OCD treatment in Gosford
Structured, evidence-based therapy for adults with OCD — in Gosford, Hornsby, or via telehealth across Australia.
Evidence-based OCD therapy on the Central Coast
Living with OCD can feel exhausting — intrusive thoughts, mental rituals, checking, or the constant need to "make things feel right" can take up far more time and energy than you'd like. Many people describe feeling stuck in a loop they can't break free from, even when they recognise the thoughts or behaviours don't make sense.
OCD is highly treatable. With the right support and the right therapeutic approach, most people see strong improvements in their symptoms and quality of life.
Although based in Gosford, I support adults with OCD from across the Central Coast and in Hornsby, providing structured, evidence-based treatment grounded in modern cognitive-behavioural approaches — including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for OCD.
OCD is part of the broader family of anxiety conditions, so if you'd like an overview of how anxiety presents more generally, you can read more about understanding anxiety.
What OCD can look like
OCD varies widely from person to person. You may experience some, all, or only one cluster of symptoms.
- Intrusive thoughtsUnwanted, repetitive thoughts, images, or doubts that feel distressing — including fears of harm, contamination, or catastrophic "what if" scenarios
- Compulsions and ritualsChecking, washing, counting, repeating, or mental rituals performed to reduce anxiety or prevent feared outcomes
- Reassurance seekingFrequently asking others for confirmation that things are safe, correct, or "okay"
- AvoidanceStaying away from particular places, objects, or situations that trigger obsessions
- "Just right" feelingsRepeating actions until they feel complete, symmetrical, or "right"
- Impact on daily lifeThe cycle can shrink your world and take a toll on wellbeing, relationships, and day-to-day functioning
If you're unsure what intrusive thoughts mean or why they happen, you can read a detailed explanation here: Why do I keep having disturbing intrusive thoughts?
Structured, evidence-based OCD therapy
Treatment begins by understanding exactly how your OCD operates — your specific obsessions, compulsions, triggers, and what maintains the cycle over time. Many people feel relief simply having clarity and a clear plan.
What therapy can help you achieve
Many people with OCD notice improvements such as:
- Fewer intrusive thoughts and reduced anxiety around triggers
- Less time spent on rituals and compulsions
- Greater freedom in daily routines
- Improved confidence and independence
- Clearer thinking and less mental exhaustion
You do not need to eliminate intrusive thoughts to get better — the goal is reducing their power over your behaviour and wellbeing.
All forms of OCD in adults
I support adults experiencing all forms of OCD, including:
- Contamination fears
- Checking OCD
- Intrusive thoughts (harm, sexual, or religious themes)
- "Just right" sensations
- Relationship OCD
- Moral or scrupulosity concerns
- Mixed presentations
If you're unsure whether what you're experiencing is OCD, we can explore this together in a supportive and structured way.
If you're not sure where to start, you're welcome to get in touch or simply book a first appointment.
In this video, I explain how OCD is understood in therapy, how treatment targets obsessions and compulsions, and what you can expect.
A warm, evidence-based approach
James Wightman is a Registered Psychologist and Clinical Psychology Registrar providing therapy for adults on the Central Coast and in Hornsby. He offers a warm, collaborative, and evidence-based approach, helping clients build practical strategies that support meaningful and lasting change.
He has worked across Queensland Health, Aurora Healthcare, Griffith University Psychology Clinic, and private practice in Sydney, the Gold Coast, and the Central Coast.
Good therapy should be structured, respectful, and supportive in a way that helps you move forward. You'll leave sessions with something practical to try, and we'll work at a pace that feels manageable for you.
Learn more about James's approach →What happens in your first few appointments
Seeing a psychologist for the first time can feel daunting — especially if you're unsure how OCD treatment works or whether it'll be the right fit. The early sessions are simply about understanding your experience and building a clear, structured plan.
Mapping your OCD
We begin by understanding how your OCD operates — your specific intrusive thoughts, the rituals or mental behaviours you use, what triggers the cycle, and what maintains it over time.
Many people feel relief simply understanding why OCD feels so powerful and why it's been difficult to break.
Towards the end of this session — or early in the second — we usually introduce the first practical strategies so you have something useful to take away early on.
Structured ERP and cognitive strategies
Together, we build a personalised treatment plan using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and cognitive strategies tailored to your specific OCD themes.
ERP is planned carefully and collaboratively — you'll never be pushed into exercises before you feel ready. We move at a pace that feels manageable and aligned with your goals.
You'll leave each session with practical tools to use throughout the week — response prevention techniques, ways to interrupt rumination, and structured exposure plans.
OCD treatment across the Central Coast and in Hornsby
MindSure Psychology is based in Gosford CBD (Suite 112, 159 Mann St — inside John's Place), making it easy to access from across the Central Coast.
Many clients travel from nearby suburbs, including:
People often search for OCD support in their own suburb — for example, 'OCD psychologist Erina', 'OCD therapy Terrigal', or 'OCD treatment Woy Woy'. Many clients choose Gosford because it's centrally located with flexible appointment times.
Gosford appointments: Wed, Fri 2–7:30pm · Sat 11am–5pm · Sun 9am–7pm
In-person sessions are also available at our Hornsby location, serving clients across the Upper North Shore including Wahroonga, Waitara, Asquith, Normanhurst, and Thornleigh.
Telehealth available anywhere in Australia
Secure video sessions are available across NSW and Australia and can be a good option if you prefer the convenience and privacy of attending from home.
Transparent pricing
$141.05 per session
Out-of-pocket cost on weekdays with a Medicare rebate
Full session fee is $240 per 50-minute appointment. A Medicare rebate of $98.95 applies with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. Weekend sessions incur a $20 surcharge.
Common questions
Questions people commonly ask before starting OCD treatment at MindSure Psychology.
Is ERP the main treatment you use for OCD?⌃
Yes. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is considered the gold-standard psychological treatment for OCD and is a core part of how I support clients. ERP involves gradually facing triggers while reducing compulsions, in a structured and collaborative way. We move at a pace that is manageable and aligned with your goals.
What kinds of OCD do you work with?⌃
I support adults experiencing a wide range of OCD presentations, including contamination fears, checking OCD, intrusive thoughts (such as harm, sexual, or religious themes), "just right" symptoms, relationship OCD, moral or scrupulosity concerns, and mixed presentations.
Will I be forced to do exposure in the first session?⌃
No. The first session focuses on understanding your symptoms and mapping the OCD cycle. ERP is planned carefully and collaboratively, and you will never be forced into exercises before you understand the rationale and feel ready. Many people find relief simply having clarity and a clear plan.
Do I need a referral?⌃
No. You can self-refer and book an appointment without a referral. A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan is only required if you would like to claim Medicare rebates.
My GP referral is addressed to another psychologist — is that okay?⌃
Yes — that's completely fine. If you have a valid GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, you can still attend sessions at MindSure Psychology and claim Medicare rebates, even if the referral is addressed to a different psychologist or practice. This is very common.
How quickly can I get an appointment?⌃
Most clients are able to book an appointment within 2–7 days, often in the same week. You can check live availability and book directly online, or call (02) 4313 1656.
Are sessions confidential?⌃
Yes. Everything you share in therapy is confidential, with only rare legal or safety-related exceptions. Records are stored securely in line with Australian Privacy Principles.
What can I expect in my first session?⌃
Your first session focuses on understanding your OCD patterns — obsessions, compulsions, reassurance seeking, and avoidance — how they affect your life, and what you want to change. You'll leave with a clear, evidence-based plan tailored to your symptoms and goals. If you have a GP referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan, please bring it to your first session.
Book your first session
If OCD is interfering with your life, effective, evidence-based treatment is available — and recovery is very achievable. You don't need a referral to get started.