OCD Explained: Beyond the Stereotypes
What Is OCD, Really?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a widely misunderstood mental health condition. It’s often joked about or reduced to neatness and handwashing, but the reality is far more complex—and far more distressing.
OCD involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental rituals (compulsions) carried out to try to reduce the distress those thoughts cause. At our Tunbridge Wells clinic, we work with clients who feel stuck in painful cycles of doubt, fear, and exhausting attempts to gain certainty or control. For many, OCD affects their relationships, confidence, work, and ability to enjoy life.
OCD is not a personality trait. It’s not about liking things tidy or being extra cautious. It’s a clinical condition that deserves understanding and proper treatment.
Common Types of OCD
While OCD can involve cleanliness or checking, it often goes much deeper. Some common themes include:
Contamination OCD – fear of germs, illness, or contamination (e.g. excessive handwashing, avoiding contact)
Checking OCD – repeated checking of doors, appliances, or emails to prevent harm or mistakes
Harm OCD – intrusive thoughts about accidentally or intentionally hurting others
Sexual or Religious OCD (Scrupulosity) – distressing thoughts that go against your values or beliefs
Relationship OCD (ROCD) – doubts about whether you truly love your partner or whether the relationship is “right”
Moral OCD – fears about being a “bad person” or having done something unforgivable
OCD latches onto what matters most to you—your values, your safety, your relationships—and convinces you that unless you act, something terrible might happen. The compulsions (checking, seeking reassurance, mental reviewing, avoiding triggers) provide short-term relief but reinforce the cycle in the long term.
What OCD Feels Like
Many clients describe feeling trapped in their own minds. They know their thoughts are irrational, but the anxiety feels so real that resisting the compulsion feels impossible. Thoughts like:
“What if I left the hob on and caused a fire?”
“What if I’m secretly a danger to others?”
“What if this means something awful about me?”
OCD brings not only fear but also shame. Many people with OCD keep their thoughts secret, worrying that others would judge them—or even question their morality. But the very distress caused by these thoughts is actually a hallmark of OCD: if you’re afraid of the thoughts, they’re not who you are.
What Causes OCD?
OCD is caused by a mix of factors. It can run in families, and often starts in childhood or adolescence. Life stress, trauma, or personality traits like sensitivity and responsibility can also contribute.
OCD thrives on uncertainty. The brain’s threat-detection system gets stuck in overdrive, constantly scanning for danger and pushing you to take action—even when there’s no real risk. Over time, the brain becomes wired to associate relief with compulsions, creating a self-reinforcing loop.
How Therapy Helps
At The Tunbridge Wells Psychologist, we specialise in treating OCD using evidence-based approaches. OCD requires a structured, supportive process to change the brain’s relationship with fear and uncertainty.
CBT and ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention)
CBT, particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is the gold-standard treatment for OCD. It involves:
Identifying obsessions and compulsions
Gradually facing feared thoughts or situations without performing the compulsion
Learning that anxiety reduces on its own, without needing to “fix” or neutralise it
Building tolerance for uncertainty over time
ERP can be challenging, but it is highly effective. You’ll never be pushed into anything without support—we work together, at your pace, with compassion and curiosity.
ACT and Compassion-Focused Therapy
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and CFT (Compassion-Focused Therapy) are also helpful additions for OCD. They support clients in noticing obsessive thoughts without becoming fused with them, and help reduce self-criticism and shame.
In therapy, you learn not just how to resist compulsions, but how to live more fully—even with anxiety present. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s freedom.
You're Not Alone—And You’re Not Your Thoughts
OCD is incredibly common, affecting around 1–2% of the population. But because of stigma and misunderstanding, many people suffer in silence. The truth is, you are not your thoughts. The fact that your thoughts upset you shows they don’t reflect your values.
Therapy can help you reclaim your life from OCD—one step at a time.
Support in Tunbridge Wells and Kent
If you’re struggling with obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviours, or distressing uncertainty, we’re here to help. Our team of Clinical Psychologists at The Tunbridge Wells Psychologist offers therapy for OCD using CBT, ERP, ACT, and CFT.
We provide a calm, non-judgemental space to explore your experiences and develop tools to move forward. Whether your OCD is new or something you’ve lived with for years, treatment can help you feel less afraid—and more free.
