About compulsion
Browse therapist profiles that focus on compulsion and related repetitive behaviors. Use the listings below to compare approaches, credentials, languages, and experience as you explore options.
What to compare in entries
| Credentials | A US state licence, or membership of a professional body such as BACP or NCPS. They are different kinds of thing; each profile shows what was supplied. |
|---|---|
| Focus | Whether compulsion is listed as a main focus or among the wider list of areas. Entries show both. |
| Way of working | The approaches named on the entry. Two people working with the same concern can describe very different sessions. |
| Time in practice | Years in practice, as supplied. A fact to weigh, not a ranking. |
| Language | The languages sessions can be held in, where that matters to you. |
Common questions
How were these entries chosen?
Everyone listed on this page has compulsion among the areas they told the platform they work with. They are not ranked, rated or endorsed by this directory, and the order is not a recommendation.
Do I need a referral to start?
No. You can contact a therapist through their entry directly. A GP referral is not required for independent online therapy.
What if the first therapist is not right?
Changing therapist is normal and expected, and can be done at any point. One session is a small sample of how someone works.
Entries for compulsion
Pietro (Pete) Martucci, LPCC
Ref 37848
Calm guidance for stress and life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingAngela Neary, BACP
Ref 109659
Experienced person-centred counsellor with practical support
Works with: Addictions, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingMalak Alsaidi, LCSW
Ref 203999
Supportive New York LCSW focused on healing
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingYumi Lemaster, LCSW
Ref 2633
Skilled, practical therapy for real-life struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingWilliam Signey, BACP
Ref 113870
Practical, person-focused counselling for life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingJonetta Wakely, LPC
Ref 124539
Practical, listening-focused counseling for life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingWendy Mayfield, BACP
Ref 100144
Practical, steady support for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingJonathan Stuart, NCPS
Ref 175272
Practical, respectful support for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Career Languages: English
View listingBrittany Elledge, LPCC, LMHC
Ref 11729
Practical, client-centered support for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingWendi Makus, LPC
Ref 48129
Practical therapy for stress and relationships
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingBrandi Kelly, LA Psychologist
Ref 201932
Experienced Louisiana psychologist focused on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Parenting, Depression Languages: English
View listingKatelyn McCrady, LPC
Ref 345230
Calm, practical counseling for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Career Languages: English
View listingShannon Mott, LCSW
Ref 108724
Compassionate, practical therapy for life transitions
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingTammy Russell, LMHC
Ref 181426
Compassionate, practical therapy for real-life struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingKeith Evans, LPC
Ref 312237
Faith-informed counselor focused on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingDarwin Allen, LCPC
Ref 125869
Direct, practical counseling for everyday challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingAnnie Taylor, NCPS
Ref 153305
Experienced client-centred counsellor
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger Languages: English
View listingEthel-Caroline Miman, AASW
Ref 259803
Gentle, practical therapy for life’s big challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingAnna Gilmore, BACP
Ref 109642
Compassionate counsellor for complex life challenges
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Grief, Eating Languages: English
View listingNicholas Taylor, BACP
Ref 242465
Practical person-centred counselling for everyday challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Depression Languages: English
View listingJill Malcolm, BACP
Ref 231136
Gentle practical support for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingJennifer Mcpherson (Norman), BACP
Ref 161239
Experienced relationship and trauma counsellor
Works with: Relationship, Family, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingMark McConnell, BACP
Ref 208651
Practical support for stress and change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingDawn Redwood, NCPS
Ref 137085
Client-centred counsellor focusing on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, ADHD Languages: English
View listingLouis Blea, LPC
Ref 277410
Practical, strengths-focused counseling for common struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDarla McAdams, LPC
Ref 58935
Practical, person-focused counseling in Missouri
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, LGBT Languages: English
View listingFarah Southwell, LPC
Ref 203059
Practical, experienced therapist for life’s hard moments
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English, Haitian Creole
View listingSandra Johnson, LMFT, LPC
Ref 16121
Practical, skill-focused therapy for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingKerrie McCabe, BACP
Ref 128546
Compassionate counsellor blending listening with practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingDonna Khan, LMSW
Ref 29669
Experienced social worker focused on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingJosephine Sultana, AASW
Ref 309775
Compassionate social worker blending therapy and lifestyle care
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Sleeping Languages: English
View listingLoire Bennett, LMHC
Ref 25344
Experienced Florida LMHC focused on practical growth
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Grief Languages: English
View listingDeborah Youngblood, LCSW
Ref 229
Compassionate LCSW offering practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingSidonia Stiles, BACP
Ref 101572
Experienced counsellor for relationships and grief
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Grief Languages: English, Portuguese
View listingLouise Wood, BACP
Ref 128568
Support to manage stress, trauma and change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingReuben Alexander, NCPS
Ref 212721
Practical, focused therapy for anxious and stuck feelings
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Sleeping, Depression Languages: English
View listingKalpna Kerai, BACP
Ref 165701
Calm, practical counselling for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingMaria "Patti" Lorenzo, LCPC
Ref 26902
A practical, compassionate approach to emotional change
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Self esteem, Coping with life changes Languages: English
View listingEdward Mcguinness, BACP
Ref 263954
Practical, respectful support for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingJay Cook, NCPS
Ref 200361
Compassionate counsellor focused on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship Languages: English
View listingDebby Sawyer, LIMHP
Ref 236392
Experienced, practical help for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingDaniel Windemer, NCPS
Ref 173238
Calm, practical counselling to help you move forward
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingRobert Marshall, BACP
Ref 116379
Person-centred counsellor with practical focus
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingCatherine Kearns, BACP
Ref 183397
Practical, person-focused therapy for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingAngeline Walton (Tabbada), NCPS
Ref 201900
Compassionate support for stress, grief and relationships
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Family Languages: English
View listingSophia Mas, LMHC
Ref 91155
Compassionate counselor with practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English, Spanish
View listingLorelle Busby, BACP
Ref 182380
Practical counselling for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingLouise Fielder, BACP
Ref 137857
Calm client-centred counselling for practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingMore about compulsion
Understanding compulsion and how it can affect daily life
Compulsion refers to repetitive behaviors or mental actions that you may feel driven to perform, often in response to an urge or to reduce distress. These behaviors can range from checking and excessive cleaning to repetitive counting, skin picking, hair pulling, compulsive shopping, or persistent mental rituals. For many people compulsion begins as a way to cope with uncomfortable thoughts or anxiety, but over time the behavior itself can become a source of frustration and interference.
You do not have to view compulsion as a moral failing. It often grows out of understandable attempts to manage distressing feelings. When compulsive acts take more time, create shame, or make it hard to maintain relationships, work, or daily routines, they can become a significant burden. Understanding the pattern of triggers, rituals, and short-term relief can help you identify why the behavior persists and what types of support might help you change it.
Signs you might benefit from therapy for compulsion
If you are wondering whether therapy could help, pay attention to how the behavior affects you over time. You might notice that urges are frequent and hard to resist, that you feel intense anxiety if you do not perform a particular action, or that the rituals take up an increasing amount of your day. You may find yourself avoiding certain places, people, or activities to prevent triggers, or experiencing distress and shame because of the behavior. Physical consequences, such as skin damage from picking or financial strain from compulsive buying, are also indicators that professional support could be useful.
Therapy is not only for severe cases. If compulsive acts leave you feeling stuck, undermine your confidence, or keep you from living in the way you want, an experienced clinician can help you learn strategies to reduce urges and build alternatives. You may also notice that compulsion interacts with mood, sleep, or substance use, so addressing it can improve other areas of life as well. Reaching out for help is a practical step you can take when the behavior starts to control your time or choices.
What to expect in therapy sessions focused on compulsion
When you begin therapy for compulsion, sessions typically start with an assessment where you and the clinician map out patterns, triggers, and the impact on daily life. Early meetings often focus on building a shared understanding and setting collaborative goals that feel realistic to you. Your therapist will likely spend time providing psychoeducation - explaining how compulsive behavior functions and why certain techniques can reduce the pull of rituals.
As therapy progresses, you can expect a mix of in-session practice and between-session exercises. Many approaches emphasize gradual exposure to triggers combined with strategies to resist the ritual response, as well as techniques to manage the anxiety that arises. You and your therapist will track progress, adjust goals, and plan for setbacks so that relapse becomes information rather than failure. Sessions are typically paced to match your readiness; you should feel that the work is collaborative and respectful of your concerns and limits.
Common therapeutic approaches used for compulsion
Several evidence-informed approaches are commonly used to address compulsion. Cognitive-behavioral methods focus on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors. Exposure and response prevention aims to reduce the link between a trigger and the compulsive response by having you face triggers while refraining from the ritual. Habit reversal training helps you become aware of early cues for a behavior and learn competing responses. Mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies teach ways to observe urges without acting on them, which can reduce the need to perform rituals.
On this site you will find therapists who list exposure and response prevention, habit reversal training, cognitive-behavioral approaches, mindfulness, or acceptance-based strategies among their approaches. Reading profiles can help you identify clinicians who describe work with specific behaviors that match your experience. Keep in mind that the presence of an approach on a profile is a statement about what a therapist lists, not an assertion about formal credentials or specific certifications. When you review profiles, pay attention to how a therapist describes their focus areas, years of experience, languages offered, and the populations they work with.
How online therapy works for compulsion and tips for choosing a therapist
How online therapy can support work on compulsion
Online therapy for compulsion typically takes place over video, phone, or text-based messaging, and it can include digital tools such as worksheets, symptom trackers, and recorded exercises. The online format allows you to practice skills in the settings where compulsive urges happen, which can be valuable for exposure-based work. You will want to find a quiet room or quiet space where you can speak openly and complete homework without interruptions. Many clinicians adapt interventions so that you can do in-the-moment practice at home between sessions.
Some people appreciate the convenience of remote sessions because they allow for greater flexibility in scheduling and reduce travel time. Others prefer a mix of in-person and online work depending on their needs. Regardless of format, effective therapy depends on consistent practice and a collaborative relationship with your clinician. If you plan to use online therapy, consider whether you will need worksheets, apps, or written instructions to support homework, and discuss these preferences early in treatment.
Tips for choosing the right therapist for compulsion
Choosing a therapist is a personal decision that often comes down to fit. Start by looking for clinicians who list compulsion or related repetitive behaviors among their focus areas. Compare focus areas, approaches, credentials, languages, and experience so you can narrow options to those who describe work with similar challenges. Reading how therapists describe their approach to goal-setting, relapse planning, and family involvement can give you a sense of whether their style matches what you want.
When you review profiles, consider practical matters such as whether you prefer video or phone sessions, whether you want someone who speaks your language, and whether cultural or identity factors are important in matching. It can also be helpful to look for clinicians who describe collaborative, skills-based work and who outline what typical sessions might involve. If you have specific needs - such as addressing compulsive buying, skin picking, hair pulling, or intrusive thoughts - prioritize therapists who list experience with those behaviors. Remember that a strong therapeutic relationship is often more influential than any single technique, so give weight to descriptions that emphasize partnership, respect, and clear communication.
Working with a therapist can help you understand why compulsive behaviors persist and give you concrete strategies to reduce their power over your life. Whether you choose online sessions, in-person care, or a combination, the listings below are a place to start exploring clinicians who focus on compulsion and related repetitive behaviors. Take your time to compare profiles and reach out in a way that feels right for you as you begin the process of change.