Struggling With OCD? Understanding the Cycle—and How to Break It With Therapy in Ireland

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) isn’t about being tidy or quirky—it’s a condition that hijacks your mind with relentless fear and doubt. It can feel like you’re doing mental gymnastics all day, just to keep things safe, “right,” or under control.

The good news? OCD is treatable. With the right support, you can step out of the cycle—and back into your life.

What Is OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a psychological condition that affects an estimated 1–3% of the population. It’s marked by a distressing loop of intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions).

These patterns are often misunderstood—but left untreated, they can seriously impact your quality of life. Effective OCD treatment in Ireland—whether in-person in Dublin or online—is available and life-changing.

What OCD Actually Feels Like

If you’re struggling with OCD, you may feel trapped in a loop of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. You’re not alone. This is what many clients in OCD therapy—especially those I work with in Dublin and online—tell me it feels like:

  • You constantly worry that something terrible might happen—to you, your loved ones, or even strangers—unless you do things just right

  • You find yourself doing things that don’t fully make sense, but feel necessary to stay safe or avoid regret

  • You’re always chasing a feeling of certainty, clarity, or “rightness” that never seems to stick

  • You ask for reassurance—or search online—trying to make sure the scary thought isn’t true

  • You avoid places, people, or situations that might trigger another mental spiral

  • You feel like you’re doing mental gymnastics all day long just to get through normal life

If you live with OCD, you may feel stuck in an endless loop of What if? → Fear → Fix it → Relief (brief) → What if? again. It’s exhausting. And confusing. Especially when people around you don’t really get it.

You’re not alone—and it doesn’t have to stay this way.

What OCD Thoughts Might Sound Like

OCD shows up in many forms—and therapy only works when we recognise them all. Below are examples of what intrusive thoughts might sound like, across themes like harm OCD, contamination, ‘pure O,’ moral scrupulosity, and more.(Trigger warning: some examples may feel uncomfortable—but that’s part of how OCD works. The thoughts often go against your values.)

  • What if I hurt someone and didn’t notice?

  • What if I touched something dirty and now I’ll infect everyone?

  • What if I’m secretly a bad person?

  • What if I left the stove on and the house burns down?

  • What if I cheated and didn’t realise it?

  • What if I’m gay and don’t know it? What if I’m not gay and just lying to myself?

  • What if I never feel “sure” about my relationship or my job or my identity?

  • What if I never get better?

OCD isn’t about what you believe—it’s about what your brain screams at you when you're trying to live your life. Even if the content of your thoughts changes, the cycle stays the same.

But here’s the good news: that cycle can be broken.

How I Treat OCD: Practical, Personalised, Proven

I offer specialist OCD therapy in Dublin and across Ireland, using gold-standard methods like ERP—tailored to your unique brain, values, and pace. Here's how therapy with me typically works:

  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): Gradually facing feared situations without engaging in compulsive behaviors.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying and challenging unhelpful thought patterns.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Developing psychological flexibility and aligning actions with personal values.

Together, we'll work to break the OCD cycle, reduce distress, and enhance your quality of life.

What to Expect in OCD Treatment with Me

Starting OCD therapy can feel overwhelming. That’s why I structure treatment carefully—especially when using ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention)—so you feel safe, supported, and in control. Our sessions will be collaborative and paced according to your comfort. You can anticipate:

  • Assessment: Understanding your specific OCD patterns and how they impact your life.

  • Goal Setting: Establishing clear, achievable objectives for therapy.

  • Skill Building: Learning techniques to manage obsessions and reduce compulsions.

  • Relapse Prevention: Developing strategies to maintain progress and handle future challenges.

OCD Therapy in Dublin or Online Across Ireland

Whether you prefer in-person sessions in Dublin or online OCD therapy from anywhere in Ireland, we’ll work in the way that suits you best.

  • In Person (Dublin) - Sessions take place at the Fairview Therapy Centre, a quiet, welcoming space on Dublin’s north side. It’s easy to reach by public transport or car, and there’s a warm, professional atmosphere designed for focused work.

  • Online (Anywhere in Ireland) - I also offer secure, confidential video sessions if you prefer to work from the comfort of home. Many clients choose this option for convenience, especially if they live outside Dublin or have busy schedules.

Whether online or in person, we’ll meet at a regular time each week and work together at your pace. If you’re not sure which format suits you best, we can talk it through before you commit.

OCD Therapy FAQ – ERP, Online Sessions, and What to Expect

Do I need a diagnosis for OCD therapy in Ireland?

No. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to work with me. If you struggle with obsessive thoughts, anxiety, overthinking, or compulsive behaviours—even if they don’t “look like” typical OCD—we can explore that together.

What happens in a first session?

The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other. You can tell me what’s been going on, what you’re hoping for, and ask any questions. I’ll explain how I work and we’ll talk about next steps—at your pace.

What is ERP, and is it as hard as it sounds?

ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) involves facing fears and resisting compulsions in small, manageable steps. It’s challenging, but never done without your consent or input. You won’t be thrown in the deep end—we plan every step together.

Is online OCD treatment effective in Ireland?

Yes. OCD therapy works very well online. In fact, doing ERP from your own environment can be even more effective for certain types of OCD. We’ll use secure video calls and tailor everything to your pace.

What if I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help?

That’s more common than you might think. Not all therapy is the same, and OCD often requires specific approaches like ERP or ACT. We’ll work in a focused, structured way—and adjust things to suit your needs.

How long does therapy usually last?

That depends on the person. Some people make progress in a few months; others stay longer to work through layers. We’ll check in regularly and make sure it’s still helpful and relevant for you.

Can I work with you if I have ADHD or autism too?

Yes. Many people with OCD also have ADHD or are autistic. I adapt therapy to suit your neurotype, attention style, and energy levels. It’s not one-size-fits-all.

What if I feel too embarrassed to talk about my thoughts?

Totally valid—and incredibly common. OCD can make your brain feel like a scary or shameful place. But nothing you say will shock me. I’ve lived with OCD myself, and I know how strange or intrusive thoughts can get. This is a safe space to be real.

Start OCD Therapy in Dublin or Online

If you’re looking for effective OCD treatment in Ireland—either in person in Dublin or online—I’d be glad to help. If you're ready to explore how therapy can help you manage OCD, feel free to reach out. Together, we can chart a path toward relief and recovery.