Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists in Otago
Alexandra (Ale) Held is an NZ-trained and registered psychologist and a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). She is experienced in working with a variety of challenging behaviours across adults, adolescents, and children in a range of settings, providing a high level of behavioural assessments and interventions. She is experienced in implementing intensive Behaviour Support Services, based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis. She works from a non-aversive framework to increase positive behaviour, increase positive interactions, develop skills, and decrease the occurrence of challenging behaviours.
Alexandra (Ale) Held is an NZ-trained and registered psychologist and a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). She is experienced in working with a variety of challenging behaviours across adults, adolescents, and children in a range of settings, providing a high level of behavioural assessments and interventions. She is experienced in implementing intensive Behaviour Support Services, based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis. She works from a non-aversive framework to increase positive behaviour, increase positive interactions, develop skills, and decrease the occurrence of challenging behaviours.
I have specialist training in neurodiversity including in interventions specifically designed to support challenges unique to neurodiverse persons along with depression and a wide range of anxiety issues including OCD, panic attacks, and more generalized anxiety.
I am a registered Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years' experience working in a range of adult settings. I offer comprehensive assessments including neuroaffirming assessments for autism, and therapy for a wide range of concerns including for challenges experienced by autistic persons such as autistic burnout, and shutdowns and meltdowns. I have provided supervision and training in specialist areas for clinical psychologists and mental health professionals and have a commitment to clinical expertise. My aim is to provide a safe space and ensure that the process resonates with each person’s needs and preferences.
I have specialist training in neurodiversity including in interventions specifically designed to support challenges unique to neurodiverse persons along with depression and a wide range of anxiety issues including OCD, panic attacks, and more generalized anxiety.
I am a registered Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years' experience working in a range of adult settings. I offer comprehensive assessments including neuroaffirming assessments for autism, and therapy for a wide range of concerns including for challenges experienced by autistic persons such as autistic burnout, and shutdowns and meltdowns. I have provided supervision and training in specialist areas for clinical psychologists and mental health professionals and have a commitment to clinical expertise. My aim is to provide a safe space and ensure that the process resonates with each person’s needs and preferences.
Elaine often works with those who have ADHD, anxiety, OCD, depression, life coaching, relationship, work, parenting issues etc.
Elaine is a Senior Registered Psychologist in New Zealand and a Registered Practioner Psychologist in the UK. Elaine has lived in New Zealand for over 25yrs. Elaine helps her clients using a warm, empowering approach to assist her clients achieve their goals in the most appropriate way. (Offers early morning/evening video sessions, (though Clearhead, EAP/insurance) and in person. Elaine uses various approaches CBT, SFT, ADHD coaching etc. She has over 27 years experience working with adults, teenagers/children/families. Elaine has worked within the Health Service, G.P. surgeries, CYFS/OT, Special Education and in private practice .
Elaine often works with those who have ADHD, anxiety, OCD, depression, life coaching, relationship, work, parenting issues etc.
Elaine is a Senior Registered Psychologist in New Zealand and a Registered Practioner Psychologist in the UK. Elaine has lived in New Zealand for over 25yrs. Elaine helps her clients using a warm, empowering approach to assist her clients achieve their goals in the most appropriate way. (Offers early morning/evening video sessions, (though Clearhead, EAP/insurance) and in person. Elaine uses various approaches CBT, SFT, ADHD coaching etc. She has over 27 years experience working with adults, teenagers/children/families. Elaine has worked within the Health Service, G.P. surgeries, CYFS/OT, Special Education and in private practice .
I am dedicated to supporting individuals navigating disordered eating and obsessive-compulsive disorder ( OCD).
If you find yourself struggling with low self-esteem, caught in repetitive loops, or overwhelmed by distressing thoughts and doubts, please know healing is possible. Whether food feels consuming or you feel completely disconnected from your body, you don't have to carry this alone. I am here to help you understand these struggles and heal.
I am dedicated to supporting individuals navigating disordered eating and obsessive-compulsive disorder ( OCD).
If you find yourself struggling with low self-esteem, caught in repetitive loops, or overwhelmed by distressing thoughts and doubts, please know healing is possible. Whether food feels consuming or you feel completely disconnected from your body, you don't have to carry this alone. I am here to help you understand these struggles and heal.
Hello! I am a NZ Registered Health Professional with a career spanning over 25 years in mental health therapy, counselling, and occupational therapy. My work is grounded in a trauma-informed mental health framework, with particular experience supporting adults and youths with ADHD, general mental health concerns, and emotional regulation difficulties. I believe meaningful change happens within a strong therapeutic relationship, where you feel understood, respected, and supported. Together we explore strategies and insights that help you navigate challenges and function more effectively in your everyday life.
Hello! I am a NZ Registered Health Professional with a career spanning over 25 years in mental health therapy, counselling, and occupational therapy. My work is grounded in a trauma-informed mental health framework, with particular experience supporting adults and youths with ADHD, general mental health concerns, and emotional regulation difficulties. I believe meaningful change happens within a strong therapeutic relationship, where you feel understood, respected, and supported. Together we explore strategies and insights that help you navigate challenges and function more effectively in your everyday life.
My ideal clients are children, adolescents, and adults seeking clarity on their unique neurodevelopmental or learning profile. You might be wondering why certain tasks feel harder for you or your child, particularly regarding focus, learning, or emotional regulation. While my background includes working in specialist mental health services and at the University of Otago, my private practice is currently dedicated exclusively to psychological assessments. I work with those looking for a formal understanding of their needs to better navigate challenges and unlock their full potential.
My ideal clients are children, adolescents, and adults seeking clarity on their unique neurodevelopmental or learning profile. You might be wondering why certain tasks feel harder for you or your child, particularly regarding focus, learning, or emotional regulation. While my background includes working in specialist mental health services and at the University of Otago, my private practice is currently dedicated exclusively to psychological assessments. I work with those looking for a formal understanding of their needs to better navigate challenges and unlock their full potential.
As a Clinical Psychologist, I specialise in guiding individuals and couples towards profound personal insight and behavioural transformation. Drawing on the Zen concept of 'Kensho' – seeing into one's true nature – I empower clients to overcome anxiety, depression, trauma and other mental health concerns that hinder their relationships, careers, and overall well-being. Whether you're navigating stress, low mood, or the lingering effects of past personal trauma, I offer a compassionate and tailored path to healing.
As a Clinical Psychologist, I specialise in guiding individuals and couples towards profound personal insight and behavioural transformation. Drawing on the Zen concept of 'Kensho' – seeing into one's true nature – I empower clients to overcome anxiety, depression, trauma and other mental health concerns that hinder their relationships, careers, and overall well-being. Whether you're navigating stress, low mood, or the lingering effects of past personal trauma, I offer a compassionate and tailored path to healing.
I am available for therapeutic conversations and counselling support.
I provide Clinical/Practice Supervision to meet your CPD needs as a practitioner, clinical manager, peer support and mental health worker.
I prepare cultural reports for court (family, youth and district).
I have a practice background working with young people and children, adults with repeat and recidivist offending behaviour; complex mental health and addictions, sexually harmful behaviours, trauma, hurt and pain.
I provide Cultural Supervision from a kaupapa Māori lens and I will walk alongside you to explore your own cultural practice.
I am available for therapeutic conversations and counselling support.
I provide Clinical/Practice Supervision to meet your CPD needs as a practitioner, clinical manager, peer support and mental health worker.
I prepare cultural reports for court (family, youth and district).
I have a practice background working with young people and children, adults with repeat and recidivist offending behaviour; complex mental health and addictions, sexually harmful behaviours, trauma, hurt and pain.
I provide Cultural Supervision from a kaupapa Māori lens and I will walk alongside you to explore your own cultural practice.
I’m a registered psychotherapist (PBANZ); I specialise in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic psychotherapy; I am ACC registered; and I welcome all those who are struggling with mental health difficulties and those who want to have a greater understanding of who they are.
I’m a registered psychotherapist (PBANZ); I specialise in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic psychotherapy; I am ACC registered; and I welcome all those who are struggling with mental health difficulties and those who want to have a greater understanding of who they are.
Kia ora, I’m Deb, a therapist & mental health professional passionate about helping you find the right insights to unlock the change you’re looking for in your life. I’m formally trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy as well as a number of other therapeutic models to tackle a diverse range of difficulties including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship problems, parenting challenges, childhood difficulties, postnatal depression, attachment difficulties and more.
Kia ora, I’m Deb, a therapist & mental health professional passionate about helping you find the right insights to unlock the change you’re looking for in your life. I’m formally trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy as well as a number of other therapeutic models to tackle a diverse range of difficulties including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship problems, parenting challenges, childhood difficulties, postnatal depression, attachment difficulties and more.
My passion is to create a space for others to explore their concerns or challenges and feel comfortable doing so as we work together towards your preferred goals ultimately supporting overall wellness.
It can be a stepping out of the boat experience to talk to a professional about what troubles us, so I try to make the 'process' as easy as possible. We all struggle in many ways (normal!) and often, don't know what we don't know so upskilling in self-care or healthy thinking or relational wellness is something we all need to do from time to time to continue moving forward in life in ways that give our lives meaning and colour.
My passion is to create a space for others to explore their concerns or challenges and feel comfortable doing so as we work together towards your preferred goals ultimately supporting overall wellness.
It can be a stepping out of the boat experience to talk to a professional about what troubles us, so I try to make the 'process' as easy as possible. We all struggle in many ways (normal!) and often, don't know what we don't know so upskilling in self-care or healthy thinking or relational wellness is something we all need to do from time to time to continue moving forward in life in ways that give our lives meaning and colour.
I am a Nelson-based Psychotherapist offering short-term and long-term psychotherapy for adults, children and young people. My approach to working in therapy relies mainly on psychodynamic theories; meaning that I believe our early experiences have a significant impact on us. We may search for patterns in your life, to better understand what may be causing and perpetuating your problems. In long-term therapy it is crucial that you come to trust me, to share these often very personal memories and experiences.
I am a Nelson-based Psychotherapist offering short-term and long-term psychotherapy for adults, children and young people. My approach to working in therapy relies mainly on psychodynamic theories; meaning that I believe our early experiences have a significant impact on us. We may search for patterns in your life, to better understand what may be causing and perpetuating your problems. In long-term therapy it is crucial that you come to trust me, to share these often very personal memories and experiences.
Seeking a non-judgmental sex therapist? Struggling with intimacy, low libido, trauma, or relationships? Want to improve communication, build trust, and reignite passion? Let's work together to overcome obstacles, boost confidence, and achieve fulfilling relationships. I offer confidential, empathetic support, tailoring sessions to your unique needs and goals. Take the first step towards a more satisfying sex life, stronger relationships, and increased self-awareness. Let's explore desires, boundaries, and identity in a safe space. Start your journey to empowerment, pleasure, and deeper connections.
Seeking a non-judgmental sex therapist? Struggling with intimacy, low libido, trauma, or relationships? Want to improve communication, build trust, and reignite passion? Let's work together to overcome obstacles, boost confidence, and achieve fulfilling relationships. I offer confidential, empathetic support, tailoring sessions to your unique needs and goals. Take the first step towards a more satisfying sex life, stronger relationships, and increased self-awareness. Let's explore desires, boundaries, and identity in a safe space. Start your journey to empowerment, pleasure, and deeper connections.
Kia ora, I'm Paola. In therapy, change comes in waves and cycles, like with the tides. I provide my clients a safe and professional environment to navigate those therapeutic tides in the smoothest way possible. I bring to the therapeutic process competence, clarity and clinical discernment for the client to be able to dive safely in the deep waters of personal transformation. Clients report that they experience tangible results as enhanced self-esteem and trust, reduced severity of symptoms as anxiety, depression, grief or mental confusion, and the restoring of their capacity for secure, and organized relationships, among others.
Kia ora, I'm Paola. In therapy, change comes in waves and cycles, like with the tides. I provide my clients a safe and professional environment to navigate those therapeutic tides in the smoothest way possible. I bring to the therapeutic process competence, clarity and clinical discernment for the client to be able to dive safely in the deep waters of personal transformation. Clients report that they experience tangible results as enhanced self-esteem and trust, reduced severity of symptoms as anxiety, depression, grief or mental confusion, and the restoring of their capacity for secure, and organized relationships, among others.
20/4/26 Limited spaces available! I enjoy working with people from a diverse set of backgrounds and ages. I believe that therapy can bring meaningful change for those I work with. You may be wondering if therapy is the right approach for you, and not know where to start or what to say. That is completely normal! My aim is to create a safe space where we can explore what brings you to therapy. I provide a personalised flexible approach to help people get the most out of sessions, and offer practical tools that can be used in everyday life. I offer sessions outside business hours for those who need flexibility. Christchurch or Online.
20/4/26 Limited spaces available! I enjoy working with people from a diverse set of backgrounds and ages. I believe that therapy can bring meaningful change for those I work with. You may be wondering if therapy is the right approach for you, and not know where to start or what to say. That is completely normal! My aim is to create a safe space where we can explore what brings you to therapy. I provide a personalised flexible approach to help people get the most out of sessions, and offer practical tools that can be used in everyday life. I offer sessions outside business hours for those who need flexibility. Christchurch or Online.
It takes a lot of courage to reach out to a person you don’t know to work through challenges. I will meet you with compassion, for you, and hold space for your human experiences. We will build safety and trust together as we seek to acknowledge, understand, heal, and integrate what you have been through. I am passionate about supporting the diverse humans I work with to build resilience, cope, and process their experiences. I support my clients to live a life where their minds are a bit kinder to them.
It takes a lot of courage to reach out to a person you don’t know to work through challenges. I will meet you with compassion, for you, and hold space for your human experiences. We will build safety and trust together as we seek to acknowledge, understand, heal, and integrate what you have been through. I am passionate about supporting the diverse humans I work with to build resilience, cope, and process their experiences. I support my clients to live a life where their minds are a bit kinder to them.
I am a Holistic Counsellor, an Intuitive & a spiritual mentor. My spiritual awareness and my background in the field of health have benefitted my appreciation for both tangible and mystical perceptions when it comes to physical and mental wellbeing. The transformation & sacred journey I will take you on will enable you to reach wellbeing by liberating yourself from traumas, conditioning, and self-limiting beliefs rooted in past experiences that are no longer serving you. I have a nurturing, proactive & empowering approach to help you find freedom within yourself in a supportive and safe environment.
I am a Holistic Counsellor, an Intuitive & a spiritual mentor. My spiritual awareness and my background in the field of health have benefitted my appreciation for both tangible and mystical perceptions when it comes to physical and mental wellbeing. The transformation & sacred journey I will take you on will enable you to reach wellbeing by liberating yourself from traumas, conditioning, and self-limiting beliefs rooted in past experiences that are no longer serving you. I have a nurturing, proactive & empowering approach to help you find freedom within yourself in a supportive and safe environment.
You have spent years achieving things you never quite let yourself feel proud of. You can fight hard for everyone around you - and go quiet when it is your own corner to hold.
I work with professionals, leaders, and entrepreneurs ready to resolve what has been holding them back - at the level it actually lives.
Using hypnotherapy, Havening Techniques, and NLP, we work with the patterns and nervous system responses running quietly in the background - and resolve them at the root.
Most clients notice a meaningful shift within the first session.
Free 30-minute Discovery Conversation — no obligation.
You have spent years achieving things you never quite let yourself feel proud of. You can fight hard for everyone around you - and go quiet when it is your own corner to hold.
I work with professionals, leaders, and entrepreneurs ready to resolve what has been holding them back - at the level it actually lives.
Using hypnotherapy, Havening Techniques, and NLP, we work with the patterns and nervous system responses running quietly in the background - and resolve them at the root.
Most clients notice a meaningful shift within the first session.
Free 30-minute Discovery Conversation — no obligation.
Shelley obtained a Doctorate of Psychology and completed post grad work in Nova Scotia Canada in 2010. She is a NZ registered clinical psychologist & served in the role of Clinical Manager of a National DBT Service. DBT is an integration of western and eastern psychological philosophies and along with EMDR and CBT based prolonged exposure, is one of Shelley’s preferred therapeutic models for working with emotional regulation, complex needs and trauma.
Shelley obtained a Doctorate of Psychology and completed post grad work in Nova Scotia Canada in 2010. She is a NZ registered clinical psychologist & served in the role of Clinical Manager of a National DBT Service. DBT is an integration of western and eastern psychological philosophies and along with EMDR and CBT based prolonged exposure, is one of Shelley’s preferred therapeutic models for working with emotional regulation, complex needs and trauma.
Hi, I am a registered clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist living and practicing in Nelson, New Zealand. My primary focus is providing psychotherapy. Psychotherapy involves the careful application of techniques that help people change their behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and other personal characteristics in ways that enable them to thrive and cope with the stresses of living. I prefer to work with clients in person but if meeting in person is impossible or impractical, I can provide services online.
Hi, I am a registered clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist living and practicing in Nelson, New Zealand. My primary focus is providing psychotherapy. Psychotherapy involves the careful application of techniques that help people change their behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and other personal characteristics in ways that enable them to thrive and cope with the stresses of living. I prefer to work with clients in person but if meeting in person is impossible or impractical, I can provide services online.
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.