OCD in Children: Therapy and Support (ERP and ACT)

OCD support for children in the UK:
helping your child break free from worry, obsessions, compulsions and rituals.

Is your child struggling with worries or behaviours they can’t seem to stop?

You might be noticing your child:

Washing or cleaning repeatedly
Checking things over and over
Asking for reassurance again and again
Needing things to feel “just right”
Becoming distressed if they can’t complete a routine

If this sounds familiar, your child may be experiencing OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)—and you’re not alone.

What is OCD?

OCD is a cycle of:

Unwanted worries or thoughts (for example, fears about germs, harm, or things not feeling right)
Repetitive behaviours (such as washing, checking or repeating) to try to reduce that anxiety

These behaviours can bring short-term relief—but the anxiety quickly returns, keeping the cycle going.

Importantly, your child is not choosing this. OCD can feel overwhelming, confusing and exhausting for both children and parents.

How OCD can affect your family

OCD often impacts the whole family.

You may find yourself:

Reassuring your child frequently
Helping with routines or rituals
Avoiding situations that cause distress

This is a natural and caring response. Over time, however, these patterns (known as accommodations) can unintentionally keep OCD going.

How I support children with OCD

I offer specialist, evidence-based therapeutic support for children and young people with OCD, working closely with both the child and their parents. I offer OCD therapy online for children and their families across the UK, as well as in-person sessions in Cornwall.

I am trained in:

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT)

Therapy is available both face-to-face and online, depending on your family’s needs.

Support is always tailored to the individual child. Research shows that the most effective outcomes come from combining cognitive, behavioural, emotional and physiological approaches—and this is central to how I work.

Building the foundations first

Before moving into structured OCD treatment, we focus on building the foundations that support long-term progress.

This includes:

Developing a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship
Helping your child feel safe, understood and supported
Building interoceptive awareness (helping your child recognise and understand their internal sensations and emotions)

This foundation helps children feel more confident and able to engage in therapies like ERP.

Evidence-based approaches used:

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

Supporting your child to gently face feared situations step-by-step, while reducing compulsive behaviours in a safe and supported way.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Helping your child learn how to manage difficult thoughts and feelings, without needing to get rid of them, and to move towards what matters in their life.

Parent support (SPACE programme)

Parent sessions are a vital part of supporting OCD.

Using the SPACE programme, I work with you to:

Reduce accommodation (such as reassurance or involvement in rituals)
Respond to your child’s anxiety in a calm and supportive way
Build your child’s confidence and independence over time

A personalised approach

Every child is different.

Some children may also experience fluctuations in symptoms, including periods where OCD behaviours become more intense. During these times, we may focus more on emotional support and stabilisation, and return to structured behavioural work when your child is ready.

Where helpful, I also recognise the importance of understanding wider contributing factors and may suggest working alongside medical or functional practitioners as part of a holistic approach.

A hopeful message

OCD is very treatable.

With the right support, children can:

Feel less controlled by their worries
Reduce compulsions
Build confidence and resilience

Things can feel calmer again—for both your child and your family.

Get in touch

If you’re feeling unsure how to help your child, or things are starting to feel overwhelming, you don’t have to navigate this alone.

Get in touch to arrange an initial consultation and we can talk through what’s going on and how best to support your child.

Get in touch

OCD FAQ

1 / How do I know if my child has OCD or just a phase?

Many children go through phases of worries or routines, but OCD tends to be more persistent and distressing. If your child feels unable to stop certain behaviours (like washing, checking or repeating), or becomes very anxious if they can’t complete them, it may be helpful to seek support.

2 / At what age can OCD start in children?

OCD can begin in childhood, often between the ages of 7 and early adolescence, although it can appear earlier. Early support can make a big difference in helping children manage symptoms.

3 / Can OCD in children go away on it own?

Some symptoms may come and go, but OCD often benefits from the right support. Evidence-based approaches like ERP and parent-led support can help children reduce symptoms and feel more in control.

4 / Should I reassure my child when they feel anxious about OCD worries?

It’s very natural to want to reassure your child. While this can help in the moment, repeated reassurance can sometimes keep OCD going. Learning alternative ways to respond, such as through the SPACE approach, can be more helpful long-term.

5 / How can I support my child at home?

You can support your child by:

Staying calm and consistent
Reducing reassurance gradually
Encouraging small steps towards facing fears
Seeking professional guidance where needed

Parent support is a key part of helping children with OCD.

6 / Is therapy for OCD available online in the UK?

Yes, child OCD therapy can be effectively delivered online. Many families across the UK access support this way, alongside in-person sessions where available.

7 / Will therapy force my child to face their fears?

No—therapy such as ERP and ACT is always gradual, collaborative and supportive. Children are never forced into situations. Instead, they are gently supported to build confidence and self awarness step by step

8 / How long does therapy for OCD take

This varies depending on the child and the severity of symptoms. Some children make progress within a few months, while others may need longer-term support. The focus is always on steady, sustainable change.

9/ Can parents be involved in OCD therapy?

Yes—parent involvement is often a key part of successful treatment. Approaches like SPACE focus on supporting parents to respond in ways that help reduce OCD over time.