Online therapy for ocd. How we can help with OCD.

This article will be exploring obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and how online therapy for OCD can be beneficial.

OCD covers a wide range of compulsions and so the contents of OCD therapy will differ from person to person, although the guiding principles will remain the same.

This article will also discuss the effectiveness of online therapy for OCD and provide some tips for finding OCD help online from a suitable therapist.

What is OCD?

OCD stands for obsessive compulsive disorder, it involves both obsessive thoughts and behaviors. Often the behaviors are carried out in order to reduce the obsessive thoughts.

For example, a person who believes their house is going to catch fire may obsessively check every plug and light switch multiple times before leaving the house.

OCD can occur in any gender at any age and it does not mean you are ‘crazy’ or that there is something wrong with you. You may just need some extra support and advice to control your symptoms of OCD, especially if you feel your OCD is getting in the way of living an ordinary life.

Gaining OCD help online may help you to get more control over your life, keep reading to find out more about OCD therapy.

Symptoms of OCD

People suffering from OCD will experience obsessive thoughts and worries, and usually they will also exhibit obsessive behaviors. These obsessive behaviors can help to ‘quieten down’ or neutralize the obsessive thoughts.

Some topics that are common focuses for obsessive thoughts and compulsions include:

Fear of harming yourself or others – either deliberately or accidently
Fear of disease, illness, contamination or infection
A need for cleanliness, orderliness or symmetry

Some common obsessive behaviors include:

Cleaning
Handwashing
Checking locks/plugs and switches continuously
Counting
Arranging and reorganizing
Repeating words and phrases
Hoarding

There are limitless topics that can be the source of obsessive thoughts, therefore any behavior can become obsessive with obsessive thoughts. If you think you may have developed OCD, or you feel you may be at risk of developing OCD then it is important that you seek help.

Help can be provided in several ways including medication (provided by GP), self-help books and groups and OCD therapy. OCD therapy can be gained via traditional face to face therapy and via OCD help online. At Psychology Help we have trained professionals who have specialized in treating OCD who may be available to commence your first session within 24 hours of first contact.

What is OCD therapy

OCD is commonly approached with cognitive behvaioral therapy (CBT), this is an evidence-based type of therapy that involves addressing how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes lead to behvaioral and feelings.

In the case of OCD, CBT therapy would involve examining the obsessive thoughts and behaviors and exploring how they could be reduced. CBT for OCD may also involve challenging the need for the obsessive behaviors, you may be asked to hold an obsessive thought in your mind but not act on it.

For example, someone who is concerned they are going to get infected with a disease may be asked not to wash their hands in a situation where they normally would (for example after touching a door handle).

Although this is challenging, it allows the client to see results quicker which may be encouraging for therapy. The OCD therapist is also aware that this can be challenging, therefore they would choose a low-level compulsion or thoughts and work their way up with the client to a more severe thought or behavior.

Is online therapy for OCD as effective as in person OCD therapy?

Online therapy for OCD can be as effective as in person OCD therapy provided you find a suitable therapist that suits your needs. It is important that you understand the commitment necessary to heal yourself, and your therapist should make this understanding clear to you as well. Provided you find a qualified OCD therapist, face to face therapy and online therapy are comparable in effectiveness.

There are also many advantages of online therapy for OCD compared to in person OCD therapy, these include:

Save money

Online OCD treatment can be more affordable then face to face therapy as there is no need to travel to appointments. Online therapy also eradicates the need to arrange your life around therapy, such as needing childcare for therapy or needing to book time off work for therapy. Online OCD therapy takes place when and where you want.

Less time consuming

As online OCD therapy takes place in a time and place that is convenient for you, it is less time consuming then traditional face to face therapy. There is no need to allow travel time, parking time or allow time to get ready for an appointment.

Privacy

A major advantage reported by people who complete online OCD treatment is that they feel their therapy is private to them. They do not have to walk into a therapist’s office, they do not get asked by friends, family and work colleagues where they are going and for some people this lack of privacy can put them off gaining therapy in the first place. Of course, some people will find it comforting and reassuring that other people know they are seeking help, but if you feel the privacy of online therapy would be beneficial then feel free to get into contact with us via the make appointment button and a member of the team will be in contact within 24 hours to discuss your therapeutic needs.

Flexible

The final advantage of online therapy that will be discussed here is the flexible nature of it, it takes place when and where you want. If you are going to be away one week but you still want to attend therapy this is fine, all you need to attend an online OCD therapy course is an internet enabled device and an internet connection. The flexible nature of online therapy makes therapy accessible to everybody, especially those who cannot attend traditional face to face therapy due to anxiety, disabilities or rural locations.

How to find an OCD therapist

Finding an online OCD therapist can be time consuming, but it is important that you find the right therapist for you. You should be told their qualifications, the length of time they’ve been practicing, any specialisms they have and who they are licensed with.

At Psychology Help we have made it simple. All you need to do is to get in contact with us via the form below detailing what issues you would like to work on. Someone will be in contact with you within 24 hours with more information about the therapies we offer (including online OCD treatment), as well as a matched licensed and fully qualified therapist qualified in your area of need. We have therapists trained in a variety of issues including OCD, insomnia, anxiety, depression, PTSD, stress management, self-esteem, confidence and bereavement.

Please feel free to message us below to begin your journey into a life that is not controlled by OCD.