Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists in Otago

I support clients with varying issues, from anxiety, relationship difficulties and body image to disordered eating and OCD.
If you find yourself struggling with low self-esteem, caught in unhelpful patterns, experiencing obsessive/intrusive thoughts, feeling like food controls you or feeling disconnected from your body, know that there is a path to improving your life and healing. I am here to help provide the support you need to grow and heal in order to reach your goals.
I support clients with varying issues, from anxiety, relationship difficulties and body image to disordered eating and OCD.
If you find yourself struggling with low self-esteem, caught in unhelpful patterns, experiencing obsessive/intrusive thoughts, feeling like food controls you or feeling disconnected from your body, know that there is a path to improving your life and healing. I am here to help provide the support you need to grow and heal in order to reach your goals.

I also work with clients struggling with OCD, anxiety, depression, chronic pain as well as several other issues using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
EMDR is an evidence-based, scientifically proven therapy that helps you process and reframe distressing memories. Through a structured approach, EMDR works to alleviate the emotional and psychological impact of past trauma, allowing you to heal and thrive.
I also work with clients struggling with OCD, anxiety, depression, chronic pain as well as several other issues using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
EMDR is an evidence-based, scientifically proven therapy that helps you process and reframe distressing memories. Through a structured approach, EMDR works to alleviate the emotional and psychological impact of past trauma, allowing you to heal and thrive.

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.

As a clinical psychologist and certified anxiety coach I help people who are tired of anxiety or depression getting in the way of everything they do. I support those who want more from their relationships and their lives, but are feeling held back by mental health concerns. I work with people who want more intimacy + connection, as well as parents who are tried of anxiety getting in the way of their parenting. I support career + business people who want to follow their dreams but find anxiety keeps getting in the way...
As a clinical psychologist and certified anxiety coach I help people who are tired of anxiety or depression getting in the way of everything they do. I support those who want more from their relationships and their lives, but are feeling held back by mental health concerns. I work with people who want more intimacy + connection, as well as parents who are tried of anxiety getting in the way of their parenting. I support career + business people who want to follow their dreams but find anxiety keeps getting in the way...

Hi there. I have 20+ years’ experience as New Zealand Registered Health Professional with an extensive background in both mental health therapy/counselling and occupational therapy. Using a combination of evidence based talking and somatic trauma therapies, I tailor my approach to support you to develop tools to navigate your mental health and/or life challenges you may be facing. We can address taking steps towards progress and meaningful change in whatever stage you are at in your life. This may include gaining insight into thinking patterns, beliefs, behaviour and body sensations that may be contributing or protecting factors.
Hi there. I have 20+ years’ experience as New Zealand Registered Health Professional with an extensive background in both mental health therapy/counselling and occupational therapy. Using a combination of evidence based talking and somatic trauma therapies, I tailor my approach to support you to develop tools to navigate your mental health and/or life challenges you may be facing. We can address taking steps towards progress and meaningful change in whatever stage you are at in your life. This may include gaining insight into thinking patterns, beliefs, behaviour and body sensations that may be contributing or protecting factors.

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.

Kiaora from your friendly neighbourhood Psychologist in Queenstown. I can help you to identify how anxiety, depression, struggles and patterns might be impacting on you living life well. We all get stuck, which can make us feel alone and broken. If this is you, then please know you are a certified human being and you are absolutely not alone! I would be thrilled to help you figure out what things we can do, learn or change to help your situation - no matter where you are, there are always things we can do to make it better. I have no waitlist, and am always able to accept and welcome new clients.
Kiaora from your friendly neighbourhood Psychologist in Queenstown. I can help you to identify how anxiety, depression, struggles and patterns might be impacting on you living life well. We all get stuck, which can make us feel alone and broken. If this is you, then please know you are a certified human being and you are absolutely not alone! I would be thrilled to help you figure out what things we can do, learn or change to help your situation - no matter where you are, there are always things we can do to make it better. I have no waitlist, and am always able to accept and welcome new clients.

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.

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.

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.
Meet Our Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Counsellors

5/5/24 Space 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! I aim 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.
5/5/24 Space 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! I aim 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.

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.

Amber is a member of the New Zealand Psychologist Board. She values an open and nonjudgemental therapy space, to ensure her clients feel supported. Amber is a warm and passionate Psychologist which comes through in her therapeutic approach, and she has experience working with a range of presentations across all age groups from children through to adults. Amber is currently approved by the New Zealand Psychology Board to provide comprehensive Cognitive, Educational and Neurodevelopmental assessments and provide diagnoses. Amber has completed comprehensive training to provide Eating Disorder based therapy.
Amber is a member of the New Zealand Psychologist Board. She values an open and nonjudgemental therapy space, to ensure her clients feel supported. Amber is a warm and passionate Psychologist which comes through in her therapeutic approach, and she has experience working with a range of presentations across all age groups from children through to adults. Amber is currently approved by the New Zealand Psychology Board to provide comprehensive Cognitive, Educational and Neurodevelopmental assessments and provide diagnoses. Amber has completed comprehensive training to provide Eating Disorder based therapy.

Currently not accepting new clients.
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.
Currently not accepting new clients.
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.

Nat Phillips | Bright Minds Counselling
Counsellor, MCouns, NZAC - Provisional
Verified Verified
Online Only
Nau mai, haere mai Kia ora and welcome... My name is Nat, and I am an experienced counsellor working individually with adolescents and adults throughout Aotearoa. I offer online counselling sessions for ages 13+. My approach is person-centered and pluralistic – this means I’ll work collaboratively with you to set therapeutic goals that are meaningful to you personally. I’ll pull from a wide range of counselling theories and modalities and will tailor our sessions to ensure they’re as unique as you are. My aim is always to uplift and empower you as we co-navigate your journey to wellbeing.
Nau mai, haere mai Kia ora and welcome... My name is Nat, and I am an experienced counsellor working individually with adolescents and adults throughout Aotearoa. I offer online counselling sessions for ages 13+. My approach is person-centered and pluralistic – this means I’ll work collaboratively with you to set therapeutic goals that are meaningful to you personally. I’ll pull from a wide range of counselling theories and modalities and will tailor our sessions to ensure they’re as unique as you are. My aim is always to uplift and empower you as we co-navigate your journey to wellbeing.

Kia ora! I'm Lisa Gibson, a registered psychologist based in Palmerston North. I'm dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate life's challenges. Through therapy, we can work together to develop helpful coping strategies, foster self-compassion, and cultivate greater self-awareness. I have a compassionate, non-judgmental, and collaborative approach.
Kia ora! I'm Lisa Gibson, a registered psychologist based in Palmerston North. I'm dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate life's challenges. Through therapy, we can work together to develop helpful coping strategies, foster self-compassion, and cultivate greater self-awareness. I have a compassionate, non-judgmental, and collaborative approach.
Online Therapists

Greetings, I am a registered clinical psychologist with 15 years of clinical experience in working collaboratively with adults (18+) experiencing various life challenges and mental health issues like adjustment to and coping with chronic pain and long term health conditions, anxiety, depression, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorders, insomnias, life stressors and life transitions.
I have extensive experience working with both mental health and physical health conditions. I use evidence based approaches like Cognitive behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and pain reprocessing therapy empowering individuals to lead an enriched and meaningful life.
Greetings, I am a registered clinical psychologist with 15 years of clinical experience in working collaboratively with adults (18+) experiencing various life challenges and mental health issues like adjustment to and coping with chronic pain and long term health conditions, anxiety, depression, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorders, insomnias, life stressors and life transitions.
I have extensive experience working with both mental health and physical health conditions. I use evidence based approaches like Cognitive behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and pain reprocessing therapy empowering individuals to lead an enriched and meaningful life.

I also use principles of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and have other specialty treatments such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for Posttraumatic stress disorder and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
Naya seeks to foster a transparent therapeutic environment where clients feel informed about their options, able to ask questions, and empowered to play an active role in choosing what their therapeutic journey will look like. Naya enjoys being creative in her therapeutic style, including using metaphors and examples that relate to clients and their lives. She seeks to tailor interventions to clients learning styles, whilst ensuring she remains evidence-based in her practice, including choosing a therapy modality and approach that is specific and relevant to the challenges her clients face. She views a good therapy match as central!
I also use principles of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and have other specialty treatments such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for Posttraumatic stress disorder and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
Naya seeks to foster a transparent therapeutic environment where clients feel informed about their options, able to ask questions, and empowered to play an active role in choosing what their therapeutic journey will look like. Naya enjoys being creative in her therapeutic style, including using metaphors and examples that relate to clients and their lives. She seeks to tailor interventions to clients learning styles, whilst ensuring she remains evidence-based in her practice, including choosing a therapy modality and approach that is specific and relevant to the challenges her clients face. She views a good therapy match as central!

I work with people experiencing a wide range of mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, OCD, and interpersonal difficulties.
I use evidence-based therapies to work collaboratively with you on your goals so you can get what you want out of therapy. I have training different therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), systemic Family Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) skills work.
I work with people experiencing a wide range of mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, OCD, and interpersonal difficulties.
I use evidence-based therapies to work collaboratively with you on your goals so you can get what you want out of therapy. I have training different therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), systemic Family Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) skills work.
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.