Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can make you feel caught in persistent, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that feel difficult to dismiss. These experiences can be unsettling or distressing, especially when they clash with your values or sense of who you are. You may spend significant mental energy trying to reason with your thoughts, prevent mistakes, or make sure nothing has been overlooked.
When OCD begins to interfere with your focus, decision-making, or relationships, therapy at Radcliffe Psychotherapy Clinic, offered both in person in Toronto and online, helps you understand what’s driving these patterns. You’ll work toward responding to intrusive thoughts and urges with more flexibility and intention, without relying on certainty, reassurance, or constant checking to get through the day.
Start with a FREE 15-minute consultation with one of our registered OCD therapists.
Types of OCD Our Therapists Treat
OCD symptoms can attach themselves to many different themes, often revolving around what matters most to you. While these experiences are commonly described as subtypes, OCD follows a similar pattern across presentations. Many people recognize themselves in more than one description, or notice that themes shift over time.
Contamination-Related OCD
You may experience fears about germs, illness, or contamination, along with urges to wash, clean, avoid certain places, or mentally monitor for exposure.
Harm-Related OCD
Intrusive thoughts or images about accidentally or intentionally causing harm to yourself or others may feel deeply distressing, even though they go against your values.
Relationship-Focused OCD (ROCD)
You may find yourself stuck in cycles of doubt, reassurance seeking, or mental checking related to your relationship, your partner, or your feelings toward them.
Checking-Related OCD
Repeated urges to check locks, appliances, messages, or decisions may arise from fears of making mistakes, causing harm, or being responsible for something going wrong.
Primarily Obsessional OCD (“Pure-O”)
OCD may show up mainly through intrusive thoughts and mental compulsions, such as rumination, reviewing, or trying to neutralize thoughts internally, rather than visible behaviours.
Symmetry or “Just Right” OCD
You may feel a strong need for things to feel balanced, aligned, or complete, along with discomfort or anxiety when something feels off or unfinished.
Scrupulosity or Moral OCD
Intrusive thoughts related to morality, religion, or ethics may lead to excessive self-monitoring, guilt, or reassurance seeking about whether you are a “good” or moral person.
Common OCD Experiences We Support in Therapy:
Common OCD Challenges
OCD can affect high-functioning adults in ways that aren’t always visible to others but can feel exhausting internally. You may recognize yourself in some of these experiences:
Intrusive, Unwanted
Thoughts or Images
Persistent thoughts, images, or urges that feel distressing or out of character, even when you try to push them away.
Heightened Anxiety When Compulsions Are Resisted
When you try to delay or resist compulsive behaviours, you may experience a sharp increase in anxiety or discomfort.
Difficulty Tolerating Uncertainty
or Imperfection
A strong urge to resolve doubt or find clarity before moving forward, even when certainty isn’t possible.
Compulsive Behaviours
or Mental Rituals
You might find yourself repeating actions or mental processes such as checking, counting, or reviewing to reduce anxiety or prevent something from going wrong.
Fear of Harm, Contamination,
or Loss of Control
Ongoing worries about causing harm, exposure to contamination, making the wrong decision, or acting against your values.
OCD Interfering with Work
or Relationships
Your thoughts or rituals may take up time and energy, making it harder to focus, relax, or stay connected with others.
Reassurance Seeking
You may seek reassurance from others, research online, or double-check decisions in an effort to feel certain or safe.
Mental Fatigue from Constant Monitoring
You may feel drained from continuously scanning your thoughts or surroundings to make sure nothing is wrong or unfinished.
Self-Criticism or Shame About OCD Patterns
You may feel frustrated or embarrassed about struggling internally while appearing capable or composed on the outside.
Our Approach to OCD Therapy
Living with OCD has nothing to do with a lack of logic, insight, or willpower. Many people seeking support are thoughtful, capable adults who feel worn down by intrusive thoughts, mental loops, or urges that don’t align with who they are or how they want to live.
At Radcliffe Psychotherapy Clinic, our therapists help you understand how OCD operates in your life, including how intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and compulsive responses interact to keep the cycle going. Through therapy, you’ll learn to recognize common OCD traps, respond differently to intrusive thoughts and urges, and gradually reduce behaviours — both external and mental — that may unintentionally reinforce OCD patterns.
We use evidence-based treatment, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), to help you build tolerance for uncertainty and discomfort. As these skills develop, many clients find they’re better able to let thoughts come and go without getting pulled into hours of analysis or self-monitoring, creating more space for focus, presence, and choice in daily life.
What to Expect in OCD Therapy
OCD therapy focuses on understanding how your intrusive thoughts and compulsive responses interact, so you can learn practical strategies to respond differently. Sessions are structured and collaborative, with an approach that fits your goals, preferred pace, and real-world demands.
Here’s What OCD Therapy Typically Involves:
Initial assessment: We begin by understanding your experience, including intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviours or mental rituals, triggers, and how they affect your daily life.
Learning how OCD works: Your therapist will help you recognize the OCD cycle and learn why intrusive thoughts and compulsions can persist, even when they don’t make sense logically.
Personalized treatment planning: Together, we create a treatment plan based on your goals and values, including how exposure and response prevention will be approached.
Ongoing therapy and practice: Sessions involve practicing ERP and building new ways of responding to intrusive thoughts and urges, while reducing your reliance on reassurance, avoidance, or mental checking.
Reviewing progress over time: We regularly check in on how you’re feeling and adjust our approach as needed to support steady, sustainable progress.
Why Clients Choose Us
At Radcliffe Psychotherapy Clinic, our approach to OCD therapy combines clinical expertise with an understanding of how stress, anxiety, and uncertainty can intensify symptoms. Care is available both in person in Toronto and through secure online therapy.
OCD-Specific Treatment
Our therapists are trained in OCD-focused approaches, including ERP, a highly effective treatment for OCD. Alongside ERP, our therapists draw from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support insight, flexibility, and self-compassion throughout treatment.
Structured Approach
Treatment is collaborative and intentional, with clear goals and gradual exposure planning that reflects your values, responsibilities, and daily life — not one-size-fits-all exercises.
Informed by Lived Experience
Some members of our team have personal experience with OCD, anxiety, and related challenges. This perspective informs our work with empathy and care.
Accessible In-Person
And Virtual Care
Choose in-person sessions at our Toronto clinic or secure online therapy, depending on what feels most accessible and supportive for you.
Support for Intrusive Thoughts and Rumination Patterns
Many clients experience OCD primarily through mental compulsions such as rumination, reviewing, or trying to “figure out” thoughts. We help you identify these less visible OCD patterns and develop alternative ways of responding.
Building Tolerance for Uncertainty
Rather than trying to eliminate doubt or discomfort, our approach focuses on helping you live well alongside uncertainty: a core skill in long-term OCD management.
Supportive, Non-Judgmental Environment
We approach OCD with curiosity and respect, not fear, labels, or moral judgment. The focus is on understanding patterns and supporting meaningful, sustainable chang
OCD Resources
If you’re looking to better understand OCD or learn more about evidence-based treatment, the following resources may be a helpful place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our OCD Therapy
How effective is ERP for OCD?
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is widely recognized as an effective, evidence-based treatment for OCD. ERP can help many people reduce the impact of intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours by changing how they respond to them. Effectiveness varies from person to person, and progress depends on factors such as symptom patterns, consistency, and individual goals.
Can OCD be treated without medication?
Many people choose to work with OCD through therapy alone, particularly using ERP and other evidence-based approaches. Medication can be helpful for some individuals, but it isn’t generally required for OCD therapy to be effective. Treatment decisions are always individualized and based on your preferences and needs.
Is OCD therapy difficult or distressing?
OCD therapy can involve discomfort at times, especially when learning to tolerate uncertainty or resist compulsive behaviours. That said, therapy is always paced thoughtfully and collaboratively. Your therapist will work with you to make sure the process feels manageable, supported, and in line with your goals.
Is OCD therapy covered by insurance?
We provide receipts for each session that can be submitted to your extended health insurance provider. Coverage varies depending on your plan, so we recommend confirming details directly with your insurer.
How long does OCD therapy take?
There’s no fixed timeline for OCD therapy. Some people focus on shorter-term, structured work, while others benefit from longer-term support to address complex patterns, co-occurring concerns, or life stressors. Your therapist will regularly review progress with you and adjust your treatment as needed.
Do you treat Pure-O OCD?
Yes. We work with people whose OCD presents primarily through intrusive thoughts and mental compulsions, such as rumination, reviewing, or trying to relieve thoughts internally. Therapy focuses on recognizing these patterns and learning new ways of responding that don’t reinforce the OCD cycle.
Do you offer virtual OCD therapy in Toronto?
In addition to in-person sessions at our Toronto clinic, we offer secure online therapy for OCD. Virtual sessions can provide flexibility and continuity of care while offering our clients the same evidence-based approach.
Find A Registered Therapist Who Specializes In OCD Therapy
Not Sure Where To Start?
Our intake coordinator is here to help. They can answer your questions about OCD therapy, guide you through our 15-minute consultation, and help you find the therapist that’s the right fit for you.
Denise Sacramento
Hello, I'm Denise.
I can help guide you through our OCD therapy and find the right therapist for your needs.
Where to Find Us
Radcliffe Psychotherapy Clinic
Address: 3910 Bathurst Street, Suite 300 (Palm Medical) Toronto, ON M3H 5Z3
Email: admin@angerandanxiety.com
Phone: +1 (289) 801-4133
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