Photo of Jamie Maycock, Psychotherapist in Bristol, England
Jamie Maycock
Psychotherapist, PsychD, BACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1
I am a BACP registered Psychotherapist and have been working with clients since 2013. I offer an integrative approach, working with each person as an individual and using different theory’s to support the client in the best way. I offer an open minded and non judgemental space for clients to explore what’s troubling them. I work with all client issues. My specialist areas of work include offering support to clients with OCD using a range of CBT tools, working with victims of rape, sexual abuse and domestic violence, and working with complex mental health issues. I have completed specialised training for providing psychotherapy.
I am a BACP registered Psychotherapist and have been working with clients since 2013. I offer an integrative approach, working with each person as an individual and using different theory’s to support the client in the best way. I offer an open minded and non judgemental space for clients to explore what’s troubling them. I work with all client issues. My specialist areas of work include offering support to clients with OCD using a range of CBT tools, working with victims of rape, sexual abuse and domestic violence, and working with complex mental health issues. I have completed specialised training for providing psychotherapy.
07588 732617 View 07588 732617
Photo of Rhian Kenny, Psychotherapist in Bristol, England
Rhian Kenny
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bristol BS1
Waitlist for new clients
This includes but is not limited to social anxiety, health anxiety, OCD, phobias (e.
I'm Rhian, a BABCP accredited CBT Therapist working with children, young people and adults experiencing a range of mental health difficulties. My training and experience within education, outpatient and specialist mental health services means that delivering therapy can be done simply and effectively. I adapt our work to your personal needs whilst keeping your goals at the heart of what we do. By working together, we can create lasting change not only by resolving your current issues, but by building life-long resilience through skills and understanding of what maintains our problems. I offer Sunday and weekday appointments.
This includes but is not limited to social anxiety, health anxiety, OCD, phobias (e.
I'm Rhian, a BABCP accredited CBT Therapist working with children, young people and adults experiencing a range of mental health difficulties. My training and experience within education, outpatient and specialist mental health services means that delivering therapy can be done simply and effectively. I adapt our work to your personal needs whilst keeping your goals at the heart of what we do. By working together, we can create lasting change not only by resolving your current issues, but by building life-long resilience through skills and understanding of what maintains our problems. I offer Sunday and weekday appointments.
01225 985714 View 01225 985714
Photo of Laura Evans, Counsellor in Bristol, England
Laura Evans
Counsellor, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS3
Hi, I’m Laura and I’m a Cognitive Behavioural (CBT) Therapist and mental health nurse with around 15 years' experience in mental healthcare, CBT and counselling. I have worked within the NHS (including significant child & adolescent mental health (CAMHS) experience), university voluntary and private sectors. I support adults and children who may be struggling with: anxiety (including generalised anxiety disorder, health anxiety, social anxiety), depression and low mood, OCD, phobias, low self-esteem, perfectionism, body image difficulties and body dysmorphia, stress, panic disorder and panic attacks, trauma and sleep difficulties.
Hi, I’m Laura and I’m a Cognitive Behavioural (CBT) Therapist and mental health nurse with around 15 years' experience in mental healthcare, CBT and counselling. I have worked within the NHS (including significant child & adolescent mental health (CAMHS) experience), university voluntary and private sectors. I support adults and children who may be struggling with: anxiety (including generalised anxiety disorder, health anxiety, social anxiety), depression and low mood, OCD, phobias, low self-esteem, perfectionism, body image difficulties and body dysmorphia, stress, panic disorder and panic attacks, trauma and sleep difficulties.
01275 402894 View 01275 402894
Photo of brighter pathways, Counsellor in Bristol, England
brighter pathways
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS32
I am a qualified counsellor and teacher, I have studied Counselling and Substance Misuse at FdSc level and have a Diploma in Social Work, as well as having a wide range of work and life experience. My down to earth nature empowers me to be accessible, approachable and non-judgmental which is an essential part of a successful working therapeutic relationship. Aiding people to work through their own life challenges is my absolute passion and driving force behind Brighter Pathways Counselling.
I am a qualified counsellor and teacher, I have studied Counselling and Substance Misuse at FdSc level and have a Diploma in Social Work, as well as having a wide range of work and life experience. My down to earth nature empowers me to be accessible, approachable and non-judgmental which is an essential part of a successful working therapeutic relationship. Aiding people to work through their own life challenges is my absolute passion and driving force behind Brighter Pathways Counselling.
0117 456 2551 View 0117 456 2551
Photo of Anna Bulgakova, Psychotherapist in Bristol, England
Anna Bulgakova
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1
Are you looking for change? Do you want to move beyond the pain of your current situation or past traumas? Are you experiencing relationship difficulties and don't know how to go beyond the current situation? Whatever the issues you are facing, I will work with you to help you move towards the place you (both) want to be. I have extensive knowledge of working with clients with a range of mental health difficulties, including people in emotional crisis. I believe that every person has the potential for recovery and growth, with as an individual or within relationship with another person. Transformation is always possible.
Are you looking for change? Do you want to move beyond the pain of your current situation or past traumas? Are you experiencing relationship difficulties and don't know how to go beyond the current situation? Whatever the issues you are facing, I will work with you to help you move towards the place you (both) want to be. I have extensive knowledge of working with clients with a range of mental health difficulties, including people in emotional crisis. I believe that every person has the potential for recovery and growth, with as an individual or within relationship with another person. Transformation is always possible.
0117 325 2694 View 0117 325 2694
Photo of Joanne King Art Therapist, Psychotherapist in Bristol, England
Joanne King Art Therapist
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1
What is art therapy? Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of expression and communication. Within this context, art is not used as diagnostic tool but as a medium to address emotional issues which may be confusing and distressing. Art therapists work with children, young people, adults and the elderly. Clients may have a wide range of difficulties, disabilities or diagnoses. These include emotional, behavioural or mental health problems, learning or physical disabilities, life-limiting conditions, neurological conditions and physical illnesses. Art therapy is provided in groups or individual
What is art therapy? Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of expression and communication. Within this context, art is not used as diagnostic tool but as a medium to address emotional issues which may be confusing and distressing. Art therapists work with children, young people, adults and the elderly. Clients may have a wide range of difficulties, disabilities or diagnoses. These include emotional, behavioural or mental health problems, learning or physical disabilities, life-limiting conditions, neurological conditions and physical illnesses. Art therapy is provided in groups or individual
01275 402827 View 01275 402827
Photo of Dr Katrina Lake Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist in Bristol, England
Dr Katrina Lake Consultant Clinical Psychologist
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
When you need it, it’s important to be able to access the right help as soon as possible. You may have concerns about your mental health or emotional wellbeing, would like to address past traumas or have noticed unhelpful patterns in your relationships. I offer brief and longer term therapy and have specialist training and extensive experience practicing a range of therapies including EMDR, CBT, IFS and ACT. We would use the best approach, or combination of approaches for you, creating a bespoke therapy tailored to your needs, meeting at a time that works for you, either weekly or on alternate weeks.
When you need it, it’s important to be able to access the right help as soon as possible. You may have concerns about your mental health or emotional wellbeing, would like to address past traumas or have noticed unhelpful patterns in your relationships. I offer brief and longer term therapy and have specialist training and extensive experience practicing a range of therapies including EMDR, CBT, IFS and ACT. We would use the best approach, or combination of approaches for you, creating a bespoke therapy tailored to your needs, meeting at a time that works for you, either weekly or on alternate weeks.
01273 092800 View 01273 092800

Online Therapists

Photo of Dr Sam French, Psychologist in Bristol, England
Dr Sam French
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Didcot OX11
I am a Clinical Psychologist, registered with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and accredited by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) as a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist. My therapeutic work is currently with adolescents and adults (12+) with no upper age limit. I can support people with wide range of mental health difficulties, and I have a special interest in OCD, anxiety disorders, depression, hoarding problems, and difficulties related to trauma. I work both face-to-face via my Wallingford clinic and online, and can offer a format flexible to your needs.
I am a Clinical Psychologist, registered with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and accredited by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) as a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist. My therapeutic work is currently with adolescents and adults (12+) with no upper age limit. I can support people with wide range of mental health difficulties, and I have a special interest in OCD, anxiety disorders, depression, hoarding problems, and difficulties related to trauma. I work both face-to-face via my Wallingford clinic and online, and can offer a format flexible to your needs.
01235 639398 View 01235 639398
Photo of Dr Tanya Carpenter, Psychologist in Bristol, England
Dr Tanya Carpenter
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Worcester WR5
My approach is focused on wellbeing rather than illness and I feel really passionate about helping people to gain insight into themselves and their lives. This can be useful for enhancing wellbeing and realising potential. As a psychologist I am trained to be able to help with a wide variety of issues including but not limited to depression, anxiety, OCD, interpersonal, relationship, attachment and family issues, self esteem and confidence.
My approach is focused on wellbeing rather than illness and I feel really passionate about helping people to gain insight into themselves and their lives. This can be useful for enhancing wellbeing and realising potential. As a psychologist I am trained to be able to help with a wide variety of issues including but not limited to depression, anxiety, OCD, interpersonal, relationship, attachment and family issues, self esteem and confidence.
01905 675625 View 01905 675625
Photo of Theresa Dubicka-Keen, Counsellor in Bristol, England
Theresa Dubicka-Keen
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Sutton Coldfield B75
Providing psychotherapy is my passion and I cover a wide range of issues namely- All Abuse, ADD / ADHD, Addictions, AIDS/HIV, Anger management, Anxiety, Asperger syndrome, Bereavement, Cancer, Child related issues, Chronic fatigue syndrome / ME, Cultural issues, Depression, Disability, Eating disorders, Health related issues, Identity issues, Infertility, Loss, Men's issues, Obsessions, OCD, Phobias, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy related issues, Redundancy, Relationships, Self esteem, Self-harm, Sex-related issues, Sexual identity, Sexuality, Spirituality, Stress, Trauma, Women's issues, Work related issues.
Providing psychotherapy is my passion and I cover a wide range of issues namely- All Abuse, ADD / ADHD, Addictions, AIDS/HIV, Anger management, Anxiety, Asperger syndrome, Bereavement, Cancer, Child related issues, Chronic fatigue syndrome / ME, Cultural issues, Depression, Disability, Eating disorders, Health related issues, Identity issues, Infertility, Loss, Men's issues, Obsessions, OCD, Phobias, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy related issues, Redundancy, Relationships, Self esteem, Self-harm, Sex-related issues, Sexual identity, Sexuality, Spirituality, Stress, Trauma, Women's issues, Work related issues.
01827 214705 View 01827 214705
Photo of Dr Ben J Mead, Psychologist in Bristol, England
Dr Ben J Mead
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Guildford GU5
Hello, my name is Ben and I am a Clinical Psychologist, Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and Counsellor practising in Surrey (Guildford), Hampshire (Basingstoke) and also online via a secure, encrypted network. My extensive training and experience ensures I am able to help adults and children with a number of difficulties, including (but not limited to): Anxiety, Depression, Low self-esteem, Loneliness, Grief / Loss, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Post-traumatic stress (PTSD), Relationship difficulties (including break-ups), Social anxiety, Sleep difficulties and Work / exam stress
Hello, my name is Ben and I am a Clinical Psychologist, Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and Counsellor practising in Surrey (Guildford), Hampshire (Basingstoke) and also online via a secure, encrypted network. My extensive training and experience ensures I am able to help adults and children with a number of difficulties, including (but not limited to): Anxiety, Depression, Low self-esteem, Loneliness, Grief / Loss, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Post-traumatic stress (PTSD), Relationship difficulties (including break-ups), Social anxiety, Sleep difficulties and Work / exam stress
07723 467204 View 07723 467204
Photo of John Doré, Counsellor in Bristol, England
John Doré
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX4
I specialise in the following areas although I recognise that each of us is unique and life's challenges and difficulties cannot always be easily categorised: Stress Anxiety/Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Depression, Bereavement, Trauma, Couples counselling, Abuse, Low self-esteem, Bipolar, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Sexuality, General counselling.
Coming to counselling can feel a little daunting; sharing some of our private thoughts and feelings with someone that we do not know can be hard and can feel a little strange. I will help to make you feel comfortable and at ease by offering you a safe, confidential space for you to talk openly, and at a pace that suits you. I am committed to ensuring that you will feel heard, accepted and understood and I will make every effort to appreciate what it is like to be you and to help you understand your feelings and emotions.
I specialise in the following areas although I recognise that each of us is unique and life's challenges and difficulties cannot always be easily categorised: Stress Anxiety/Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Depression, Bereavement, Trauma, Couples counselling, Abuse, Low self-esteem, Bipolar, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Sexuality, General counselling.
Coming to counselling can feel a little daunting; sharing some of our private thoughts and feelings with someone that we do not know can be hard and can feel a little strange. I will help to make you feel comfortable and at ease by offering you a safe, confidential space for you to talk openly, and at a pace that suits you. I am committed to ensuring that you will feel heard, accepted and understood and I will make every effort to appreciate what it is like to be you and to help you understand your feelings and emotions.
01392 321349 View 01392 321349
Photo of Peter Klein, Psychotherapist in Bristol, England
Peter Klein
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond TW9
Welcome to my profile page. I am specialized in treating problems such as Stress,Worry, Anxiety, Psychosis, Depression and OCD. I emphasise the use of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapies as these offer a wealth of scientific evidence backing their effectiveness. When getting to know you, I very much emphasize getting an individual picture of your concerns in order to tailor a treatment program towards you. This entails that you will get to know psychotherapeutic principles and techniques that are adapted specifically towards you. The gained knowledge will aid in helping you address your problems in a direct and pragmatic manner.
Welcome to my profile page. I am specialized in treating problems such as Stress,Worry, Anxiety, Psychosis, Depression and OCD. I emphasise the use of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapies as these offer a wealth of scientific evidence backing their effectiveness. When getting to know you, I very much emphasize getting an individual picture of your concerns in order to tailor a treatment program towards you. This entails that you will get to know psychotherapeutic principles and techniques that are adapted specifically towards you. The gained knowledge will aid in helping you address your problems in a direct and pragmatic manner.
01748 902453 View 01748 902453
Photo of Barbara Paczkowska, Psychotherapist in Bristol, England
Barbara Paczkowska
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Windsor SL4
My specialty is the treatment of adults suffering from depression and mood disturbance, anxiety disorders (social phobia, specific phobias), obsessive- compulsive disorder & panic disorders.
Valuing the importance of a therapeutic relationship, I base my relationships with clients on trust and partnership. Drawing on extensive experience I aim to provide a safe and non- judgmental environment where you the client feels acknowledged, listened to and supported. As we are all unique no one type of therapy 'fits' all and I therefore integrate the therapeutic models in which I have been trained to meet your particular individual needs.
My specialty is the treatment of adults suffering from depression and mood disturbance, anxiety disorders (social phobia, specific phobias), obsessive- compulsive disorder & panic disorders.
Valuing the importance of a therapeutic relationship, I base my relationships with clients on trust and partnership. Drawing on extensive experience I aim to provide a safe and non- judgmental environment where you the client feels acknowledged, listened to and supported. As we are all unique no one type of therapy 'fits' all and I therefore integrate the therapeutic models in which I have been trained to meet your particular individual needs.
01753 907660 View 01753 907660
Photo of Dr Lycia Forde, Psychologist in Bristol, England
Dr Lycia Forde
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London W4  (Online Only)
Having worked in mental health for over 15 years I have experience of working with clients of all ages and backgrounds. My practice is grounded in theory and methodologies informed by the latest evidence and I work in adherence with NICE guidelines. It gives me huge pleasure supporting individual clients or couples to overcome their challenges and achieve their therapeutic goals. My specialities are Adjustment Disorder, Agoraphobia, Complex Trauma, Depression, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Bereavement, Health Anxiety, Insomnia, Low Self-Esteem, OCD, Panic Disorder, PTSD, Social Anxiety, Specific Phobias and relational difficulties.
Having worked in mental health for over 15 years I have experience of working with clients of all ages and backgrounds. My practice is grounded in theory and methodologies informed by the latest evidence and I work in adherence with NICE guidelines. It gives me huge pleasure supporting individual clients or couples to overcome their challenges and achieve their therapeutic goals. My specialities are Adjustment Disorder, Agoraphobia, Complex Trauma, Depression, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Bereavement, Health Anxiety, Insomnia, Low Self-Esteem, OCD, Panic Disorder, PTSD, Social Anxiety, Specific Phobias and relational difficulties.
020 3838 0885 View 020 3838 0885
Photo of sctherapyandwellbeing, Counsellor in Bristol, England
sctherapyandwellbeing
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Birmingham B18  (Online Only)
OCD, PTSD, GAD, Social Phobia.
Hi I am Sheena. As an experienced Counsellor and Psychotherapist, I offer various therapeutic approaches to support you with the difficulties that you may be experiencing. The therapeutic approaches that I offer are short and long-term Integrative Counselling, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), CFT (Compassion Focused Therapy) and EMDR (Eye Movement and Desensitisation Reprocessing). I have Accredited status with BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) and BABCP (British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies).
OCD, PTSD, GAD, Social Phobia.
Hi I am Sheena. As an experienced Counsellor and Psychotherapist, I offer various therapeutic approaches to support you with the difficulties that you may be experiencing. The therapeutic approaches that I offer are short and long-term Integrative Counselling, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), CFT (Compassion Focused Therapy) and EMDR (Eye Movement and Desensitisation Reprocessing). I have Accredited status with BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) and BABCP (British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies).
0121 817 7525 View 0121 817 7525
Photo of Elizabeth Sakutukwa, Psychotherapist in Bristol, England
Elizabeth Sakutukwa
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Portsmouth PO1
I specialize mainly in Depression, Generalized Anxiety, Social Phobia, Health Anxiety, OCD and any other health anxieties.
I am a BABCP registered Psychotherapist. It is my goal to facilitate and communicate with my clients as best as they can to uncover the essence of concerning issues and those that may arise. These issues can be challenging and overwhelming. My experience has shown that using a non-judgmental, open and honest approach enables clients to understand themselves and their lives better after understanding how to communicate. This skill begins on day one of therapy and can be applied to various life situations. I am honored to hear clients speak about what matters to them most, and to help them reach their full potential.
I specialize mainly in Depression, Generalized Anxiety, Social Phobia, Health Anxiety, OCD and any other health anxieties.
I am a BABCP registered Psychotherapist. It is my goal to facilitate and communicate with my clients as best as they can to uncover the essence of concerning issues and those that may arise. These issues can be challenging and overwhelming. My experience has shown that using a non-judgmental, open and honest approach enables clients to understand themselves and their lives better after understanding how to communicate. This skill begins on day one of therapy and can be applied to various life situations. I am honored to hear clients speak about what matters to them most, and to help them reach their full potential.
01329 759309 View 01329 759309
Photo of Rosalind Coon, Psychologist in Bristol, England
Rosalind Coon
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Honiton EX14
) I find CBT a particularly helpful approach in working with OCD, anxiety, depression, phobias and panic attacks.
As a clinical psychologist I work with adults, children, adolescents, and families to address a variety of psychological difficulties. With over 25 years experience, I am skilled in a variety of psychological interventions, drawing on different approaches as appropriate. I work with adults experiencing a variety of difficulties from depression and anxiety to loss and relationship issues. I am particularly interested in working with children and adolescents: whether working with anxiety, self harm, poor self esteem or family conflict, I aim to help parents and children feel supported, and to foster loving family relationships.
) I find CBT a particularly helpful approach in working with OCD, anxiety, depression, phobias and panic attacks.
As a clinical psychologist I work with adults, children, adolescents, and families to address a variety of psychological difficulties. With over 25 years experience, I am skilled in a variety of psychological interventions, drawing on different approaches as appropriate. I work with adults experiencing a variety of difficulties from depression and anxiety to loss and relationship issues. I am particularly interested in working with children and adolescents: whether working with anxiety, self harm, poor self esteem or family conflict, I aim to help parents and children feel supported, and to foster loving family relationships.
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Photo of Wendy Jilley, Counsellor in Bristol, England
Wendy Jilley
Counsellor, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Ferryside SA17
Coming for counselling for the first time can be a bit daunting. You don't know what to expect, or how it might be able to help you, but I hope to provide a safe and trusting environment where you will be able to feel supported to bring whatever you need to to the therapy session, and to know that you will be fully listened to and accepted. You may be going through a difficult time in your life and need to find your way through, or you may be looking at having longer term therapy where you look deeper into exploring issues from the past that still affect you, in order that you can live a happier and more fulfilling life.
Coming for counselling for the first time can be a bit daunting. You don't know what to expect, or how it might be able to help you, but I hope to provide a safe and trusting environment where you will be able to feel supported to bring whatever you need to to the therapy session, and to know that you will be fully listened to and accepted. You may be going through a difficult time in your life and need to find your way through, or you may be looking at having longer term therapy where you look deeper into exploring issues from the past that still affect you, in order that you can live a happier and more fulfilling life.
01554 705587 View 01554 705587
Photo of Sumeet Grover, Psychotherapist in Bristol, England
Sumeet Grover
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Leighton Buzzard LU7
The experience of coming for therapy is an opportunity for you to discover for the first (or subsequent) time in life that you can let go of all the judgements, the fear and hesitation, and begin to talk about what is bothering you. We become wounded within a sense of connectedness - in families, relationships, friendships and society - and paradoxically it is within a sense of connectedness that we can begin to heal. Healing the emotional brain takes time, but it is a creative and deeply fulfilling process that brings wonderful gifts with itself. I help my clients to begin to feel more balanced and calm within their mind and body.
The experience of coming for therapy is an opportunity for you to discover for the first (or subsequent) time in life that you can let go of all the judgements, the fear and hesitation, and begin to talk about what is bothering you. We become wounded within a sense of connectedness - in families, relationships, friendships and society - and paradoxically it is within a sense of connectedness that we can begin to heal. Healing the emotional brain takes time, but it is a creative and deeply fulfilling process that brings wonderful gifts with itself. I help my clients to begin to feel more balanced and calm within their mind and body.
01525 664046 View 01525 664046

See more therapy options for Bristol

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.