CBT & ERP for OCD in Edinburgh to Break the Cycle of Intrusive Thoughts
OCD can feel like an exhausting loop — intrusive thoughts, distress, and the rituals or checking behaviours that follow. It can take over your time, your focus, and your sense of peace.
Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), we’ll work together to understand what’s fuelling the cycle and help you build the tools to step out of it.

What OCD Therapy Involves:
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Mapping OCD triggers and patterns
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Gradual exposure to feared thoughts or situations
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Reducing reliance on compulsions or checking
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Rebuilding trust in yourself and your values
Types of OCD I Commonly Work With:
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Intrusive thoughts
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Checking
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Contamination fears
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Relationship OCD
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Perfectionism or mental rituals

Medication
Research has shown that medication, particularly antidepressants, can also help people with OCD. Antidepressants work by increasing the activity and amount of certain chemicals in the brain that affect mood, such as serotonin. Among the different types of antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often the most effective for treating OCD.
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I recommend visiting your GP to discuss the possibility of medication, as combining medication with CBT can provide the best outcomes. Medication acts like wearing water wings; it helps reduce symptoms, making it easier for CBT to be effective. By alleviating the intensity of your symptoms, medication can help you engage more fully in therapy, allowing for more significant progress in managing OCD.
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If you're considering medication, your GP can provide guidance on the best options for your situation and help you understand how SSRIs might benefit your treatment. The goal is to find a balanced approach that supports your recovery and improves your quality of life.

Taking the First Step
Reaching out for therapy can feel daunting, especially if OCD has been part of your life for years. But it’s also the first step towards loosening its hold and finding freedom again.
I offer a free, no-obligation chat so you can ask questions and get a sense of whether therapy with me feels like the right fit.

