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OCD therapy

Structured treatment programs to help you break free from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Most people experience intrusive thoughts or compulsions at some point in their lives. Some people also demonstrate personality and behavioural quirks around liking things to be done perfectly or in a certain way. However this does not mean that we all have OCD.

OCD has become a colloquial term for any repetitive behaviour, but for those who suffer from clinically diagnosed OCD it can be a highly stressful and debilitating disorder.

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So what is OCD?

OCD is a form of anxiety that develops when a person repeatedly experiences intrusive, distressing and unwanted thoughts, images or urges (obsessions). These obsessions are distressing and leave people feeling they cannot control or stop the thoughts from occurring. 

While people with OCD often realise that their obsessional thoughts are irrational, they believe the only way to relieve their anxiety is to perform compulsive behaviours and rituals to prevent the outcomes that they fear. They attribute any relief from their anxiety to these compulsive behaviours – but the relief is short-lived, leaving OCD sufferers trapped in a cycle of needing to complete rituals to reduce their ongoing distress.

The more the rituals are performed, the more people feel the urge to perform them again next time they feel anxious or have distressing thoughts. As the frequency of the anxiety builds, rituals become extremely time consuming, and can get in the way of activities like school, hobbies, work, friendships and family activities.

Individuals with OCD will frequently avoid the situations that trigger their intrusive thoughts and rituals. 

OCD symptoms

Some of the more common obsessions experienced by adults with OCD include:

  • Contamination fears like bodily fluids, germs, environmental contaminations, chemicals and dirt
  • Fear of losing control and acting on impulses to harm oneself or others
  • Fear of violent of horrific images
  • Fear of being responsible for something terrible happening
  • Fear of harming someone by not being careful enough
  • Unwanted sexual thoughts or images
  • Religious obsessions such as fear of offending God, or excessive concern with right and wrong
  • Superstitious beliefs.

Some of the more common rituals and compulsions of adults with OCD include:

  • Repetitive hand washing and cleaning in a certain way
  • Repeatedly touching objects, a certain number of times or in a certain pattern
  • Checking to see that appliances are off or doors are locked
  • Checking that others were not harmed
  • Mental compulsions (repeating a word, praying or replacing “bad” thoughts with “good” ones)
  • Ordering or arranging objects in a particular way
  • Counting to a particular number or repeating actions a certain number of times or to finish tasks on a “good” or “safe” number
  • Rereading or rewriting
  • Repeatedly seeking reassurance or confessing the content of their thoughts to others.

What therapies do we offer?

We offer individual and group cognitive behaviour therapy that includes exposure and response prevention (ERP). This form of therapy is considered the “gold standard” treatment for OCD.  Exposure and Response Prevention involves gradually – and very carefully – facing the things that you avoid and that cause you distress, without completing your typical compulsions to reduce your anxiety. Doing this helps you to see that what you fear won’t actually happen, and that you are able to cope with any anxiety that you do experience. Typically any initial increase in anxiety caused by facing your fears quickly reduces.

We offer treatment programs designed for children, adolescents and adults. 

Read more about OCD by visiting our blog

Click here to read more about our Group Therapy Program. 

Who can assist me?

Sonja Williams

BA (Hons), MPsych (Clinical)                             Senior Clinical Psychologist

Rebecca Jamieson

BA (Hons), MPsych (Clinical)                             Senior Clinical Psychologist

Sarah Hollingworth

BA (Hons), MPsych (Clinical)                             Senior Clinical Psychologist

Dr Kim Eaton

BA (Hons), MPsych (Clinical), PhD                   Senior Clinical Psychologist 

Emma Burton

BSc (Hons), MPsych (Clinical)                         Clinical Psychologist

Browse Our Team for information on all our practitioners:
Browse Our Team
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Contact

Ph: (08) 6143 4499
Fax: (08) 9200 5696

Monday to Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9 am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 2:30pm

Locations

6 Outram Street
West Perth, 6005 WA

36 St Quentin Avenue
Claremont, 6010 WA

In the spirit of reconciliation, the Lawson Clinical Psychology acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Lawson Clinical Psychology celebrates the extraordinary diversity of people’s bodies, ability genders, sexualities and relationships that they represent.

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DR CLAIR LAWSON Clinical Psychologist

Dr Clair Lawson

 

Dr Clair Lawson leads a highly professional, growing and diverse clinical psychology practice. Adopting a range of evidence-based approaches, Clair draws on 18 years of experience in child and adolescent mental health to inform her therapy for clients of all ages – with particular expertise in the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

An active member of the clinical psychology field, Clair publishes papers and presents at international conferences. She also provides clinical supervision for her practice and Master of Clinical Psychology students at the University of Western Australia.

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Sonja Willians Clinical Psychologist

Sonja Williams

 

Sonja Williams is a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years’ experience providing assessment, therapy and corporate consulting.

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Rebecca Jamieson Clinical Psychologist

Rebecca Jamieson

 

Rebecca works with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Rebecca works collaboratively with clients experiencing anxiety disorders; depression; trauma; emotion regulation difficulties, including self-harm and suicidal ideation; adjustment disorders; parent-child attachment difficulties; parenting difficulties and relationship difficulties. Rebecca draws from treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; Dialectical Behavioural Therapy; Mindfulness; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Schema Therapy; Systemic Therapy, and Attachment Based Therapies. Rebecca is a member of the Psychologists Board of WA; Full Member of the Australian Psychological Society, and Member of the Australian Psychological Society College of Clinical Psychologists. Rebecca is a board approved Supervisor and enjoys providing individual and group supervision.

Rebecca is a provider for Medicare and most private health insurers.

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Kelly Fullarton Clinical Psychologist PERTH

Kelly Fullarton

 

Kelly Fullarton is primarily trained in cognitive behavioural therapy and has experience working with children, adolescents and adults who present with a wide range of mental health concerns.

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Gemma Bowden Clinical Psychologist

Gemma Bowden

 

Gemma graduated from UWA in 2000 and through her extensive work history, is experienced in the assessment and treatment of a wide range of presenting problems. Her areas of interest and expertise include the treatment of stress, anxiety (including worry, panic and social anxiety) and depression. With a passion for helping people develop resilience and coping strategies for life, Gemma also works with issues impacting peoples overall well-being including adjustment difficulties, work-related problems and relationship concerns.

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Michelle Jongenelis Clinical Psychologist

Dr Michelle Jongenelis

 

Dr Michelle Jongenelis works with adults who experience a range of psychological issues including depression, anxiety, panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trichotillomania, bipolar, and stress. She is trained in the provision of evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Meta-Cognitive Therapy. Michelle is registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and has been a member of the Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy for over 10 years.

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Dr Lucy Robertson, clinical psychologist

Dr Lucy Robertson

 

Dr Lucy Robertson is experienced in helping clients with difficulties such as depression, anxiety, chronic pain, low self-esteem, stress, relationship problems, and communication difficulties. Lucy uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based CBT, and acceptance and commitment therapy.

Lucy completed an MPsych (Clinical) and PhD and has published research and presented at national and international conferences. Lucy is registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and is a registered Medicare provider.

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Sarah Hollingworth Clinical Psychologist

Sarah Hollingworth

 

Sarah Hollingworth has experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families. Sarah provides a warm and supportive environment, tailoring treatment to the individual or family. She works with people who struggle with their mood, anxiety, trauma, school or relationship stresses, using a number of evidence based treatments including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), family systems therapy and mentalization-based therapy (MBT).

Sarah has a Masters in Clinical Psychology and a Graduate Diploma in Family and Relationship Therapy. As an AHPRA approved supervisor, Sarah enjoys mentoring and supervising trainees and registrars. She has experience providing training programs to community groups around mental health.

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Emily Castell Clinical Psychologist

Dr Emily Castell

 

Emily has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults for the management of symptoms relating to Social Anxiety, Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, worry and rumination, Bipolar Disorder, interpersonal difficulties, and the development of social and coping skills. Emily’s aim is to deliver evidence-based psychological services that support individuals to work toward their goals. As such, Emily’s position is therapy is collaborative and seeks to develop a strong working relationship with clients. Emily believes that therapy should be inclusive, and she is passionate about making information accessible to individuals with diverse abilities and needs. Emily employs a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches including; Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and Meta-Cognitive Therapy.

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EMMA BURTON Clinical Psychologist

Emma Burton

 

Emma has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with a range of issues. She works with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, adjustment difficulties, and perinatal mental health issues. Emma also works with families to address behavioural issues in children and parenting strategies. Using evidence-based approaches to treatment, including cognitive behaviour therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness interventions, Emma tailors her treatment to the needs of each person.

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Esha Jamnadass Clinical Psychologist

Esha Jamnadass

 

Esha works with children, adolescents, adults and couples. She has experience with a wide range of presentations including generalised anxiety, phobias, panic, depression, behavioural difficulties in children and relationship difficulties in couples. She also has experience with autism spectrum conditions and has submitted a PhD thesis in this area. Esha's uses evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. She has also been trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples. Esha tailors treatment to each client using a collaborative approach.

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Dr Kim Eaton Clinical Psychologist

Dr Kim Eaton

 

 

Dr Kim Eaton adopts an individualised approach to her therapeutic work with tweens, adolescents, adults, and families, through tailoring intervention to individual need.

 

She has experience in working with a range of presenting problems, including anxiety and depressive disorders, trauma, as well as eating disorders - particularly where these are complicated by other presenting concerns.

 

Kim assists families to address systemic, relationship, and communication issues. She is trained in the use of a range of evidence-based approaches.

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Gemma Healey Clinical Psychologist

Dr Gemma Healey

 

Gemma has experience working with a range of presenting problems including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, OCD, emotion dysregulation, insomnia and trauma (adults only) in children, adolescents, and adults. In her client work, she draws from a range of evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy, metacognitive therapy, and schema therapy.

Gemma has also completed training in imagery re-scripting for PTSD, and in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).  

Gemma's approach to therapy is flexible with treatment plans being developed in collaboration with clients to ensure the needs of each individual are met.

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DR Melissa Mulcahy Clinical Psychologist

Melissa Mulcahy

 

Melissa is a Clinical Psychologist (Registrar) who works with adolescents and adults. She is experienced in working with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, worry and rumination, suicidality, self-harm, bulimia nervosa, emotional dysregulation, and in youth mental health. Melissa completed PhD in Clinical Psychology with a thesis on perinatal OCD (pregnancy and the postpartum) and also holds a Master of Suicidology degree. She has a strong interest in the treatment of tic disorders and OCD-related problems, including health anxiety, body dysmorphic disorder, and body-focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs) such trichotillomania and excoriation/skin-picking.

She also enjoys working with clients experiencing perinatal mental health difficulties, insomnia, perfectionism, and chronic pain. Her therapeutic style is compassionate, collaborative, and practical. Melissa individualises treatment to each client’s goals, based on evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Metacognitive Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.

Melissa is a full member of the Australian Psychological Society and a State Committee Member for the Australian Association for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

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Anin Karajagi Clinical Psychologist

Anin Karajagi

 

Anin is a provisional psychologist who is completing her Masters/PhD (Clinical) at the University of Western Australia. Anin works with children over 10 years old, adolescents, and adults. She has experience with a wide range of presentations including generalised anxiety, phobias, panic, depression, emotional regulation difficulties in children, trichotillomania, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Anin uses evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Meta-cognitive therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.

Anin works collaboratively with her clients to build psychological skills that align with their therapy goals and values.

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Chloe Giffard Clinical Psychologist

Chloe Giffard

 

Chloe works with children, adolescents and adults. She sees individuals with a range of presentations, including anxiety, stress, perfectionism, depression, emotion regulation difficulties and interpersonal difficulties. She is also a PhD candidate at the University of Western Australia, and her research explores the relationships between social anxiety, shyness, autistic-like traits and face recognition.

Chloe enjoys working collaboratively with individuals to tailor treatment to their needs, and uses evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.

 

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Sophia Lego Clinical Psychologist

Sophia Lego

 

Sophia is a Clinical Psychology Registrar who is passionate about working with adolescent and adult clients. She has experience working with a range of presentations, including anxiety and mood disorders, worry and rumination, low self-esteem, perfectionism, stress, adjustment-related or interpersonal difficulties, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Adopting a warm and collaborative approach to therapy, Sophia utilises a range of evidence-based interventions and works to tailor these based on the individual needs and goals of her clients. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Schema-informed therapeutic approaches.

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Jessica Yegorov

 

Jessica is an endorsed Clinical Psychologist and Educational and Developmental Psychologist. She graduated from UWA in 2003 with her Master of Psychology degree. She has since worked across a range of settings including private practice, early education and the disability sector.

Jessica works with children, adolescents, adults and couples. Primary therapeutic approaches include attachment-based therapy, family systems therapy, positive behaviour support, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Emotion-Focused Therapy for couples (EFT).

Jessica can provide support with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, parenting, relationship difficulties and childhood or disability-related behavioural concerns. She takes a non-expert, collaborative approach to making sense of the challenges you may be facing, and will guide you gently and effectively.

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TAHLIA SANDERS –Clinical Psychologist - Lawson Clinical Psychology

Tahlia Sanders

 

Tahlia has experience working with adolescents and adults across a range of presenting issues, including: depression, anxiety, PTSD, complex trauma, disordered personality, disordered eating, OCD, ADHD, grief and loss, and interpersonal issues.

 

Tahlia draws from and synthesises a number of evidence-based therapeutic models, depending on the needs of the client. These include: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Tahlia is affirming of neurodivergence, and of gender and sexual diversity.

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Yppres Drewe Clinical Psychologist

Yppres Drewe

 

Yppres has extensive experience working with children and adults in clinical and education settings. She has worked in the private and public school systems with primary and high school-aged students for many years.

Her areas of interest and expertise are the assessment of children with learning difficulties and disorders, working with children with disabilities, ensuring appropriate liaison between parents/school/ professionals, and ensuring a case management approach when supporting children.

Currently Yppres is treating children with learning and behavioral disorders, including Dyslexia and ADHD, in private clinical settings. 

 

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Dr Stephanie Stevens

 

Stephanie has many years experience providing psychotherapy to children, adolescents, their families, and adults. She has worked predominately in community-based health services within both the child and adult sectors. This has provided Stephanie with opportunity to work with a range of mental health disorders. She is most passionate about treating depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and trauma/PTSD, for adolescents and adults individually, as well as with family interventions.

 

Stephanie provides evidence-based treatment and primarily utilises Mentalisation-based Therapy (MBT) and Schema Therapy. She is also trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and Trauma-focused CBT. She is passionate about providing a curious, non-judgemental stance and forming a collaborative bond with her clients.

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Tara Stowe

 

Tara Stowe graduated from Curtin University with a Masters in Clinical Psychology in 2014. She has since gained experience working with children, adolescents, adults and older adult clients presenting with a range of concerns, including; generalised anxiety, panic disorder, separation anxiety disorder, PTSD, depression, grief, and adjustment disorder.

 

Tara is trained in various evidence-based treatments including Schema Therapy., Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Clinical Hypnosis, and Trauma focused CBT.

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Sebastian Palmer Clinical Psychologist Lawson Clinical Psychology

Sebastian Palmer

 

Sebastian is a Registered Psychologist and Clinical Psychology Trainee with experience and passion for working with youth, anxiety and depressive disorders, personality disorders and using schema therapy. He has experience working across a variety of presenting concerns such as OCD, anxiety and mood disorders, sexual trauma, interpersonal difficulties, and personality disorders.

 

Seb has a preference for authenticity and human-to-human approach to collaborate with clients throughout treatment. He provides a range of evidence-based interventions to provide sincere care to clients to help them live happy and fulfilling lives. He works using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and works through an attachment and trauma-informed lens.

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Malin De Sliva Clinical Psychologist Lawson Clinical Psychology

Malini De Silva

 

Malini is a Clinical Psychology Registrar who is passionate about working with adolescent and adult clients. She has experience working with a range of presentations, including anxiety and mood disorders, worry and rumination, low self-esteem, perfectionism, stress, adjustment-related or interpersonal difficulties, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

 

Adopting a warm and collaborative approach to therapy, Malini utilises a range of evidence-based interventions and works to tailor these based on the individual needs and goals of her clients. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Schema-informed therapeutic approaches.

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Monique William Clinical Psychologist

Monique Williams

 

Monique is a Clinical Psychology Registrar and is in the process of completing a PhD in the area of mindfulness and anxiety. Monique works with adults and has experience working with anxiety disorders, depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, perfectionism, trauma-related concerns and family of origin issues. 

 

Monique works with her clients to create a safe and non-judgmental space. She uses a range of evidence-based approaches, tailored to her client’s needs, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Schema Therapy. In her work with neurodivergent clients (e.g., Autism, ADHD), Monique strives to employ a Neurodiversity Affirming approach.

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Dr Janice Wong - Clinical Psychologist – Lawson Clinical Psychology

Dr Janice Wong

 

Janice is passionate about working with children, youths, families and adults to help better understand and improve mental health. She is also enthusiastic about helping people find their “spark”. When working with Janice, you’ll find that she is collaborative and warm in her approach. Janice has worked in a range of settings, including Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, and community adult mental health services and has experience in the delivery of evidence-based practices (e.g., Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and using a schema focussed approach). 

Janice is also interested in innovation and research, having previously managed a team’s research portfolio. Janice has been an active member of the Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy since 2012.

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Meghann Wiens

 

Meghann is a Clinical Psychologist who enjoys working alongside adults and older adults experiencing a range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, and adjustment. She has special interest and experience working with the psychological and emotional challenges of health-related issues such as cancer, pain, sleep, and functional disorders as well as palliative care and end of life concerns.

Meghann incorporates a range of evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and EMDR, depending on the needs of the client. Meg is affirming of diverse sexualities and genders.

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