What is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is more than overthinking, a preference for cleanliness or order, or a lack of willpower. It can involve a recurring cycle of intrusive thoughts, doubt, fear, guilt or disgust, followed by checking, washing, avoidance, reassurance seeking or mental rituals to try to feel safe or certain.
OCD can make ordinary moments feel like urgent problems that must be solved. You may spend hours checking, washing, seeking reassurance or reviewing events in your mind. Even when a ritual brings relief, the uncertainty can return. The aim of therapy is to understand your individual cycle and gradually reduce the responses that keep it going.
I’m Hattem Asadi, a clinical psychologist offering online therapy in English for adults and adolescents. My work draws on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), including exposure and response prevention (ERP) when appropriate. We agree goals that matter to you: participating in relationships, studying, working, practising your faith or making everyday decisions with less interference from OCD.
A visual guide
How the OCD cycle can repeat
- 1Intrusive thought or doubt
- 2Anxiety or distress
- 3Compulsion or mental ritual
- 4Temporary relief
↻ The doubt and urge to respond can return
An unwanted thought can bring distress. A compulsion may offer short-term relief, but the doubt can return and the pattern repeat. This is a simplified explanation, not a diagnostic test.
Who I help
- People troubled by persistent, unwanted thoughts, images or doubts.
- People who feel driven to check, wash, repeat, confess or ask for reassurance.
- People caught in mental reviewing, rumination or checking their feelings.
- Adults and adolescents whose routines, relationships or independence are becoming restricted.
You do not need to know your OCD theme or have a confirmed diagnosis before enquiring. An assessment helps clarify whether OCD, another difficulty or a combination of concerns best explains your experience.
How online therapy works
Share your country, time zone and a brief reason for seeking support.
We explore intrusive thoughts, rituals, avoidance and the impact on daily life.
We discuss suitability, goals and a collaborative treatment approach.
Sessions last 50 minutes and are arranged by advance booking. Availability depends on your location and clinical needs; we confirm arrangements before therapy begins. For adolescents, consent and parent or caregiver involvement are discussed as part of the assessment.
Learn about OCD
Meet Hattem Asadi
I work with adults and adolescents and combine clinical work with research and writing. In OCD therapy, the focus is on the mechanisms maintaining your difficulties, with a treatment plan adapted to your needs. You can read more about my approach and selected publications on the about page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a diagnosis before contacting you?
No. You can enquire if you are unsure whether your difficulties are OCD. Assessment is the first step in understanding the problem.
Can I receive therapy from my country?
Please include your country and time zone in your enquiry. Location eligibility and clinical suitability are confirmed before appointments are agreed.
How long is a session?
Sessions last 50 minutes. Appointments are available by advance booking.
A visual guide
What a first appointment may cover
- 1Share what brings you here
- 2Explore difficulties and daily life
- 3Discuss your goals and questions
- 4Agree suitable next steps
The first conversation is a chance to understand your concerns and discuss whether the approach fits your needs. Assessment may take more than one appointment; the pace and next steps are agreed together.
Talk about your next step
Start with a brief enquiry. Include your country and time zone so we can confirm suitability and appointment arrangements.
Enquire about an assessment