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Read with intentionOCD treatment that breaks the loop.
Checking, washing, counting, replaying — OCD shrinks life one ritual at a time. Exposure and response prevention with a registered psychologist can help you take that time back, in Parramatta or online.
OCD is more than liking things tidy.
It’s a loop of intrusive thoughts and rituals that steals time and peace. You don’t need to tick every box — or any box — to reach out.
- Unwanted thoughts or images arrive on repeat — disturbing, sticky, and nothing like you.
- You check things — locks, switches, taps, sent emails — more times than you can explain.
- Washing or cleaning eats into the day, and the relief never lasts.
- Things must feel “just right” — ordered, symmetrical, even — before you can move on.
- You replay conversations or mentally review events to be certain nothing went wrong.
- You ask the people around you for reassurance, again and again — and it helps less each time.
- You avoid places, objects or people that set the thoughts off.
- Part of you knows the fear is out of proportion — and knowing doesn’t switch it off.
The loop has a logic. An intrusive thought spikes anxiety, a ritual brings relief, and the relief quietly teaches your brain to run the loop again. That’s not a character flaw — it’s a well-understood pattern, and it responds to a specific, well-researched kind of therapy. Wondering where you sit? Our free OCI-R self-check takes about four minutes and gives you a confidential result on the spot — it’s information, not a diagnosis. And if distress ever feels bigger than you can hold, our urgent help page lists people you can talk to right now.
ERP first, explained as we go.
Exposure and response prevention has the strongest research support of any psychological treatment for OCD, and it’s the backbone of what we do. Around it, your psychologist tailors the approach to you.
ERP
Exposure and response prevention — approaching triggers step by step while resisting the ritual, so anxiety settles on its own and the obsession loses its grip.
CBT
Cognitive behaviour therapy — unpacking the meaning OCD attaches to intrusive thoughts, and testing the beliefs that make rituals feel necessary.
ACT
Acceptance and commitment therapy — practising a different relationship with uncomfortable thoughts while reclaiming time for what matters to you.
GP & medication liaison
Therapy alone helps many people with OCD. Where medication is worth considering, we coordinate with your GP or psychiatrist — the choice stays yours.
We work with the full range of presentations — contamination and washing, checking, symmetry and ordering, taboo intrusive thoughts, mental rituals and hoarding. Exposure is always gradual and agreed together; nothing is ever sprung on you. If you’d like to read more first, our Journal guide to OCD symptoms, types and treatment is a good place to start.
Your first weeks, step by step.
No surprises, no pressure — and no exposure work in session one.
Mostly a conversation
Your psychologist asks what the thoughts and rituals look like, how much time they’re taking, and what you’d like back. You only share what you’re comfortable sharing.
Mapping the loop
Together you’ll map your triggers, obsessions and rituals, then build a step-by-step ladder — starting with situations that feel challenging but doable.
Practising and reviewing
ERP practice between sessions is where change happens. Progress is reviewed against your goals — not a fixed program — and the pace stays yours.
Know your costs before you start.
We confirm your fee and any rebate in writing before your first session. If a funding body covers you, we bill them directly wherever possible.
See the full fee schedule- Medicare: rebates on up to 10 sessions a year with a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP.
- NDIS, DVA, Workers Comp & CTP: usually no out-of-pocket cost when approved.
- Private health: claim through your extras cover, with no referral needed.
Psychologists who work with OCD & anxiety.
Things people ask before booking.
Do I need a referral to start OCD treatment?
Will I be forced to face my fears?
My thoughts are disturbing. Will my psychologist judge me?
How long does OCD treatment take?
Is there a quick way to check my symptoms?
Does OCD treatment work over telehealth?
You are not your thoughts.
Tell us what’s going on and we’ll match you with a psychologist who understands OCD — usually within one business day. No referral needed to begin.