Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
You don’t have to stay stuck in the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. With the right support, you can find relief—and the strength to move forward.
OCD isn’t just about being organized or liking things a certain way. It’s when you’re stuck with unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and feel like you have to do certain behaviours or mental rituals (compulsions) just to ease the distress.
It can feel exhausting and overwhelming to live in that cycle—but with the right support, it’s absolutely possible to break free and find relief.
At Pursuit Counselling & Therapy, we help men across Ontario understand their OCD, manage symptoms, and develop effective strategies for long-term relief.
What does OCD actually look like?
It can show up in lots of different ways, but some common signs include:
Worrying about contamination or germs
Unwanted thoughts about harm coming to you or someone else
Feeling like things have to be in perfect order, symmetrical, or “just right”
Fear of making a mistake or being responsible if something bad happens
Intrusive taboo thoughts you don’t want—like ones about religion, violence, or sexuality
If any of this sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone—and it doesn’t have to stay this way.
Compulsions are the repetitive actions or mental rituals people do to try to ease anxiety from OCD. They can look like:
Washing or cleaning over and over
Checking doors, locks, or appliances again and again
Counting, tapping, or repeating certain phrases to feel calmer
Arranging or organizing things in a very specific way
Constantly asking for reassurance, or avoiding situations that trigger your obsessions
The tough part is, while compulsions might bring short-term relief, they usually keep the OCD cycle going—and can make symptoms worse over time. The good news is, there are ways to break free from that cycle.
How therapy can actually help with OCD
We use proven approaches—like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Inference-Based CBT (ICBT)—to give you tools that really work. Together, we’ll:
Spot and challenge the obsessive thought patterns that keep you stuck
Cut back on compulsions and rituals so they don’t run your life
Build healthier ways to handle anxiety and uncertainty
Learn strategies to step out of the OCD cycle and back into your life
With the right support, OCD doesn’t have to control you. You can start focusing on what actually matters—purpose, meaning, and living the life you want.
Why work with Pursuit Counselling & Therapy?
Therapy designed for men – We understand how OCD can uniquely show up in men’s lives, and we tailor support to fit what you’re going through.
Online and stress-free – You can connect from anywhere in Ontario, without the hassle of commuting.
Practical and results-focused – No fluff. You’ll get real tools you can actually use to start loosening OCD’s grip.
OCD doesn’t have to run your life.
With the right tools and support, you can loosen its grip, find some peace of mind, and start moving forward again. If you’re ready, reach out today and book a free 20-minute consultation. It’s the first step toward managing OCD and taking your life back.
Want To See How Therapy Can Help?
Take a look at the services we offer, and let’s take that first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life—together.