OCD Myths Debunked: What the Disorder Really Looks Like
OCD is widely misunderstood. The reality is more complex — and more treatable — than most people realise.
Accepting new clients
Sijal Ansari
MPsych(Clinical), MAPS
Clinical Psychologist
Culturally sensitive care for anxiety, OCD and life's most challenging transitions.
About Sijal
Sijal Ansari is a Clinical Psychologist at Mind Health Associates with a particular focus on anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and cultural adjustment difficulties. She brings eight years of clinical experience across community health and private practice settings.
Sijal is known for her warm, non-judgmental approach and her ability to engage with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. She is fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi, enabling her to provide genuine support in clients' preferred language.
Her therapeutic approach draws on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), always tailored to the individual's values, cultural context and personal goals.
Sijal works primarily with adults and young adults navigating anxiety, perfectionism, health anxiety, relationship challenges and identity questions. She is committed to creating a safe, respectful space for every person who walks through her door.
Areas of Focus
Anxiety & PanicOCDDepressionAdjustmentAnxiety DisordersOCD & ERPHealth AnxietyCultural AdjustmentPerfectionismRelationship IssuesYoung AdultsACT
Therapeutic Approaches
CBT
Evidence-based core therapy for anxiety and OCD
ERP
Exposure & Response Prevention for OCD
Cultural Therapy
Culturally attuned care in multiple languages
ACT
Values-based acceptance and commitment approach
Assessments & Interventions
Academic AssessmentsADHD Testing (e.g. Conners)Autism / ASD Testing (e.g. ADOS-2, ADI-R, MIGDAS)MedicareMental Health Assessment / ReportCareer AssessmentCentrelink (e.g. DSP application)Cognitive Ability (e.g. IQ Testing)Cosmetic Surgery / Procedure AssessmentClinical Diagnosis (DSM-V)Department of HousingDyscalculiaDyslexia ScreeningIQ / Cognitive Ability Testing (e.g. WISC, WAIS, WIAT)Student / University ReportsVictims of Crime (VOC)Memory Testing (e.g. WMS)Neuropsychological TestingPersonality Testing / ProfilingWorkshops & Programs
Funding & Referrals
A Mental Health Care Plan from your GP may be required for some schemes. Talk to us about your options.
Qualifications & Training
Master of Psychology (Clinical)
Western Sydney University
2016
Bachelor of Psychology (Hons)
University of New South Wales
2013
Insights
From Sijal's desk
Anxiety in Multicultural Contexts: How Culture Shapes Our Worry
The way anxiety manifests — and how we talk about it — varies significantly across cultural contexts.
ERP for OCD: Why 'Just Don't Do It' Isn't the Answer
Exposure and Response Prevention works — but not the way most people assume.