where are all the good therapists?

[Guest dylan]

Hi everyone

I am new to the forum, so advance apologies if I don't get all the protocols right and if I am asking stuff that has already been well covered. I only recently discovered OCD UK and was delighted to join. From what I can see this is a great site, a fantastic forum and a great organisation.

Quick bit of background. I have suffered on and off with contamination and checking forms of OCD for about 35 years. It comes and goes and definitely gets a lot worse with stress. I have tried all the usual medications, CBT, hypnotherapy, etc . At the moment I am coping fairly well but I can feel that it is gradually getting worse again and I want to do something to stop its development as I know too well how it can take over. .

My question concerns the availability of good OCD therapists. Over the years I have received traditional CBT - usually seeing someone once a week for 8 to 12 weeks. This works to some extent but I have felt for some time that a more intensive treatment ( say 3 to 4 weeks every day ) would have quicker and more long lasting results. I have been reinforced in this view by reading the postings from Beth regarding the channel 4 programme she bravely participated in. Sounds like a fantastic result all round !

I am also convinced that we all need to be dealing with people who specialise in OCD. I usually end up seeing well meaning psychologists for whom I may be their only OCD sufferer. I have just been back to see my GP for a referral again - and have been told there is a 10 month waiting list !!! I can't wait that long so am considering going private - but only if I can find a therapist/organisation that really does understand OCD. I know this could be expensive but I am geting desperate ! So I would be interested in any recommendations that people might have. However I can understand if that is something that cannot be aired publicly on the forum, but maybe this could be handled via private/ confidential messages ? Also I would not of course hold anyone responsible for any suggestions - it's up to me to make my own mind up ! The options I have been considering are -

# the Maudsley Hospital - but I see from an earlier posting that they don't do private referrals ? Getting referred from up here in Scotland via my GP may be impossible and even if possible could take an age

#the OCD Centre in England. Anyone been there ?

#the UCLA OCD team headed by Dr Schwarz. Don't know if this is poss and how much it would cost !

But I might be missing something altogether so any and all suggestions are welcome.

kind regards

Dylan

[Caramoole]

Hi Dylan,

Firstly, welcome to OCD-UK, I'm sure you'll find a lot of help and support here on the boards and we'll help wherever we can.

Sorry to hear your OCD is playing up again, just remember, you've tamed it once and can do again. It really does help to nip it in the bud and refuse to be drawn into new behaviours, everything you learned and worked on in the past still applies.

As for OCD therapists, it's probably trial and error and word of mouth I suppose. I don't know much about availability from the large centres, Ashie'd be your man there.

One site you could look at is

http://www.cpa-ltd.co.uk/

I note they are all chartered Clinical Pyschologists and have a practice in Leeds, Manchester and London

Another is :-

www.babcp.org.uk

Many on this site list OCD as a specialist area.

I suppose the best thing would be to ring those you thought might help and question them about their expertise as regards OCD, as a paying customer you would certainly be in your rights to do so.

Anyway, others may have some other idea's, let us know if you make any progress.

Caramoole

[Guest alpha]

Hi Dylan,

I had treatment at the OCD Centre in London with India Haylor. I would highly recommend her and the Centre. It is private and they are specialists in OCD.

Take care,

Alpha

[Guest dylan]

Hi Dylan,

Firstly, welcome to OCD-UK, I'm sure you'll find a lot of help and support here on the boards and we'll help wherever we can.

Sorry to hear your OCD is playing up again, just remember, you've tamed it once and can do again.  It really does help to nip it in the bud and refuse to be drawn into new behaviours, everything you learned and worked on in the past still applies.

As for OCD therapists, it's probably trial and error and word of mouth I suppose. I don't know much about availability from the large centres, Ashie'd be your man there.

One site you could look at is

http://www.cpa-ltd.co.uk/

I note they are all chartered Clinical Pyschologists and have a practice in Leeds, Manchester and London

Another is :-

www.babcp.org.uk

Many on this site list OCD as a specialist area.

I suppose the best thing would be to ring those you thought might help and question them about their expertise as regards OCD, as a paying customer you would certainly be in your rights to do so.

Anyway, others may have some other idea's, let us know if you make any progress.

Caramoole :lol:

37619[/snapback]

Hi Caramoole

many thanks for your reply. I wasn't aware of the cpa organisation so will now have a look at that. Sounds interesting.

I had looked at the babcp website before but many of those listed mention OCD as one of many areas that they treat - so your suggestion of quizzing them a bit more about their OCD expertise is a good one.

Eventually I hope to find some good intensive therapy - and if I do I will certainly share my experience with OCD UK members. This bulletin board is really helpful and I would want to help others if I can

kind regards

Dylan

[Guest dylan]

Hi Dylan,

I had treatment at the OCD Centre in London with India Haylor. I would highly recommend her and the Centre. It is private and they are specialists in OCD.

Take care,

Alpha

37829[/snapback]

Hi Alpha

thanks for your note . That sounds very encouraging. Did you go for their intensive course of treatment ( seems to be something like every day for a fortnight or so ) or a more gradual approach? Also did you see India herself or one of the other therapists?

all the best

Dylan