Break Free from OCD
What is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common and highly treatable condition that involves a cycle of intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions).
At 123OCD Psychology, we help people across Auckland understand their OCD and break free from the patterns that keep them stuck.
How do I know if I have OCD?
The clinical definition for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where a person experiences a cycle of unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) that they feel driven to perform.
OCD can be surprisingly difficult to recognise—especially because it shows up in so many different ways. While some people experience more well-known themes like contamination or symmetry, many others have fears that are far less known, including harm, sexuality, religious, paedophiliac or existential worries.
This can make it confusing to know whether what you’re experiencing is actually OCD. Even when you come across information that fits, OCD has a way of turning back on itself—“What if this isn’t OCD?”, “What if this is something different, something far worse?”—keeping you stuck in doubt. That’s why OCD is often called the doubting disease: it doesn’t just create uncertainty; it makes you question the very idea that you might already have an answer.
The good news is that you don’t have to figure this out alone. I’ve worked with people across the full spectrum of OCD themes, and together we can untangle what’s happening, understand your particular patterns, and develop a plan to help you reach OCD remission.
Obsession, Compulsion, Cycle and treatment
Obsession
These are intrusive, distressing thoughts, images, or urges that keep coming back, even when the person tries to ignore them. Common themes include:
- Fear of contamination (germs, infestations)
- Fear of harming oneself or others
- Need for things to feel “just right” before continuing
- Unwanted taboo thoughts (e.g., violent or sexual)
👉 These thoughts are not wanted and usually don’t reflect the person’s values.
Compulsion
These are behaviours or mental rituals done to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions. For example:
- Excessive cleaning or handwashing
- Checking (locks, appliances, etc.)
- Repeating actions or phrases
- Mental reviewing or reassurance seeking
👉 Compulsions may bring temporary relief, but they actually keep the cycle going.
Cycle
- Obsession → intrusive thought (“What if I left the stove on?”)
- Anxiety → distress increases
- Compulsion → checking the stove repeatedly
- Relief → short-term, then the cycle repeats
Treatment
🧠 Important to understand
- OCD is not just about being tidy or liking things organised
- It can take up hours per day and significantly affect life, work, and relationships
- People with OCD usually know their thoughts don’t make sense, but still feel unable to stop
✅ Treatment
- Forget what you’ve been told in the past, OCD is very treatable!
I do not believe in “broken brain” models.
You can become OCD free.
- The literature also supports the use of medication, such as SSRIs along side of psychological treatment.
This is a decision we can discuss in consultation with your GP. I accept that for some clients this is not their preferred pathway.