CBT for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a specialised therapy that helps reduce distressing obsessions and compulsive behaviours. A key part of this is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) — a structured, gradual approach to facing fears and resisting rituals, so anxiety can ease over time.
CBT with ERP is the gold-standard, first-line treatment for OCD. It’s suitable for people who experience:
Obsessions (e.g. intrusive thoughts about harm, contamination, sexuality, morality, order)
Compulsions or rituals (e.g. checking, counting, cleaning, mental reviewing, reassurance-seeking)
Avoidance behaviours or mental exhaustion
A strong urge to feel “just right” or prevent feared outcomes
Distress around thoughts you don’t want or don’t believe, but can’t shake
CBT can help whether OCD is recent, longstanding, mild, or severely impairing. It’s also effective for young people and neurodivergent adults, with adaptations as needed.
Weekly or twice-weekly sessions (usually 50 minutes)
Thorough assessment of obsessions and compulsions
Psychoeducation about OCD as a cycle of fear and relief
Identifying triggers, rituals, and avoidance patterns
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): gradual, planned exposures to feared situations without performing rituals
Habituation and tolerance-building (not reassurance)
Response prevention strategies to resist compulsions
Techniques to manage urges, doubt, and distress
Optional support between sessions (e.g. ERP tracking tools)
Self-monitoring and progress tracking
Homework and behavioural experiments
Short to medium-term treatment (typically 12–24 sessions)
Delivered online or in person
Adapted for sensory needs, neurodivergence, or co-occurring conditions
Can be combined with medication (e.g. SSRIs)
At Bloomfield Health, we deliver OCD treatment that is structured, respectful, and empowering. Our therapists are highly trained in Exposure and Response Prevention and understand how overwhelming OCD can feel. We work at your pace, always with consent and collaboration. Whether your OCD involves contamination fears, intrusive images, or invisible mental rituals, we offer non-judgemental support to help you reclaim your life. Our approach is trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and focused on practical change.
ERP involves facing fears (exposure) without doing compulsions (response prevention), helping your brain learn that anxiety passes on its own.
It can feel challenging, but we go slowly, with full support. Most people feel stronger and more confident with each step.
ERP works for mental compulsions too (e.g. thought-checking, internal reassurance). We’ll tailor it to your experience.
Yes — many people use SSRIs alongside ERP. We can coordinate care with your psychiatrist if needed.
We’ll review what was missing. ERP is often more effective when delivered by OCD specialists with specific training.
Yes — OCD involves intrusive thoughts and compulsions that feel repetitive and distressing. A full assessment helps clarify this.
Please contact us to book an initial assessment. We’ll match you with an experienced OCD therapist and guide you through the next steps.
We are registered by the Care Quality Commission (CQC),
the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
