How to choose an OCD therapist in Norwich or online

Choosing an OCD therapist involves more than finding someone who works with anxiety. Look for a practitioner who understands obsessions, visible and mental compulsions, and how attempts to achieve certainty can keep OCD going. Their qualifications, treatment approach and willingness to adapt therapy also matter.

If you are looking for OCD therapy in Norwich or online, these questions can help you decide where to start.

Does the therapist understand the less visible forms of OCD?

OCD does not always involve washing, checking doors or arranging objects. It can involve hours of reviewing conversations, questioning your intentions, analysing memories or trying to establish whether you are a good person.

You might be struggling with unwanted thoughts about harm, sex, relationships, religion or morality. You may feel compelled to confess, apologise, research or ask other people for reassurance.

A useful assessment looks beyond the topic of your thoughts. It explores what happens when doubt appears, what you do in response and how that response affects your life.

What treatment do they offer for OCD?

Cognitive behavioural therapy, including exposure and response prevention, is recommended in NICE guidance for OCD.

Exposure and response prevention, often shortened to ERP, involves approaching relevant triggers while practising different responses to the urge to perform compulsions. This can include mental rituals as well as visible behaviours.

Ask how the therapist explains this approach and how you would agree the work together. Therapy should have a clear rationale, with space to discuss fears, consent and manageable steps.

How do they respond to shame?

You may have spent years hiding the content of your thoughts. It can help to ask whether the therapist has experience of intrusive thoughts and the shame that can surround them.

You do not need to arrive with a perfectly organised explanation. However, the therapist will need enough information to assess your difficulties and any relevant risks carefully.

Can they understand the wider picture?

OCD may sit alongside eating difficulties, trauma, depression, autism or ADHD. Ask how these factors would influence assessment and treatment.

For example, a written session summary might help you remember the work. A predictable agenda might make appointments more accessible. Eating difficulties may require coordination with other professionals.

Check qualifications and practical arrangements

Before booking, check professional registration or accreditation, relevant OCD experience, do they have specific Level 7 CBT for ERP training (I did mine in my CBT training with King's Collece London), fees and cancellation terms. Ask how progress is reviewed and what happens if you need a different level of support.

Online and in-person appointments offer different practical advantages. The best choice depends on your circumstances, privacy, preferences and clinical needs.

OCD therapy with Becky Grace Therapy

I work with adults in Norwich and online, including people experiencing moral doubt, intrusive thoughts, responsibility and patterns of compulsive checking or reassurance seeking.

My approach begins with understanding your particular cycle. We then develop a shared explanation of what is maintaining it and consider an appropriate treatment plan.

You can read more about getting started on my How Therapy Works page.

Further reading: NICE guidance on OCD treatment.