Consultations for family and friends

Supporting someone close to you

These consultations are for parents, partners, adult children, siblings, friends and others close to someone with OCD. We begin with how OCD affects your daily lives and what you would like to change.

When someone you care about is distressed, it can be hard to know how to help. You may find yourself answering the same question repeatedly or changing plans to avoid a difficult situation. A psychologist helps you work out how to respond, including how to offer support and where to set limits. Together, we agree on practical steps that fit your relationship and the responsibilities you have.

How you are affected

You may feel guilty about saying no, angry about what happens between you or exhausted by the demands of daily life. We talk about the strain you are under, how much responsibility you feel you carry and what support you need for yourself.

How consultations are arranged

A single consultation may help you understand a particular difficulty and decide what to try. In follow-up consultations, we talk through how things went and work out what to change if needed.

Consultations take place online. You can attend on your own, and the person with OCD does not need to be receiving treatment with us. We can arrange a joint consultation when this would be helpful and has been agreed in advance.

For guidance on helping your child work with exposure and response prevention (ERP) at home, read Parent guidance and family support.