Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

People with OCD often experience an exaggerated sense of responsibility or fear of causing harm, leading them to perform these ‘safety behaviours’ in an effort to prevent bad outcomes or restore a sense of control. While the relief is temporary, it reinforces the cycle of obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviour.

Common intrusive thoughts may include:

• “If I don’t wash my hands properly, something bad will happen.”

• “If I do a perfect job, everything will be okay.”

• “I’ve caused something terrible to happen because I’m contaminated.”

Most people experience fleeting, unwanted thoughts from time to time. The difference in OCD is how much meaning is assigned to these thoughts and the extreme discomfort they cause. The resulting compulsions are not habits or preferences—they’re powerful urges that are very difficult to resist, even when they are known to be irrational.

OCD can feel exhausting, time-consuming, and isolating. You may feel ashamed of your thoughts or behaviours, or frustrated by your inability to control them. It’s important to remember that OCD is a treatable condition, and with the right support, recovery is possible.

OCD symptoms typically include both obsessions and compulsions. These can vary widely from person to person.

Obsessions may include:

• Fear of contamination (e.g. germs, illness, dirt)
• Fear of causing harm to others or making a catastrophic mistake
• Intrusive sexual, violent, or taboo thoughts
• A need for things to be symmetrical, “just right,” or in perfect order
• Excessive concern with morality, religion, or responsibility

Compulsions may include:

• Excessive washing, cleaning, or grooming
• Repeated checking (locks, appliances, health)
• Counting or repeating actions a certain number of times
• Arranging items until they feel “right”
• Seeking constant reassurance or mentally reviewing past actions

These compulsions are usually performed to relieve anxiety or prevent a feared outcome, but they rarely provide lasting relief. Instead, they reinforce the anxiety and make the obsessions feel more powerful over time.

OCD can show up in different forms or “themes,” including:

• Contamination OCD – intense fear of germs, illness, or being unclean
• Checking OCD – compulsive checking to avoid harm (e.g. locking doors, turning off appliances)
• Symmetry and Ordering OCD – arranging items or actions until they feel “just right”
• Intrusive Thoughts OCD – distressing thoughts of violence, sexuality, or blasphemy
• Harm OCD – fear of causing harm to others, even unintentionally
• Moral or Religious OCD (Scrupulosity) – obsessive concern about being immoral or sinful
• Relationship OCD (ROCD) – ongoing doubt or obsession about one’s relationship

It’s common for people to experience more than one subtype, or for the focus of their OCD to shift over time.

If you’re living with OCD, there are small steps you can take alongside therapy to support your progress:

• Learn about OCD and how it works—understanding the cycle can reduce its power
• Practise mindfulness or grounding techniques to manage anxiety
• Avoid reassurance-seeking behaviours when possible
• Be compassionate with yourself—resisting compulsions is difficult
• Build routines that support rest, nutrition, and balance
• Connect with others or a therapist who understands OCD
• Try not to avoid situations that trigger obsessions (when safe to face them gradually)

Recovery from OCD is often a gradual process, but change is possible with consistent support and care.

At Seed Psychology, we offer compassionate, evidence-based treatment for OCD in a safe, non-judgemental environment. Several of our psychologists are highly experienced in supporting clients through OCD and related anxiety conditions.

We use therapeutic approaches such as:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – the gold standard for OCD

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) – a structured technique that helps reduce compulsive behaviours

• Relaxation and anxiety-management strategies – to support emotional regulation

• Collaborative exploration – helping you understand and challenge unhelpful beliefs in a way that feels safe and manageable

Treatment is tailored to your pace and needs. With the right support, many people experience a significant reduction in their symptoms and are able to re-engage more fully with life.

Connect with our team  to book an appointment at our Brunswick East clinic or via telehealth across Australia. You don’t have to navigate OCD alone—effective, compassionate support is available.