How to Get Expert Help for OCD in London: What a Specialist Doctor Can Do

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can have a profound impact on an individual’s daily life, emotional wellbeing, and relationships. It is often misunderstood, particularly when symptoms present in less typical ways. Whether you are an adult struggling in silence, or a parent concerned about your child’s behaviour or anxiety, seeking support from a specialist is not just helpful, it is essential.

I’m Dr Sasha, based in London, offering specialist support for adults, children, young people, and families experiencing OCD. I combine evidence-based treatment with a warm, personalised approach. In this post, I’ll explain why working with an OCD specialist can be transformative and what you can expect from therapy.

Understanding OCD Across the Lifespan

OCD is not simply about being “tidy” or “a bit fussy.” It is a complex mental health condition characterised by intrusive, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) carried out to reduce anxiety.

In adults, OCD can often be masked by coping strategies or minimised due to shame, with individuals feeling isolated or misunderstood. Common themes may include contamination fears, checking rituals, intrusive sexual or aggressive thoughts, or a need for symmetry or order. These symptoms can become exhausting, impacting work, relationships, and self-esteem.

In young people, the presentation can be equally distressing, though it may be misinterpreted as general anxiety, perfectionism, or behavioural issues. Left unrecognised, OCD in children and adolescents can become entrenched, affecting education, development, and emotional wellbeing.

Dr Sasha - OCD support and treatment in London

I work closely with each client to understand how OCD is affecting their life and to create a shared understanding of their specific experience. Therapy is not just about managing anxiety, but about interrupting the patterns of obsession and compulsion in a way that feels safe, manageable, and empowering.

Sessions focus on:

• Gently exploring how OCD symptoms show up in everyday life

• Linking the anxiety underneath OCD to traumatic life events, including early childhood development

• Using somatic techniques and visualisations to access and heal traumatic experiences

• Educating on the structure of anxiety, rumination, cognitive fusion, and avoidance

• Emotional education: understanding emotional layers and what triggers one’s anxiety

• Building a philosophical framework to tolerate uncertainty and feel empowered

• Gradually reducing rituals and avoidance behaviours through imaginary exposure, mindful self-compassion, cognitive detachment, and somatic release work

• Strengthening confidence in coping with intrusive thoughts and urges

• Identifying and releasing shame and insecurity around symptoms

I create a compassionate, non-judgemental space where clients can feel understood and supported. The pace and focus of therapy are tailored to each person’s readiness and individual goals. I frequently work with highly sensitive and neurodivergent individuals and am sensitive to their particular needs and experiences.

Evidence-Based and Integrative Techniques

My approach draws on established, evidence-based therapies for OCD, including (but not limited to):

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

• Emotional Freedom Techniques for post-traumatic stress and self-soothing

• Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Havening Technique, EmoFlow, and other somatic or energy-psychology methods

• Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) and Systema breathing techniques

Rather than following a rigid protocol, I integrate these models flexibly and intuitively to suit each client’s unique needs, preferences, and pace of healing.

Working with Adults, Young People, and Families

OCD often affects more than just the individual. For adults, it can impact partners, colleagues, or family members. For younger clients, parents may feel anxious or helpless in the face of distressing rituals or emotional outbursts.

Where appropriate, I involve family members or offer parent guidance sessions to help build understanding and create a supportive environment for change. Therapy is always collaborative, working with clients and their families to develop practical strategies and emotional resilience.

Take the First Step Towards Specialist OCD Support

If you are looking for expert OCD support and treatment in London, I am here to help. Whether you are an adult seeking to reclaim peace of mind, or a parent looking for guidance and support, the first step is a confidential consultation to explore your needs and how therapy might help.

You do not have to face OCD alone. With the right support, it is possible to reduce symptoms, build resilience, and move forward with confidence.

To book an initial appointment or to find out more about how I work, please feel free to get in touch.