Therapy for OCD in Chester, Wirral & Online

Counselling for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterised by intense anxiety, where life becomes dominated by obsessions and compulsions.  

Obsessions are persistent, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause distress, while compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed to reduce the anxiety caused by these obsessions.  

If you feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to move forward, please don’t struggle alone. Counselling can provide the support and tools you need to regain control of your life.

A ginger cat lying on a blanket

What is OCD?

OCD is a complex condition that affects people in different ways. It often involves a cycle of obsessions and compulsions that can disrupt daily life. Obsessions might include fears of contamination, a need for symmetry, or intrusive thoughts. 

Compulsions, on the other hand, are actions like excessive cleaning, checking, or counting, performed to ease the distress caused by obsessions.  

While everyone experiences intrusive thoughts occasionally, OCD occurs when these thoughts and behaviours become persistent, overwhelming, and difficult to manage. 

Signs You May Benefit From Therapy

If you experience any of the following, it may be time to consider therapy: 

  • Intrusive thoughts that cause significant distress or anxiety. 

  • Repetitive behaviours or rituals that interfere with your daily life. 

  • Difficulty focusing or completing tasks due to obsessive thoughts. 

  • Avoiding certain situations or places to prevent triggering obsessions. 

  • Feelings of shame, guilt, or frustration related to your thoughts or actions. 

These symptoms can feel isolating, but with the right support, it is possible to manage them and improve your quality of life. . 

A white and brown therapy dog lying on a brown sofa

How Counselling For OCD Works 

Counselling for OCD provides a safe and supportive space to explore the thoughts and behaviours that contribute to your symptoms. Through therapy, you can gain a deeper understanding of your condition and develop strategies to reduce its impact on your life. 

I will work with you to identify the underlying causes of your obsessions and compulsions, helping you to build insight and awareness.

Together, we will develop practical tools and coping mechanisms to manage your symptoms and regain control over your thoughts and actions. Counselling is tailored to your individual needs, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way. 

What to Expect in Therapy Sessions 

As a counsellor with experience in helping people overcome OCD, I will work with you to explore the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that drive your obsessions and compulsions. Together, we’ll develop tools and strategies to help you manage these patterns in a healthier and more constructive way. 

We’ll take time to understand how OCD is affecting your life, identify triggers, and explore past experiences that may have contributed to the development of your symptoms. By working together, we’ll set realistic goals to help you regain control and reduce the impact OCD has on your daily life. 

Sessions are tailored to your needs, and we’ll work at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Whether you’re looking to better understand your OCD or want practical tools to help you feel more in control, counselling can provide the support you need. 

Why Choose Me As Your Counsellor? 

I have many years of experience helping people with OCD and related issues. During our sessions I provide a safe and confidential space so that you are comfortable to work towards the changes you would like to make. 

I am an Accredited Member of BACP (No. 380481), which stands for British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. This means that I have undergone rigorous assessment and evaluation to meet the BACP's strict standards for professional practice, so you can rest assured that you are choosing a qualified and ethical counsellor.

I understand how overwhelming it can feel to take that first step toward getting help. My approach is warm, supportive, and tailored to your unique needs. Whether your OCD has been a long-term struggle or is linked to recent challenges, I’m here to help you regain control and develop a healthier relationship with your thoughts and behaviours.  

Counselling and Therapy for OCD in Chester and Heswall 

If you’re searching for OCD treatment near you, I offer in-person therapy sessions in Chester, Heswall and Online Counselling Sessions across the UK and Europe, so you can choose what feels most comfortable for you. The choice is always yours. 

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • Counselling is a talking therapy that can go a long way in helping people come to terms with problems they are facing. The sessions give you time to talk about anything that is going on for you in a safe and confidential way.  

    This might be because you want to change things, there might be something you are struggling to come to terms with - whatever the reason counselling could well be the answer for you. 

    By talking about the things that are going on for you, you will be able to get a better understanding of your thoughts and feelings, while at the same time I will help empower you to identify new solutions, allowing you to facilitate change and have the life you would like/deserve.

  • I work with young people aged 16+ and adults.

  • I provide face-to-face counselling in Chester and Heswall. I also provide Online Therapy.

  • Yes, I provide Online Counselling Sessions via Zoom, or sessions by phone.

  • Yes, I am an Accredited Member of BACP (No. 380481), which stands for British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. This means that I have undergone rigorous assessment and evaluation to meet the BACP's strict standards for professional practice, so you can rest assured that you are choosing a qualified and ethical counsellor. 

  • I have a special interest and further training in: 

    Anxiety

    Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

    All forms of historic child abuse and trauma including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, neglect 

    Emotional Eating

    PTSD

    I also have experience of helping people with: 

    Anger management 

    Attachment issues 

    Bereavement and grief, including pet bereavement 

    Bullying (School and workplace) 

    Depression 

    Gender identity 

    Family relationships 

    Self-harm 

    Self-esteem tress 

    Suicidal thoughts 

    Trauma 

    Additionally, I am a Rewind Practitioner which means that I have been trained to use the Rewind Technique to treat trauma and phobias. 

    I am also a Survivor to Thriver Practitioner which means that I can help individuals who have experienced trauma to move beyond simply ‘surviving’. 

    In my time as a counsellor, I have worked with so many different issues.

    Whatever it is, please just reach out so I can give you the support you deserve. Find out more about my experience and qualifications. 

  • I provide a confidential and safe space so that you are comfortable to work towards the changes you would like to make. 

    Everything you share with me is confidential unless you mention anything which means you or someone you know is likely to come to serious harm, you mention anything to do with the drug trafficking act, the children’s act or money laundering. 

    View my privacy policy to understand more about how your personal data is processed and kept safe. 

  • Our first session together will include an assessment so that I understand more about the challenges you are facing, and at the same time it gives you the opportunity to see if I am the right counsellor for you. At the end of the first session you can decide if you would like to continue working with me and we can arrange further appointments. 

  • The number of sessions you will need will very much depend on your individual circumstances. For example, someone who needs help with anxiety might not need as many sessions as someone who has experienced years of childhood trauma. I can however say that I will be open and honest with you throughout and we can look at this together. Regular reviews are done to see how well things are going and what the next steps will be. Remember the choice is always yours.

  • Before you first session I will send you information by email that hopefully covers everything you need to know before we meet.

    During your first session we will spend some time going through the counselling agreement together. This gives us a chance to look at what I can offer you as a therapist and gives me an idea what it is you are hoping to get from our time together.

    I offer a free 15-minute initial consultation by video or phone whichever suits, giving us a chance to have a chat before our first session.

  • The main difference between a counsellor, therapist, and psychotherapist lies in their focus and depth of work.  

    Counsellors typically provide short-term, solution-focused support for specific issues like stress or grief, using practical tools and coping strategies. 

    Therapist is a broad term that can refer to anyone providing therapy, including counsellors and psychotherapists, and their approach varies depending on their training. 

    Psychotherapists, however, focus on deeper, long-term emotional work, exploring the root causes of issues such as trauma or chronic mental health conditions. They often have more extensive training and work with both mild and severe psychological challenges. 

  • Yes, of course. You are not locked into any contracts and the choice is always yours.

  • For full details visit my pricing page.

  • For cancellations 24 hours’ notice is required. 

  • Get in touch to arrange a free informal 15-minute chat about what you are looking for and to see if we are happy to work together.

  • What My Clients Say

    “Annabelle was  brilliant and made me feel very comfortable to open up about some issues I was experiencing at the time”.

    - Mandy (Google Review)

    See my reviews on Google

Take the First Step Towards Feeling Better

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder doesn’t have to define your life. If you’re ready to explore how counselling could help, get in touch. We’ll have a chat about what’s going on for you and how I can support you. There’s no pressure — just a chance to see if this feels like the right fit for you.

You don’t have to face this alone. Let’s take that first step together. 

Annabelle

Annabelle Smith

Counselling & Therapy In-Person & Online