Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Counselling
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Understanding OCD
What is OCD, and when does it become a concern?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that create significant anxiety, along with repetitive behaviours or mental rituals (compulsions) used to try to relieve that anxiety. Occasional intrusive thoughts or a preference for tidiness and order are common and not a concern on their own. OCD becomes a concern when these thoughts and rituals start taking up significant time, causing distress, or getting in the way of work, relationships, or daily routines.
OCD affects people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds, and it can look very different from person to person. For some, it centres on contamination or safety fears; for others, it shows up as a need for symmetry, repetitive actions, constant checking and reassurance-seeking. However it presents, know that you are not alone, and that OCD is highly treatable with the right support.
At Brock Counselling, we meet every client without judgment, understanding that the content of intrusive thoughts is never a reflection of who you are. We work collaboratively to understand how OCD shows up in your day-to-day life, and build practical, evidence-based strategies that create lasting change.
Common signs of OCD
OCD can show up differently from person to person. These are some of the ways it commonly presents — recognizing them is often the first step toward feeling better.
Emotional & Cognitive
- INTRUSIVE, UNWANTED THOUGHTS OR IMAGES
- INTENSE ANXIETY OR GUILT TIED TO THESE THOUGHTS
- FEAR OF LOSING CONTROL OR CAUSING HARM
- CONSTANT DOUBT OR NEED FOR CERTAINTY
- DIFFICULTY TOLERATING UNCERTAINTY OR "NOT JUST RIGHT" FEELINGS
- a sense of feeling trapped by your thoughts
Physical & Behavioural
- REPEATED CHECKING (LOCKS, APPLIANCES, LIGHT SWITCHES, TEXTS)
- EXCESSIVE HANDWASHING OR CLEANING
- ARRANGING OR ORDERING ITEMS UNTIL THEY FEEL "RIGHT"
- repeating actions several times (tapping, walking through doorways, stepping on sidewalk lines)
- SEEKING REASSURANCE FROM OTHERS
How we support your healing
Our therapists use evidence-based, trauma-informed treatment approaches. Therapy is tailored to each person’s individual goals and needs.
No two journeys look the same, and neither should therapy.
Understand the Root
We start by exploring how OCD shows up in your life, including your specific obsessions and compulsions, in addition to discussing your thoughts, feelings, and behavioural patterns that may be reinforcing the OCD. The goal of therapy is to address the cause, not just the visible symptoms.
Build Practical Tools
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention are the gold-standard treatment for OCD. Your therapist will guide you through a combination of these therapy models, while teaching you more balances ways of responding to your intrusive thoughts.
Sustain Progress
As you build confidence, we help you maintain your gains, strengthen your support systems, and develop the tools to manage OCD independently, with reduced anxiety and greater freedom in daily life.
How we work with OCD
Our therapists use a variety of evidence-based modalities, selecting and blending approaches based on what will work best for you.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Gradually and safely facing feared thoughts or situations while resisting the urge to perform compulsions, helping to break the anxiety-relief cycle over time.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Identifying and reframing the distorted beliefs that fuel obsessive thinking, so intrusive thoughts carry less weight and urgency.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Learning to make room for uncertainty and unwanted thoughts without acting on them, while staying connected to your goals, values, and what matters most to you.
Mindfulness-Based Strategies
Building awareness of obsessive thought patterns as they arise, creating space to respond thoughtfully rather than compulsively.
Psychoeducation & Skills Training
Understanding how OCD works in the brain and body with the goal of reducing anxiety and shame and giving you the practical skills to manage symptoms day to day.
What to expect when you reach out
Starting therapy can feel like a big step. You’re right – it is! Here’s how the process works at Brock Counselling, so you know exactly what to expect.
1
Brief Consultation
Therapy starts with an initial 15-min phone consultation to discuss individual needs, as well as explore fit. Connection with a therapist is important and integral for working toward change. This connection will begin to be explored during the phone consultation. This is also a good place to ask your questions about the therapy process.
2
Your First Session
During this appointment, your therapist will spend time getting to know you and your background, and discussing your goals for therapy. Goals can be determined solely by you, or in collaboration with your therapist. This appointment requires you to bring nothing, other than a willingness to participate.
3
Ongoing Support
At the end of the first session, you and your therapist will discuss frequency of sessions, as well as a plan for future sessions. Therapy is not a "one size fits all." Sessions are tailored to your individual needs. As you begin to heal, the frequency may change, giving more time in between sessions to allow you to utilize skills and begin to cope.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Choosing to reach out is the hardest part. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you find the right fit — no pressure, no commitment.
Ready When You Are
Book a Free Phone Consultation
Book a 15-minute phone consultation with one of our therapists. During this call, we’ll discuss your needs and goals and explore how our tailored approach can support your healing journey.
FAQs
How do I book an appointment?
There are many ways to book an appointment:
NEW CLIENTS: If you are a NEW client to Brock Counselling, please follow this link to send us a message: Contact Brock Counselling for Support and Therapy Services.
You can also book directly by e-mailing info@brockcounselling.ca or calling us at 905-320-2342.
EXISTING CLIENTS: If you are a CURRENT client, please use the Owl Portal link on the top right-hand side of the page. This will take you to the online booking platform: OWL, where you can book an appointment.
Alternatively, you can reach out to your therapist directly to book an appointment or contact info@brockcounselling.ca.
Therapy may be a good fit if:
- You have a problem that is interfering with your daily life;
- You have unresolved negative feelings that are affecting your work, home tasks, parenting, or relationships;
- Your family doctor recommended that you speak with a social worker or psychotherapist;
- You have been diagnosed with a mental health condition;
- Your coping strategies are harmful to your health and well-being (drinking alcohol in excess, using drugs, disordered eating, isolation, ‘doom scrolling’); OR
- You are looking for impartial feedback about your life and life choices.
People begin therapy for many different reasons. You do not have to have everything figured out before reaching out for support.
Therapy welcomes all individuals and requires no prior experience.
You do not need to bring or prepare anything for your first appointment – other than a willingness to participate and engage in the therapy process.
Your therapist will guide and support you through the first appointment. At the end of this appointment, your therapist will help you with setting goals and discussing what your hopes are for your therapy journey.
The primary differences between an RSW (Registered Social Worker) and a Psychologist are their education and the services they provide.
RSWs hold a Bachelor of Social Work or a Master of Social Work. This allows them to provide psychotherapy in Ontario.
Psychologists hold of Doctor of Psychology. While they can provide psychotherapy, most psychologists exclusively provide mental health assessments (i.e., Psychoeducational assessments, ADHD assessments, autism assessments).
It is best to speak directly with the professional about what services they provide.
Yes! Evening appointments are offered most nights of the week.
Weekend appointments are offered on Saturday morning and early afternoon.
Yes. What you share is confidential and your privacy is prioritized.
The information you share during a therapy session is protected by the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), ensuring a safe and trusting therapeutic relationships between you and your therapist.
If you chose to share information with your spouse, family, employer, or other individual, you would sign a written consent. You have the right to revoke this written consent at any time.
Short answer, no.
Services are not offered outside of Ontario.
Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists are governed by separate regulatory bodies.
The Ontario College of Social Workers restricts services to clients located in Ontario.
The College of Registered Psychotherapists also restricts services to clients located in Ontario.
Absolutely!
In fact, fit is very important as it reflects the compatibility between you and your therapist.
Research consistently supports that the relationship between a client and therapist is the single most predictor in therapy success – as opposed to treatment type used, number of sessions, and diagnosis.
It may be a good fit if:
- You feel comfortable opening up, especially about the hard or embarrassing stuff;
- You feel heard, understood, and respected;
- You feel comfortable with your therapist challenging you in healthy ways;
- You genuinely want to attend sessions, even when what you’re talking about is difficult.
Yes, some insurance companies allow for direct billing. Please reach out to the practice directly at info@brockcounselling.ca to inquire if your insurance company is on the list of approvals.