OCD Therapy in London & Burlington, Ontario
Virtual therapy available anywhere in Ontario
Intrusive thoughts. Endless checking. Exhausting “what-ifs.” If OCD is running your day, we can help you take your life back. Step by step, at your pace.
At Steyaert Counselling, we provide evidence-based OCD treatment for teens (14+) and adults: CBT, ACT, and mindfulness. We see clients in-person in London & Burlington and securely online anywhere in Ontario.
How We Treat OCD (What Works)
OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) involves obsessions (unwanted, distressing thoughts/images/urges) and compulsions (behaviours or mental rituals to reduce anxiety). Common themes:
- Contamination & cleaning (germs, sticky feelings, “never clean enough”)
- Checking & reassurance (locks, appliances, driving routes, asking others “are you sure?”)
- Harm & responsibility (fear of causing harm, perfection, scrupulosity/morality)
- Symmetry/“just-right” sensations (arranging, repeating, counting)
- Intrusive taboo thoughts (aggressive/sexual/religious—frightening but not who you are)
OCD isn’t your fault—and you’re not “broken.” With the right support, you can reduce compulsions, quiet the noise, and live more freely.
How We Treat OCD (What Works)
Our therapists use gold-standard, skills-based care tailored to you:
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
Identify and challenge OCD’s rules (“If I don’t check, disaster will happen”). Build practical strategies like delay, re-label, re-focus, and behavioural experiments.
ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)
Make space for uncomfortable thoughts/feelings without obeying them. Re-anchor to your values so OCD doesn’t decide how you live.
Mindfulness Skills
Grounding, breath, and present-moment practices so thoughts are just thoughts, not commands.
What to Expect in Therapy
1) Gentle assessment & goal-setting. We map your OCD pattern and agree on goals (e.g., “cut rituals from 3 hours to 30 minutes”).
2) Build your exposure plan. A step-by-step hierarchy from “easier” to “harder,” always at your pace.
3) Weekly sessions + practice. 50-minute sessions (in-person or virtual). Between sessions, you’ll apply tools in real life.
4) Track progress & prevent relapse. As anxiety drops and freedom grows, we taper and create a maintenance plan.
Typical course: noticeable shifts in a few weeks; meaningful gains over 8–20 sessions for many people. Severe/long-standing OCD may need longer treatment, but it is still very treatable.
Benefits You Can Expect
- Fewer, shorter rituals—and more time back each day
- Lower anxiety, less avoidance, and greater confidence with uncertainty
- Improved focus at school/work and closer relationships at home
- A practical, lifelong toolkit (CBT, ACT, mindfulness) to stay well
Local & Virtual Care
OCD Therapy in London, Ontario
Private, accessible office with free parking (East London). Evenings available. Serving London & area (Middlesex, St. Thomas, Strathroy, etc.).
Therapist highlight: Hannah Steyaert, M.A., RP—compassionate, evidence-based care for OCD and anxiety.
OCD Therapy in Burlington, Ontario
Central Burlington (near Guelph Line), free parking; convenient to Oakville, Milton & Hamilton.
Therapist highlight: Hailey Steyaert, M.A., RP—ACT with a warm, non-judgmental style.
Virtual OCD Therapy (Ontario-wide)
Secure video from home, school, or work. Online is effective and lets us practice skills in a real environment.
Is OCD Therapy Right for Me?
This quick screen is not a diagnosis—but it can help you decide your next step.
Check any that apply in the last month:
3 or more? Therapy can help?
FAQs: Quick, Clear Answers
What’s the best therapy for OCD?
ERP (Exposure & Response Prevention) within CBT is the gold standard. We also integrate ACT and mindfulness to boost resilience.
How long will it take?
Many clients see meaningful change in 8–20 sessions with weekly practice. Severe or long-standing OCD may need longer progress; however, progress is still expected
Will OCD ever go away?
OCD can be chronic, but with treatment, most people achieve major, lasting relief. Occasional spikes are normal; you’ll have a plan to handle them.
Is OCD an anxiety disorder?
It’s closely related. OCD centres on obsessions → anxiety → compulsions. The treatments overlap; ERP is uniquely effective for OCD.
Can trauma cause OCD?
Trauma doesn’t usually cause OCD, but it can trigger/worsen symptoms in someone predisposed. We provide trauma-informed care.
How do I calm a flare-up?
Try the 15-minute delay (postpone the ritual), grounding (3-3-3), slow breathing, and refocus on values-based action. Bring spikes to the session, we’ll plan ERP around them.
Why Choose Steyaert Counselling
- Evidence-based care: CBT + ACT/mindfulness, tailored to you
- Registered Psychotherapists (CRPO), compassionate and down-to-earth
- In-person London & Burlington; virtual anywhere in Ontario
- No waitlist, evening options, free parking
- Client-centred partnership: you set the pace; we coach and celebrate wins