My Approach to Treating OCD: Evidence-Based, Compassionate, and Trauma-Informed

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can feel like a relentless cycle of anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and compulsive behaviours that steal time, peace of mind, and energy. If you’re reading this, you may be looking for a therapist who truly understands OCD and can offer practical, research-backed treatment that gets to the root of the problem.

It's important to know that OCD therapy, needs specialist, trained support in CBT-ERP. Many therapists and counsellors who charge lower fees do not have this specialist training that is delivered in a postgraduate diploma setting with rigorous close supervision and study. In the wrong hands, someone who isn't appropriately qualified and experienced in this type of work could make OCD worse. This and ChatGPT/AI can have a similar impact too.

I specialise in working with OCD using a compassionate and structured approach, grounded in the most effective therapies available: CBT with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and EMDR when appropriate. I was trained in CBT ERP at King’s College London, one of the leading centres in the UK for OCD treatment and research (you are welcome to see a copy of my qualification/experience should you need it). During my training with King's I wrote several studies/case reports on all the major sub-types of OCD, it can be complicated, and have different underlying beliefs and mechanisms for the urges, obsessions and compulsions.

What is CBT with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)?

ERP is the gold standard treatment for OCD and is a specialised form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It helps you gradually face the thoughts, images, objects, or situations that make you anxious (this is the exposure part), and teaches you how to resist the urge to carry out compulsions (the response prevention part).

ERP is highly structured and tailored to each individual. We work collaboratively to map out the patterns of your OCD, your unique cycle of obsessions and compulsions, and then build a step-by-step plan to help you break free of it.

This work is not always easy, but it is deeply rewarding. Over time, you’ll learn that anxiety doesn’t need to be avoided or controlled through rituals. You’ll build confidence, reduce the power of intrusive thoughts, and reclaim your life from OCD.

What if trauma is part of the picture?

While ERP is my primary approach for treating OCD, I also recognise that some individuals with OCD have experienced specific trauma or adverse life events. In these cases, I may integrate EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) into the therapy.

EMDR can be especially useful if your intrusive thoughts or compulsions are linked to a particular traumatic event, or if past experiences are creating blocks in the therapy process. EMDR doesn’t replace ERP, it complements it. When appropriate, I introduce EMDR after we’ve done some stabilisation work with CBT so that we can target the trauma in a way that feels safe and manageable.

My therapeutic stance

I bring a structured, yet flexible and human approach to therapy. OCD is often misunderstood, even in mental health settings. That’s why I work in a way that’s deeply validating, non-judgemental, and evidence-based. You’ll never be shamed for your thoughts or rituals, and I’ll always be honest with you about what works and why.

My role is to walk alongside you, not just as a clinician trained in best practices, but as someone who believes in your ability to make lasting change.

Want to work together?

If you're ready to begin therapy for OCD or still exploring what support might look like, I offer both one-to-one sessions and EMDR intensives for those looking for a deeper focus.

I am qualified and accredited with the BABCP for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a Mental Health Nurse and qualified EMDR Therapist, registered with EMDR Association UK and currently working towards accreditation.

Feel free to get in touch with any questions or head to the link below to book a free introduction video call. I am usually full but do look out for intro call slots by saving and checking this page: https://calendly.com/beckygracetherapy/15min

Along with checking out my website for further information including pricing, location etc. www.beckygracetherapy.co.uk

You can also head to https://beckygracetherapy.substack.com for further insights from a specialist therapist