Diagnosis and Effective Support: A Counsellor’s Role in the Recognition and Treatment of OCD

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) affects as many as two in 100 New Zealanders, according to the Dunedin longitudinal study. Hence OCD is a fairly common mental health condition. Compared to other anxiety disorders, OCD is associated with greater functional impairment and a significantly increased risk of suicide. Yet, within healthcare and counselling settings, OCD often remains undiagnosed or is misdiagnosed, leading to delayed or inappropriate treatment.  

Clients may present with symptoms that are initially identified as generalised anxiety or depression. Unfortunately, without adequate awareness or appropriate screening for OCD, these presentations can mask the true nature of the condition. Therefore, a mental health professional may provide support that is not targeted for OCD and so a client may “fail” to respond to treatment. 

Many individuals and families in Aotearoa are looking for OCD-specific information and peer connection. In response, some have come together in a private online community called Fixate—a closed Facebook group for New Zealanders living with OCD or supporting someone who does. As well as being a safe and supportive place for peer conversation, group members recommend educational resources such as podcasts and YouTube content. An associated website acts as a national resource hub: www.ocd.org.nz. 

Fixate is also involved in advocacy, working alongside organisations to improve awareness of OCD and promote evidence-based treatments. We are delighted to collaborate with them in bringing you this engaging and informative webinar. 

Why attend? 
This webinar is designed for counsellors who want to strengthen their understanding of OCD and feel more confident in recognising and supporting clients affected by it. Combining clinical insight with powerful lived experience, the session will provide practical tools, screening strategies, and guidance for effective treatment and support. 

What the webinar will cover: 

• The different themes of OCD and how they may present in the counselling context 

• Effective, evidence-based treatment options for OCD 

• Awareness of common co-existing conditions and the implications for counselling and treatment 

• Tools and insights to identify OCD amongst other clinical presentations, including language and phrasing to help differentiate OCD from other/co-existing conditions 

• Insights into the lived experience of OCD from an individual perspective 

• Insights from a parent’s perspective including what to look for from caregivers’ descriptions that could point to OCD 

• Support services available for individuals and families in Aotearoa 

By attending this session, you’ll add essential knowledge and practical strategies to your professional kete, helping you to offer more effective and compassionate support for clients living with OCD. 

Your Presenters: 
This webinar will feature a panel of passionate presenters and advocates, sharing both professional expertise and personal journeys: 

• Jacob Schmitz – Clinical psychologist specialising in OCD, working with ICAMHS Waikato and in private practice. 

• Sophie Dixon – Family Court lawyer with lived experience of navigating misdiagnosis and ultimately accessing effective OCD treatment while a university student. 

• Delphine Bertelsen and Louise Aitken– Parents of children who developed OCD, sharing guidance received about supporting a family member. Louise will also share information about Fixate and the www.ocd.org.nz website.