Therapy for OCD
Specialist psychotherapy for children and young people with OCD. Available online in the UK, without the wait.
What is OCD?
OCD, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, is an anxiety-based condition in which a person experiences unwanted, intrusive thoughts known as obsessions, which cause significant distress. To relieve that distress, they feel compelled to carry out repetitive behaviours or mental acts known as compulsions, but the relief is only ever temporary, and the cycle continues.
OCD can affect children and young people of any age, and it can be exhausting and frightening for the whole family. It often goes unrecognised for some time, as children can become very skilled at hiding their compulsions, or may not understand themselves why they feel compelled to behave in certain ways.
Signs & Symptoms of OCD
OCD can look very different from child to child, and it is not always easy to recognise. Some young people are open about their obsessions and compulsions, while others go to great lengths to hide them. Common signs to look out for include:
Spending excessive time on repetitive behaviours such as checking, counting, washing or arranging
Becoming very distressed when routines are interrupted or things are not done in a particular way
Repeatedly seeking reassurance about fears or worries
OCD can have a significant impact on all areas of a young person's life, including their schooling, friendships and family relationships. If any of these signs are familiar, it is worth seeking support.
Hi, I'm Christina
After seven years as a CAMHS therapist, I have a deep understanding of OCD and how it affects young people and their families. Helping young people break free from OCD is something I care about enormously, and I bring that commitment to every session.
Hi, I'm Christina
After seven years as a CAMHS therapist, I have a deep understanding of OCD and how it affects young people and their families. Helping young people break free from OCD is something I care about enormously, and I bring that commitment to every session.
How We Treat OCD
At Sulis Therapies, we treat OCD using two evidence-based therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). CBT is the NICE recommended treatment for OCD, though EMDR may be recommended depending on your child's individual needs.
Following a comprehensive assessment, and in conjunction with discussion with the young person and/or parent/carer(s), we will recommend the approach that is best suited to your child's individual needs, in some cases this may be a combination of both.
CBT for OCD focuses on the relationship between obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. Through psycho-education and a technique called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), your child will gradually learn to face the thoughts and situations that trigger their anxiety, without carrying out the compulsion(s). Over time, this breaks the cycle and significantly reduces the hold OCD has over their daily life.
EMDR can be particularly effective where OCD is rooted in past trauma or distressing experiences. Rather than focusing on thoughts and behaviours directly, EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess difficult memories so they no longer trigger the same level of distress, which in turn can reduce the intensity of obsessive thoughts. It can also be used to help the young person manage future feared scenarios associated with their OCD symptoms, thereby causing less distress.
Quick Answers
How do I know if my child needs therapy for OCD?
If your child's OCD is affecting their daily life, their schooling, their relationships, or their ability to do the things they enjoy, therapy is likely to help. If you are concerned about your child's wellbeing, that is reason enough to reach out for support.
Does my child need a diagnosis to start therapy?
No. Many families come to us without a formal diagnosis. What matters is that your child is struggling and needs support. We will carry out our own assessment at the start of treatment to ensure we can provide the right help for your child.
What ages do you treat?
We work with children and young people up to the age of 26.
How many sessions will my child need?
This depends entirely on your child and the nature of their difficulties. The initial sessions focus on understanding what your child is experiencing and putting together a clear plan for therapy. At that stage we will be able to give you a much clearer idea of how many sessions we feel would be beneficial.
How often will my child need to attend sessions?
We recommend sessions at least once a week for the best results, though we can discuss a more intensive programme if that suits your child's needs. We offer flexible appointments including evenings and weekends to fit around your family's schedule.
How much do sessions cost?
CBT sessions last 60 minutes and cost £85. EMDR sessions last 90 minutes and cost £100. A free initial consultation is available so we can discuss your child's needs before committing to a programme of therapy.
If your child is struggling with OCD, we're here to help. Get in touch today to arrange a free initial consultation and find out how we can support your family.
