Alice Fourtounas

Philosophy & Vision

I specialise in providing ERP and CBT treatment via telehealth for OCD and other anxiety conditions (including social anxiety, health anxiety, panic disorder, phobias and generalised anxiety disorder). OCD symptoms can cause a high level of anxiety and distress. Treatment initially focuses on the goal of increasing confidence and skills in resisting compulsions (response prevention) and then on reducing avoidance of triggers. Addressing mental as well as physical compulsions is often crucial for recovery. These can include rumination, overthinking and mental checking. It is very rewarding to be able to work with clients to help them come out of the OCD bubble and back into their lives.

Background

I have worked as Clinical Psychologist since 2015 in Community mental health and private practice settings. I have had experience in working with teenagers, adults and families to address a range of issues. I have always been interested in working with clients struggling with anxiety disorders and have developed a particular interest in the treatment of OCD and related conditions.

Services

Therapy Approach

I work with clients with OCD using an Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) based approach. Treatment involves practicing and building skills in catching and stopping mental and physical compulsions (Response Prevention) and gradually confronting anxiety-provoking situations and triggers (Exposure). I also draw on strategies where appropriate from other approaches including Rumination-Focused ERP, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and TEAM-CBT. Mental compulsions such as overthinking, rumination, worry and mental checking are common with OCD but can be overlooked with a traditional ERP approach. Rumination-Focused ERP is beneficial in identifying and addressing these from the initial stages of therapy.