OCD Treatment Program

Overview of the Program

Curtin Psychology Clinic has a specialist Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) treatment program. The latest evidence-based treatments for OCD are available to clients. The program is constantly carrying out research projects to improve understanding and treatment for the disorder.

Treatment available

All new clients are firstly assessed thoroughly so that the nature and extent of their difficulties can be determined. After this process is complete, the therapist then suggests the most appropriate treatment plan to the client. Sometimes clients are offered group therapy and sometimes individual. Either way, if a person is still experiencing difficulties at the end of treatment they are offered further sessions.

Group therapy consists of 6-8 individuals with OCD being treated together by two therapists. The treatment runs over ten weeks, for two hours each week.

Individual therapy is conducted one-on-one with the therapist. This treatment runs over ten weeks, for one hour each week.

Currently, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is regarded as the treatment of choice for OCD. In other words, based on a large amount of evidence from research studies of numerous individuals with OCD, CBT has proved to be the most effective treatment. Even for individuals with very severe OCD, this treatment very often results in significant improvement.

How can I make an appointment?

You can either get a written referral from your GP or other health professional or telephone the Clinic Receptionist on (08) 9266 3436 to make an appointment (referrals to the program are not necessary).

What to expect once your referral is made

Your first session at the Curtin Clinic will usually consist of a two hour assessment session. During this time a trained therapist will ask you a range of questions to ensure that the OCD Treatment Program is the best treatment for the difficulties you are experiencing.

This treatment program is specifically targeted at OCD, and therefore requires that OCD be the main problem you are concerned about.

If the OCD program is the best treatment for your difficulties you will be offered a starting date for the 10-week program.

If the OCD program is not the best treatment for you, we will arrange a referral to a more appropriate service or program.

Program Staff

The program is coordinated by Dr Clare Rees. Dr Rees is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology and is a Senior Clinical Psychologist with several years experience treating OCD. She has published an OCD treatment program that is used in the clinic and is available both in group and individual therapy formats.

Rebecca Anderson is completing a PhD in the area of OCD treatment and is very experienced in providing treatment for the disorder. She has presented her research at National and local Psychology conferences.

Clinical Psychology Trainees also work in the clinic. All trainees are completing their Clinical Psychology Masters degrees and already have four-year degrees in psychology. They are all closely supervised by Dr Clare Rees.

What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is marked by unwanted and distressing thoughts, mental images or urges (obsessions), and physical or mental acts, or rituals, which the individual undertakes to relieve their anxiety (compulsions).

Common obsessions include thoughts about: contamination; harm coming to oneself or others; the need for symmetry/exactness; the need to keep or save things; and upsetting sexual, violent/aggressive, or religious thoughts or images.

Common compulsions include: cleaning; handwashing; ordering/arranging; hoarding; counting; checking; touching; repeating; and confessing.

While some of these behaviours are common, such as washing ones hands, it is when the behaviour becomes excessive and interruptive to your daily activities that help may be needed. Fortunately, good treatments are available to help with this problem.