How to Support Someone with OCD

Guidance for Families and Friends

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a complex and often misunderstood condition. While treatment such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is effective, recovery is rarely linear and often challenging. If you're supporting a loved one receiving OCD treatment, your role is incredibly important, but knowing what to say and do can be difficult.

At MHM Psychology on the Gold Coast, our clinical psychologists are aware of the importance of helping family members and carers to understand OCD and to build a supportive environment for those living with OCD and anxiety.

Below are practical strategies and phrases you can use to support someone with OCD. These tips are evidence-based and can help reduce distress, encourage healthy behaviours, and reinforce therapeutic progress.

Encouraging Exposure Practice (ERP)

When your loved one is completing exposure exercises, they may feel heightened anxiety. Your words can help them stay on track:

• “I can see this is tough, but you're handling it really well.”
• “Remember, these feeling will pass, and getting through it brings you closer to being free from OCD.”
• “Facing this anxiety is a part of getting better, just like your psychologist said.”
• “Let’s take a moment to consider the realistic risk, how likely is the feared outcome, really?”
• “Stopping now gives OCD more control. You’re choosing to take back your power.”
• “Would it help to pause briefly and agree when you'll try again?”

If they decline to complete an exposure, it's okay to acknowledge it without reinforcing avoidance:

• “It’s disappointing that you're not ready to do the exposure right now. We can let your psychologist know and plan a new step forward.”

When Urges to Ritualise or Seek Reassurance Arise

Refraining from compulsions is central to overcoming OCD. Here’s how you can help when they feel the urge to ritualise or ask for reassurance:

• “Let’s step outside or go for a short walk, it might help reduce the urge.”
• “This feeling will ease if you can resist it. Remember, anxiety doesn’t last forever.”
• “It sounds like you’re after reassurance, but we agreed it’s best not to answer that.”
• “What do you think would actually happen if you didn’t carry out the ritual? Let’s chat about it.”
• “You’re struggling right now and that’s okay. What can I do that might help?”
• “I’m not sure that’s the best decision, but I understand how difficult this is for you.”
• “Make a note that you did the ritual so you can talk it through with your psychologist later. You’ll have another opportunity to practise.”

Addressing Avoidance Behaviours

Avoidance makes OCD stronger. Support your loved one in facing their fears:

• “Avoiding this is giving OCD more control, it’s not the best decision for you.”
• “I know it’s hard, but you’ve done it before and you can do it again.”
• “What actual evidence is there that something bad will happen? Let’s think it through.”
• “Remember last time? You faced this and your anxiety settled. There’s every reason to think it will again.”

Additional Tips for Supporting a Loved One with OCD

1. Educate Yourself

Learn about OCD and ERP so you can better understand their experience. Reputable sources include Beyond Blue and the International OCD Foundation.

2. Set Healthy Boundaries

It’s okay to say no to rituals or reassurance-seeking. Be kind but firm, and remind them that supporting their recovery sometimes means not giving in.

3. Encourage Professional Help

Recovery is easier with guidance from a trained clinical psychologist. If your loved one isn't in therapy, gently encourage them to speak with a mental health professional.

4. Look After Yourself

Caring for someone with OCD can be emotionally taxing. Join a carer support group or speak with your own therapist to stay mentally healthy.

5. Celebrate Progress

No step is too small. Acknowledge and celebrate every bit of progress they make, no matter how minor it may seem.

OCD and Anxiety Treatment on the Gold Coast

Contact our Gold Coast clinical psychologist today for tailored OCD support. At MHM Psychology, our experienced Gold Coast clinical psychologist supports clients with OCD using evidence-based approaches like ERP and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). We would be happy to be of help.

Tips adapted from Abramowitz (2006): Understanding and treating OCD.