Our Approach for children and teens with OCD

At the Integrative Centre for OCD Therapy (IC-OCD), we provide specialist OCD therapy for children and teenagers, helping young people overcome obsessive-compulsive disorder with compassionate, evidence-based care. We understand that OCD can affect every aspect of a child's or teenager's life, including school, friendships, family relationships, confidence, and emotional wellbeing. Our therapists tailor treatment to each young person's age, strengths, interests, and developmental needs, creating a safe and supportive environment where they can build confidence and learn the skills needed to overcome OCD.

All of our child and adolescent therapists are clinically supervised by our Centre Director, Stuart Ralph, who has extensive experience supporting children, young people, and families affected by OCD. Many of our therapists have additional specialist training in child and adolescent mental health and development, allowing them to adapt therapy in engaging and age-appropriate ways. Alongside evidence-based approaches such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), sessions may incorporate play, creative activities, art, storytelling, games, and other experiential approaches to help younger clients engage with therapy in a way that feels natural and meaningful.

We know that parents and carers play a vital role in a child's recovery from OCD. Where appropriate, we work alongside families to help them better understand OCD, reduce family accommodation, and respond to OCD in ways that support recovery while strengthening the child's independence and resilience. We also recognise that some families may benefit from additional support beyond OCD treatment. For this reason, we have a dedicated Systemic Family Practitioner who can work with the wider family to improve communication, strengthen relationships, and address broader family challenges that may be affecting a young person's wellbeing.

Whether your child is struggling with obsessional fears, intrusive thoughts, compulsions, reassurance seeking, or other OCD symptoms, our experienced team is here to provide specialist, evidence-based support. Our goal is to help children and teenagers regain their confidence, return to the activities they enjoy, and build a life where OCD no longer takes centre stage.