Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Therapists in St. John's, NL

Tryphena Gabriel

Tryphena Gabriel

Canadian Certified Counsellor

Virtual

I have worked with children and adolescents in and out of the school setting for over 21 years, and I have counselled many individuals, couples, and minority and indigenous populations for many years, helping them find their voice and worth while building strategies to improve and build self-capacity and self-love to assist clients in reaching their goals. I am here to work with you.

How do therapists in St. John's, NL compare?

Number of therapists listed

1

Average years in practice

7.1 Years

Currently accepting new clients

100 %

Therapists in St. John's, NL who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Coping Skills
100% Behavioral Issues
100% Emotional Dysregulation
100% ADHD
100% Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

How therapists see their clients

100% Online Only

Frequently Asked Questions About Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

What is OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition marked by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) carried out to reduce distress. It affects approximately 2–3% of Canadians and can severely disrupt work, relationships, and daily functioning. OCD is not about being organized or detail-oriented — it involves genuine suffering caused by intrusive thoughts that feel impossible to control.

What is the most effective treatment for OCD?

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard psychological treatment for OCD, supported by decades of strong research. ERP gradually exposes you to feared situations or thoughts while helping you resist the compulsive response, breaking the anxiety cycle over time. The Canadian Psychological Association recognizes ERP-based CBT as the first-line psychological treatment for OCD across all ages.

How is OCD different from everyday worries or habits?

Most people have occasional intrusive thoughts or repetitive routines — the key difference with OCD is the level of distress and impairment they cause. OCD obsessions feel persistent, uncontrollable, and deeply upsetting; compulsions are performed to relieve anxiety, not for pleasure or preference. If unwanted thoughts or rituals are consuming more than an hour a day or meaningfully affecting your life, speaking with a therapist is a worthwhile step.

Does OCD treatment require medication?

ERP therapy alone is highly effective for many people with OCD, particularly those with mild to moderate symptoms. For moderate to severe OCD, combining ERP with medication — typically SSRIs such as fluoxetine or fluvoxamine — often produces stronger outcomes. Your therapist can help coordinate care with a physician or psychiatrist if medication appears warranted.

How many sessions does OCD therapy take?

ERP for OCD typically involves 12–20 weekly sessions, though some people benefit from more intensive formats. Because OCD can be a chronic condition, periodic maintenance sessions may help with long-term management. Progress depends on symptom severity, co-occurring conditions, and how consistently you practise ERP exercises between sessions.