Most people experience unwanted or strange thoughts from time to time.

For people with OCD, the problem isn’t the presence of these thoughts — it’s how much meaning they’re given, and the distress that follows.

OCD often involves intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that feel deeply upsetting, disturbing, or completely at odds with one’s values. These thoughts can be about contamination, harm, morality, sexuality, or responsibility. Despite how vivid they feel, they say nothing about who you are as a person.

What OCD Actually Is

Despite many common misconceptions across popular culture and social media, OCD is not about cleanliness, order, or being “Type A.”

At its core, OCD involves:

• intrusive thoughts or doubts that trigger anxiety

• intense discomfort or moral distress

• attempts to neutralise or reduce that distress

• temporary relief followed by repetition

The cycle continues because the brain learns that anxiety must be resolved immediately.

Intrusive Thoughts Are Normal

Intrusive thoughts are a normal part of human experience. The difference in OCD lies in how those thoughts are interpreted.

People with OCD tend to believe:

• having a thought makes it significant

• having a thought means something about them

• uncertainty must be eliminated

• distress must be resolved now

• thoughts must be controlled

These beliefs turn passing mental events into ongoing threats.

Common Forms of OCD

Contamination OCD

Fear of germs, illness, or being “tainted,” often leading to washing, cleaning, or avoidance behaviours.

Harm OCD

Intrusive thoughts or images of hurting oneself or others — despite having no desire to act on them.

Forbidden or Taboo Thoughts

Obsessions involving sexuality, religion, morality, or socially unacceptable themes, often accompanied by intense shame.

Mental Compulsions

OCD doesn’t always involve visible behaviours. Many people engage in:

• mental checking

• reassurance-seeking

• reviewing memories

• arguing with thoughts

• repeating phrases or rituals internally

Because these compulsions reduce anxiety briefly, they strengthen the cycle.

Why OCD Persists

OCD is maintained by a feedback loop:

1. An intrusive thought occurs

2. Anxiety spikes

3. The thought is judged as dangerous or meaningful

4. Compulsions are used to reduce anxiety

5. Relief occurs briefly

6. The brain learns the thought was a threat

Crucially, attempts to suppress or get rid of thoughts tend to increase their importance, not reduce them.

OCD and Shame

Many people with OCD feel ashamed of their thoughts, especially when they involve harm, sexuality, or morality. This often leads to secrecy and avoidance — delaying effective treatment.

In reality, the content of intrusive thoughts usually reflects what matters most to the person, not hidden desires or intentions..

When It’s Worth Getting Support

It may be helpful to seek professional support if:

• intrusive thoughts feel constant or distressing

• you feel compelled to neutralise or check

• reassurance only provides temporary relief

• avoidance is growing

• shame or fear stops you from talking openly

How I Help With OCD

OCD is one of the most treatable psychological conditions. My approach to working with clients in therapy experiencing OCD, is focused on the following evidence-based principles:

• understanding how OCD operates (psycho-education)

• changing the relationship to intrusive thoughts (cognitive restructuring)

• gradually facing feared experiences without neutralising rituals (exposure response and prevention)

• reducing compulsions and safety behaviours

• increasing tolerance of uncertainty

This work is challenging at times, but highly effective when done in a structured, compassionate way.

Therapy is not about forcing exposure or overwhelming clients — it’s paced, collaborative, and guided by readiness

If you’d like to arrange a session to discuss your specific situation and see what I can do to help, please get in touch using the form below

Telehealth sessions are available Australia-wide.