View 0191 917 4532
Natalie Holmes
Counsellor, MBACP
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I have experience of working with autism, ADHD, abuse, anxiety, bereavement, depression, domestic violence, eating disorders, OCD, PTSD, relationship issues, self-harm, stress, trauma and dissociation.
I specialise in neurodiversity and I have additional training in autism, ADHD, and neuroscience. I offer a variety of methods of counselling and coaching, including online and telephone sessions, face to face counselling in our lovely therapy room, and a walk and talk option for those who might not feel comfortable in a traditional counselling environment.
I have experience of working with autism, ADHD, abuse, anxiety, bereavement, depression, domestic violence, eating disorders, OCD, PTSD, relationship issues, self-harm, stress, trauma and dissociation.
I specialise in neurodiversity and I have additional training in autism, ADHD, and neuroscience. I offer a variety of methods of counselling and coaching, including online and telephone sessions, face to face counselling in our lovely therapy room, and a walk and talk option for those who might not feel comfortable in a traditional counselling environment.
0191 743 9237 View 0191 743 9237
Dr Stuart Sadler
Psychologist, PsychD, CPsychol
Serves Area
I specialise in helping people overcome problems such as depression, anxiety (whether due to worry, obsessive-compulsive disorder, health anxiety, or intrusive thoughts), and sleep disorders (such as insomnia, nightmares and early waking) so they can feel better and function better in day to day life again.
As a qualified Clinical Psychologist with advanced training in a range of specialties, I am trained and experienced in a variety of proven talking therapies, including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Family Therapy, Solution-Focused therapy, Counselling, and Mindfulness based approaches.
I specialise in helping people overcome problems such as depression, anxiety (whether due to worry, obsessive-compulsive disorder, health anxiety, or intrusive thoughts), and sleep disorders (such as insomnia, nightmares and early waking) so they can feel better and function better in day to day life again.
As a qualified Clinical Psychologist with advanced training in a range of specialties, I am trained and experienced in a variety of proven talking therapies, including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Family Therapy, Solution-Focused therapy, Counselling, and Mindfulness based approaches.
019467 60715 View 019467 60715
Talk Works
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
Life is hard. Talking helps. Talk Works deliver counselling, CBT, EMDR and psychology to individuals who require mental health support. Therapy offers you a safe, confidential place to talk about your life and anything that may be distressing. Whenever we get people talking, great things happen.
Life is hard. Talking helps. Talk Works deliver counselling, CBT, EMDR and psychology to individuals who require mental health support. Therapy offers you a safe, confidential place to talk about your life and anything that may be distressing. Whenever we get people talking, great things happen.
0191 743 4109 View 0191 743 4109
Karen Ambelez
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Serves Area
Struggling to cope with negative emotions can feel very isolating and, by the nature of some problems, guilt and shame can make us feel stigmatised and prevent us reaching out for support even when its not our fault. People come to counselling for all kinds of reasons from childhood trauma to life events as adults such as divorce, bereavement and stress and what they all have in common is a desire to feel better and begin to enjoy life. Some people find they use alcohol or drugs in an attempt to cope with their feelings but inventively this creates more problems
Struggling to cope with negative emotions can feel very isolating and, by the nature of some problems, guilt and shame can make us feel stigmatised and prevent us reaching out for support even when its not our fault. People come to counselling for all kinds of reasons from childhood trauma to life events as adults such as divorce, bereavement and stress and what they all have in common is a desire to feel better and begin to enjoy life. Some people find they use alcohol or drugs in an attempt to cope with their feelings but inventively this creates more problems
07480 535288 View 07480 535288
Dr Kathleen Hass
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
I have a warm and empathetic approach, and a wealth of experience both in the NHS and in private practice working with adults, adolescents and children with a range of problems, including: anxiety; depression; trauma and PTSD; stress and burnout; obsessions and compulsions; relationship problems; Personality Disorder and emotional regulation; and, emotional difficulties associated with physical health problems.
Forming strong therapeutic relationships is at the heart of my work, and I pride myself on being able to meet the unique needs of my clients in a way that suits them. ​ In addition to being a fully qualified Clinical Psychologist, I have also trained in a range of different therapeutic approaches including CBT, ACT, EMDR, DBT, and Mindfulness.
I have a warm and empathetic approach, and a wealth of experience both in the NHS and in private practice working with adults, adolescents and children with a range of problems, including: anxiety; depression; trauma and PTSD; stress and burnout; obsessions and compulsions; relationship problems; Personality Disorder and emotional regulation; and, emotional difficulties associated with physical health problems.
Forming strong therapeutic relationships is at the heart of my work, and I pride myself on being able to meet the unique needs of my clients in a way that suits them. ​ In addition to being a fully qualified Clinical Psychologist, I have also trained in a range of different therapeutic approaches including CBT, ACT, EMDR, DBT, and Mindfulness.
0191 814 7219 View 0191 814 7219
My Family Psychologist
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Forensic Psych.
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
My work is to empower you to understand and manage your own and your family's psychological wellbeing. From initial confusion and hopelessness the end game is enlightenment and clarity. I rely on data, clear aims, objectives, and objective measurement.
My work is to empower you to understand and manage your own and your family's psychological wellbeing. From initial confusion and hopelessness the end game is enlightenment and clarity. I rely on data, clear aims, objectives, and objective measurement.
01670 338152 View 01670 338152
Judith Ramsay
Counsellor, MBACP
Online Only
Hello, I am Jude I am an Integrative Counsellor who is committed and dedicated to supporting individuals through life's emotional and psychological challenges. I am deeply passionate about supporting you to discover your own inner strengths and resources to empower you to make meaningful and lasting changes in your life. My aim is to work collaboratively to build a therapeutic alliance in order to support and help you explore the best way to meet your needs. My Integrative approach enables me to tailor my therapy to the individual.
Hello, I am Jude I am an Integrative Counsellor who is committed and dedicated to supporting individuals through life's emotional and psychological challenges. I am deeply passionate about supporting you to discover your own inner strengths and resources to empower you to make meaningful and lasting changes in your life. My aim is to work collaboratively to build a therapeutic alliance in order to support and help you explore the best way to meet your needs. My Integrative approach enables me to tailor my therapy to the individual.
01207 265961 View 01207 265961
Dr Louise Fernandes
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
Hello and welcome - I’m really glad you’re here. I’m Louise, an experienced Clinical Psychologist. I support people with mental health difficulties, life changes, and adjusting to physical health conditions. I qualified in Newcastle in 2006 and have over 20 years’ experience in NHS community and hospital settings. I now run a private clinic in Jesmond and offer face-to-face, online, and telephone appointments for those aged 16+, so you can access support in a way that feels most comfortable for you. Concessionary rates are available for NHS and Blue Light workers.
Hello and welcome - I’m really glad you’re here. I’m Louise, an experienced Clinical Psychologist. I support people with mental health difficulties, life changes, and adjusting to physical health conditions. I qualified in Newcastle in 2006 and have over 20 years’ experience in NHS community and hospital settings. I now run a private clinic in Jesmond and offer face-to-face, online, and telephone appointments for those aged 16+, so you can access support in a way that feels most comfortable for you. Concessionary rates are available for NHS and Blue Light workers.
0191 743 3231 View 0191 743 3231
Talking Spaces UK
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Online Only
I work from the understanding that human experience includes distress, conflict, and harm, and that avoiding these realities is neither helpful nor therapeutic. In the therapy room, I offer a non-judgemental, reflective space where clients can explore their experiences honestly and at their own pace. My role is not to impose interpretations or provide simplistic reassurance, but to listen carefully, ask meaningful questions, and support clients in developing insight, emotional awareness, and psychological resilience.I see therapy as a collaborative process grounded in respect, autonomy, and ethical practice.
I work from the understanding that human experience includes distress, conflict, and harm, and that avoiding these realities is neither helpful nor therapeutic. In the therapy room, I offer a non-judgemental, reflective space where clients can explore their experiences honestly and at their own pace. My role is not to impose interpretations or provide simplistic reassurance, but to listen carefully, ask meaningful questions, and support clients in developing insight, emotional awareness, and psychological resilience.I see therapy as a collaborative process grounded in respect, autonomy, and ethical practice.
01429 806967 View 01429 806967
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Counsellors
How long does OCD treatment take?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often treated on a weekly or twice-weekly schedule, depending on symptom severity and the client’s preferences. Some clients may start to see a noticeable improvement in symptoms in as little as six weeks, but it’s also possible, especially in more severe cases, for treatment to take several months to a year before significant progress is made.

What happens if OCD is not treated?
Some people with OCD, especially those with mild symptoms, may find that they are able to adapt reasonably well to life with the condition, even if their symptoms never resolve completely. However, many people, particularly those whose symptoms are severe at the outset, find that their obsessions and compulsions grow more intrusive with time, making it harder to maintain relationships, hold down a job, or navigate the world successfully.

Are there medications for OCD?
Medication can be used to treat OCD. The class of drugs most often prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, which include fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, and sertraline, among others. In cases of treatment-resistant OCD, other classes of medication, such as tricyclic antidepressants or atypical antipsychotics, may be prescribed. Medication is frequently used in conjunction with therapy.

Can OCD come back after treatment?
Yes. Major life transitions, periods of stress, or other factors can cause symptoms to return or, if they were never fully eradicated, to ramp back up in intensity. For some, these relapses are brief and do not require additional treatment; identifying specific triggers and practicing the skills learned in therapy can help speed their course. For others, returning to therapy for a brief period can help address the underlying stress and strengthen coping mechanisms.