Conditions
When your mind won’t let it go
Qualified counsellors offering support for OCD across England — online nationwide and face-to-face. Understanding what is driving the cycle is where things can begin to change.
NCPS Organisational Member
Professionally registered therapists
Free 15-minute consultation
★ ★ ★ ★ ★“I thought I was the only person whose mind worked like this. My counsellor helped me see that OCD was driving it — and that it could get better.”
Rachel, who sought support for OCD
5,000+
People supported
90+
Qualified therapists
5 ★
Website Testimonials
20+
Counties across England
You know something is wrong — even if the people around you do not see it
Maybe it starts with a thought — sudden, unwanted, and deeply unsettling. A thought about harm, contamination, something going wrong, or something you cannot quite explain. You know it does not make sense. You know you would never act on it. But the thought keeps returning, and with it comes a wave of anxiety that feels impossible to sit with.
So you do something to make it go away. You check. You count. You wash. You replay the moment in your mind, looking for reassurance that it is not real. And it works — for a moment. But the relief never lasts, and the cycle begins again.
This is what obsessive-compulsive disorder feels like for many people — not the neat, tidy stereotype, but a relentless, exhausting loop of doubt and anxiety that can take hours out of every day and leave you feeling ashamed, isolated, and profoundly misunderstood.
If any of this sounds familiar, you are not alone. OCD affects around 1–2% of the population in the UK, and it is one of the most commonly misunderstood mental health conditions. Many people live with it for years before seeking support — often because they do not recognise what they are experiencing, or because they feel too embarrassed to talk about it.
What is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a condition where a person experiences unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges — known as obsessions — that cause significant anxiety. To manage that anxiety, they feel compelled to carry out repetitive behaviours or mental rituals — known as compulsions — which provide temporary relief but ultimately keep the cycle going.
The obsessions are not things the person wants to think about. They are often the exact opposite of what the person values — which is part of what makes them so distressing. Someone who cares deeply about the safety of their family might be plagued by intrusive thoughts about causing harm. Someone who values honesty might be tormented by doubts about whether they have said or done something wrong.
The compulsions are not habits or preferences. They are driven by intense anxiety and a desperate need for certainty. They can be visible — repeated handwashing, checking locks, arranging objects — or entirely mental, such as replaying events, counting silently, or seeking reassurance inside your own head.
OCD does not always look the way people expect
Most people associate OCD with handwashing or tidiness. While contamination fears are one form, OCD shows up in many different ways. Some of the most common include:
- Contamination OCD — intense fear of dirt, germs, or illness, leading to excessive washing, cleaning, or avoidance of certain places or objects
- Checking OCD — repeated checking of locks, appliances, or personal actions, driven by a fear that something terrible will happen if you stop
- Intrusive thoughts about harm — unwanted thoughts about hurting yourself or others, even though you have no desire to do so and find the thoughts deeply distressing
- Relationship OCD — persistent, distressing doubts about whether your relationship is right, whether you truly love your partner, or whether your partner loves you
- Symmetry and ordering — a powerful need for things to be arranged or done in a particular way, often accompanied by intense discomfort when they are not
- Pure O — a term sometimes used when the compulsions are mainly mental rather than visible, such as mental reviewing, seeking internal reassurance, or trying to neutralise a thought with another thought
Whatever form it takes, OCD is not about being fussy or particular. It is a condition that causes genuine suffering, and it responds well to the right kind of therapeutic support.
How counselling and therapy can help with OCD
Reaching out about OCD takes real courage — particularly when the thoughts feel shameful or difficult to explain. A good therapist will understand this from the very first conversation. You will not be judged for your thoughts. You will not be told to simply stop thinking them.
The most effective therapeutic approach for OCD is a form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP works by helping you gradually face the situations, thoughts, or images that trigger your anxiety — without carrying out the compulsions that normally follow. Over time, this breaks the cycle and reduces the power that OCD holds over your daily life.
This is always done at your own pace, with your full involvement in deciding what feels manageable. You will never be forced to do anything you are not ready for.
Alongside ERP, your therapist may use broader CBT techniques to help you understand the thinking patterns that keep OCD going — such as overestimating threat, needing absolute certainty, or placing too much importance on intrusive thoughts. Some people also benefit from mindfulness-based approaches, which can help you notice thoughts without reacting to them automatically.
Counselling can also provide a space to talk about the wider impact of OCD — on your relationships, your confidence, your sense of who you are. Many people find that being genuinely heard and understood, without judgement, is a powerful part of the process.
Sessions are confidential. There are limited circumstances where confidentiality may need to change — for example, if there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else — and your therapist will explain these clearly at the outset.
Living with OCD is exhausting — but it does not have to stay this way
If you have read this far and recognised yourself in any of it, that takes something. OCD thrives on silence and shame — and simply being willing to read about it, to consider that support might help, is a significant step.
You do not need to have everything figured out before you reach out. You do not need to be able to explain your thoughts perfectly, or know which type of OCD you have, or be sure that therapy will work. The free consultation is simply a conversation — a chance to talk, to be heard, and to find out whether we are the right fit for you.
Our Approach
How we work with OCD
We offer several evidence-based approaches, and your therapist will recommend the one that best fits your situation.
Our booking team and your therapist will discuss which approach — or combination — feels most appropriate for what you are bringing. You do not need to know which is right before you start.
What our clients say
Real experiences
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I thought I was the only person whose mind worked like this. My counsellor helped me see that OCD was driving it — and that things could actually get better. I feel like I have my life back.
Rachel, who sought support for OCD
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
For years I was too embarrassed to tell anyone about my intrusive thoughts. My therapist was the first person who did not look shocked — she just understood. The ERP work was hard but it genuinely changed things.
David, who sought support for intrusive thoughts
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The free consultation put me at ease straight away. I was nervous about opening up, but from the very first session, I felt genuinely listened to. I would recommend Hope Therapy to anyone thinking about getting support.
Sophie, who sought support for OCD and anxiety
Client experiences are unique. Results vary between individuals.
Getting started
What to expect
Starting counselling can feel like a big step — especially when OCD is involved. Here is how it works.
1
Free consultation
A brief, relaxed 15-minute conversation with a member of our booking team. We listen to what is going on and explore whether counselling could help. No pressure, no obligation.
2
Matched with a therapist
Based on your needs and preferences, we carefully match you with one of our 90+ qualified therapists. If it does not feel right, we will find someone else — at no extra cost.
3
Your first session
Your therapist will take time to understand your situation and what you are hoping to work on. There is no rush, no script, and nothing you have to share before you are ready.
Most clients hear back from us the same working day, and typically begin sessions within a week of the free consultation — depending on your preferences and therapist availability.
Standards you can trust
How we match you with the right therapist for OCD
Choosing a therapist is a personal decision, and we take time to get the match right.
A careful match, not a long list
Therapist availability changes from week to week, so rather than asking you to choose from a directory, we take time during your free 15-minute consultation to understand what you are looking for — and then match you with a therapist suited to your needs.
During the consultation, we will ask about:
- What you would like the work to focus on, and any specific concerns
- Whether you would prefer face-to-face, online, or combination
- Any preferences around therapy approach (counselling, CBT, EMDR, hypnotherapy, mindfulness, ACT, compassion focused therapy and others)
- Day and time availability
- Any specialisms (LGBTQIA+ affirming, neurodiversity-affirming, particular life experiences)
- Practical preferences (therapist gender, age range, shared lived experience)
All therapists we work with are qualified and registered with appropriate UK professional bodies, and we will confirm the most suitable options with you before any sessions begin.
Professional standards across our team
Hope Therapy & Counselling Services has been operating since 2014, and we hold Organisational Membership with the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). We work in line with the NCPS Code of Ethics and BACP Good Practice, and our wider clinical standards include:
- Qualified, professionally registered therapists across the team — registrations vary per therapist and are confirmed before matching
- Ongoing clinical supervision in line with professional body requirements
- Continuing professional development to maintain and develop practice
- Clear confidentiality standards, with limits explained before sessions begin
- Client-centred, non-judgemental and inclusive practice across all areas of identity and experience
- Founder-led clinical oversight from Ian Stockbridge — MBACP (Senior Accredited) – who continues to lead the practice and oversee its standards
Whether you choose face-to-face counselling near you or online therapy from anywhere in the UK, you can expect to be matched with a therapist who is appropriately qualified and suited to the support you are looking for.
Transparent Pricing
Our fees
No hidden costs. Your therapist and fees are discussed during your free consultation.
Counselling
From £65
per 50-minute session
- Person-centred or integrative approach
- Online via Zoom or telephone
- Face-to-face where available
CBT
From £85
per 50-minute session
- Structured, goal-focused approach
- Includes ERP for OCD
- Online or face-to-face
Hypnotherapy
From £95
per 50-minute session
- Complementary to CBT work
- Anxiety and relaxation focused
- Online or face-to-face
Looking for a more affordable option? We may be able to offer sessions at a reduced rate — just ask during your free consultation.
London clients: Location-adjusted rates may apply. Please ask during your free consultation and we will confirm the exact fee before you commit to anything.
A printable overview of our OCD counselling service — useful to keep or share.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where a person experiences unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that cause significant anxiety, and feels driven to carry out repetitive behaviours or mental rituals (compulsions) to reduce that anxiety. OCD affects around 1–2% of the population in the UK. It is not about being tidy or particular — it is a condition that can cause genuine suffering and significantly affect daily life.
What does OCD counselling involve?
OCD counselling typically involves working with a therapist to understand the patterns behind your obsessions and compulsions. The most effective approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and a specific form called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which helps you gradually face the situations that trigger your OCD without carrying out compulsions. Counselling provides a confidential, non-judgemental space to explore what is driving your OCD and develop new ways of responding.
Can OCD be treated with therapy?
Research consistently shows that therapy — particularly CBT with Exposure and Response Prevention — can significantly reduce OCD symptoms for many people. While there is no guaranteed cure, many people find that with the right support, they are able to manage their symptoms effectively and regain a sense of control in their daily lives. Your therapist will discuss realistic expectations with you and review progress together.
Is OCD counselling available online?
Yes. All of our therapists offer sessions online via Zoom or telephone, so you can access OCD counselling from anywhere in the UK. Research suggests that online CBT for OCD can be as effective as face-to-face therapy. If you prefer in-person sessions, we also have therapists available in locations across England.
Is everything I say in counselling confidential?
Yes. Sessions are confidential in line with professional ethical standards. There are some limited exceptions — for example, where there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else — and your therapist will explain these clearly before you begin.
How many sessions will I need for OCD?
It depends on your individual situation. Some people see meaningful progress within 8–12 sessions of structured CBT or ERP. Others benefit from longer-term support, particularly if OCD has been present for many years or is connected to other difficulties. There is no fixed number — your therapist will discuss this with you and review progress together as you go.
What types of OCD do you work with?
Our therapists work with all forms of OCD, including contamination fears, checking behaviours, intrusive thoughts about harm or relationships, symmetry and ordering, and what is sometimes called Pure O — where compulsions are mainly mental rather than visible. Whatever form your OCD takes, we will match you with a therapist experienced in that area.
What if I have tried therapy before and it did not help?
Not every experience of therapy is a good one — and if you have tried it before and it did not help, that is a completely understandable reason to be cautious. OCD responds best to specific approaches, particularly ERP, and not all therapists are trained in these methods. We take care to match you with someone who has experience working with OCD specifically — and if the first match does not feel right, we will find someone else at no extra cost.
Related Support
You might also find these helpful
Related conditions
Therapy approaches
From our Blog
Articles you might find helpful
Discover the Truth Behind Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder!
Explore OCD's impact, effective CBT treatment strategies, and tools to manage symptoms. Find hope and support for a…
Finding the Right OCD Counsellor: Tips for Getting the Support You Need
For mental health professionals, this article offers insights into the unique needs of OCD clients. It provides strategies…
Overcoming Obsessions and Compulsions: A Guide to OCD Counselling
OCD counselling is a specialised form of therapy. It's designed to help individuals understand their obsessions and compulsions.…
Meet Our Founder
Built by someone who saw the need from the inside
★
SCoPEd Band C
MBACP & SNCPS Senior Accredited
“Having worked for more than 25 years in senior management, I saw the same thing repeatedly — people struggling with mental health and relationship challenges, and so often struggling to access the right support when it was needed. It was out of this recognition of human need that Hope was born.”
Ian Stockbridge founded Hope Therapy after 25+ years leading large commercial teams – watching colleagues carry stress, anxiety, and personal difficulty with nowhere to turn. He retrained rigorously, now holding Senior Accredited status with both the BACP and NCPS, alongside SCoPEd Band C — the highest independent competence verification in the UK counselling profession.
He remains a practising therapist, clinical supervisor, published author of PMDD Uncovered, and co-presenter of The Talk Room Podcast. Hope Therapy was built on the things he saw were most broken – and designed, from the ground up, to do better.
MBACP (Senior Accredited)
SNCPS (Acc)
SCoPEd Band C
BSc (Hons) CBT
PGCert Supervision L7
Quality Award 2024 — 95%+
You do not have to keep managing this alone
A free, no-obligation 15-minute conversation. No pressure, no script — just a chance to be heard, ask questions, and see whether we feel like the right fit.
Get in Touch
Start your enquiry
Not sure where to start? Send us a message and a member of our team will get back to you. All enquiries are treated in the strictest confidence.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“From the very first phone call, I felt heard. They didn’t rush me — they helped me work out what I needed.”
Hope Therapy enquiry feedback
NCPS Organisational Member
Est 2014
90+ Qualified Therapists
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies
Individual registrations vary per therapist. Last reviewed: May 2026.