Fareham Counselling Centre · Hampshire
Counselling for OCD in Fareham Hampshire
Support for obsessive-compulsive disorder — in person in Fareham, or online across the UK.
OCD is not a personality quirk
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is far more than liking things neat. It is a real and treatable condition, where unwanted thoughts, doubts or images cause intense anxiety, and you feel driven to do something, in your head or out loud, to make the feeling go away.
OCD can take up hours of your day and leave you exhausted. The good news is that it responds well to the right help. Our therapists offer CBT with exposure and response prevention (ERP), counselling and Hypno-CBT for OCD in Fareham, and online across the UK, for adults, children and teenagers.
The OCD cycle
Whatever form it takes, OCD tends to follow the same four steps.
Obsession
An unwanted thought, image, doubt or urge pops into your mind.
Anxiety
It brings a wave of fear, disgust, guilt, or a feeling that something is not right.
Compulsion
You check, clean, repeat, seek reassurance or go over it in your head.
Short relief
The anxiety eases for a while, which teaches your brain the ritual is needed.
And then it starts again, often a little stronger. Therapy helps you step out of the cycle. For a hands-on look at how this works, try the doubt loop on our obsessions and compulsions page.
The many faces of OCD
OCD can show up in lots of ways, and many people have more than one. Tap each one to see what it can feel like, the compulsions that often go with it, and what a first small step in therapy might look like.
Every first step is agreed with your therapist and taken at your own pace. You are never pushed further than you are ready to go.
"A bit OCD", or OCD?
People often say they are "a bit OCD" when they like things tidy. Real OCD feels very different.
Liking things a certain way
- You enjoy order, and it feels satisfying
- You can leave it if you are busy
- It does not cause you distress
- It takes up very little of your day
Living with OCD
- The thoughts are unwanted and upsetting
- You feel you have to do the ritual, or something bad will happen
- The relief does not last, and the urges come back
- It can take up an hour or more a day and affect work, family and relationships
Worried about your thoughts?
Many people with OCD have unwanted thoughts about harm, relationships, religion or other things that frighten them. These thoughts are a very common part of OCD. Having them does not mean you want them or will act on them. Our therapists have heard it all before, and you will not be judged. You can also speak to your GP, who can talk to you about all your options, including medication.
What OCD therapy looks like
Your plan is built around you, but most people move through steps like these.
Map your OCD
Together you work out your triggers, thoughts and rituals, including the ones in your head.
Build a ladder
You list the situations you avoid, from easiest to hardest, so you always start small.
Resist, gently
With support, you face each step and let the anxiety fall on its own, without the ritual.
Stay free
You learn to spot OCD's tricks early, so setbacks do not pull you back in.
OCD treatment in Fareham and online
On your free call we will talk about what is going on and match you with the right therapist.
CBT with ERP
The most researched treatment for OCD, and the one recommended by NICE. Structured, practical and at your pace.
About CBT
Hypno-CBT
CBT combined with deep relaxation, to lower the anxiety that drives the urges and help you feel more in control.
About hypnotherapy
Counselling
Support with the stress, low mood or life changes that can make OCD harder to manage.
About counselling
Children and teens
Gentle, age-appropriate CBT for young people aged 7 to 17, with parents involved where it helps.
Children and young peopleYou may also find our pages on obsessions and compulsions, health anxiety and body dysmorphic disorder helpful.
★★★★★“Amazing therapy service. All staff are brilliant and supportive. … Changed my life for the better!”
Questions about OCD therapy
What is OCD?
What is the best treatment for OCD?
What is Pure O?
Will I be made to face my worst fear straight away?
Can hypnotherapy help with OCD?
How many sessions will I need?
Do you help children and teenagers with OCD?
How much does OCD therapy cost, and can I have it online?
Take back control from OCD
A free, confidential 15 minute call. No judgement, whatever your thoughts are about. We will find the right therapist for you.