Dr Elaine Ryan

Written By Dr Elaine Ryan.

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Dr Elaine Ryan PsychD is a highly experienced Chartered Psychologist with 20+ years of experience in treating OCD and Anxiety Disorders. Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS), Division of Neuropsychology | EuroPsy Registered| Member of The UK Society For Behavioural Medicine 

Navigating HOCD: Embracing Thoughts as Data, Not Reality

HOCD thoughts as data

A Novel Approach to Reclaim Control Homosexual Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (HOCD) is a distressing form of OCD that revolves around intrusive thoughts and fears related to your sexual orientation. If you are unfamiliar with HOCD, please refer to my guide for a more detailed overview. Individuals with HOCD may experience persistent doubts, worries, and obsessions about … Read more

HOCD: Myths and Realities

HOCD myth and reality

Introduction Homosexual obsessive-compulsive disorder (HOCD) is a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in which a person experiences unwanted and intrusive thoughts about being gay or lesbian. These thoughts can cause significant distress and anxiety and can lead people to engage in compulsive behaviours in an attempt to reduce their anxiety. Further reading about HOCD, please … Read more

OCD Cycle

vector image of man spinning a wheel to depict getting stuck on ocd cycle

Understanding the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Cycle Imagine a typical evening where you’re preparing dinner. As you set the table, a nagging thought surfaces: Did you turn off the stove? Despite remembering doing so, doubt takes root. Visions of a potential fire and its consequences plague your mind. This discomfort compels you to repeatedly verify the … Read more

OCD and comorbidity

image shows counselling session for ocd comorbidity

When someone has two or more mental health conditions simultaneously, it’s termed as comorbidity. In OCD, comorbidity is common. For instance, it’s not rare for someone with OCD to also experience depression. These conditions can either exist independently or influence each other, sometimes making symptoms more complicated. WebMD has a more detailed explanation of the … Read more

Repetitive Thoughts: From Negative Rumination to Creative Breakthroughs

vector image girl having lots of thoughts

The human mind, with its vast complexities, can tread a fine line between pure genius and rumination. While rumination can feel like you are stuck or repeat or for those of you in my age group, like the needle stuck on a record, it can also be the foundation for monumental “Eureka!” moments. When I … Read more

Why and How to Tolerate Uncomfortable Feelings in OCD

vector image of woman balancing uncomfortable feelings of OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). People with OCD often experience uncomfortable feelings, such as anxiety, fear, or doubt. These feelings can be so intense that they interfere with daily life or as NOCD put it, OCD tells you that you cannot bear uncomfortable feelings. While it … Read more