OCD Treatment in Islamabad: Psychotherapy With a Senior Clinical Psychologist
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is treatable, and you do not have to manage it alone. At The Meeting Matters in Islamabad, psychotherapy for OCD is offered by experienced clinical psychologists, including Professor Dr. Asghar Ali Shah, who has 38 years of experience in psychology and holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Sessions are at our F-11/1 clinic or online, in Urdu or English.
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What Is OCD?
OCD involves obsessions, which are unwanted thoughts, images or urges that keep returning and cause distress, and compulsions, which are repeated actions or mental rituals done to reduce that distress. Common examples include fear of contamination and excessive washing, repeated checking of doors, switches or appliances, a need for symmetry or order, intrusive thoughts that feel disturbing, and repeated doubts about prayer or purity (often called waswas). OCD is not a character flaw, and it is not the same as being careful or tidy.
Signs That It May Be OCD
Thoughts or rituals take up more than an hour a day; you know the fear is out of proportion but cannot stop; you avoid places or people to prevent the thoughts; rituals are hurting work, study, sleep or relationships; or you feel ashamed and hide it. Only an assessment can say whether it is OCD, and it often occurs alongside anxiety or low mood.
How Psychotherapy Helps With OCD
Psychotherapy for OCD usually begins with understanding the pattern of obsessions, rituals and avoidance. A widely used approach is cognitive behavioural therapy with gradual, planned exposure to feared situations while resisting the urge to perform the ritual. This is done step by step, at a pace agreed with you. Outcomes differ from person to person and no particular result can be guaranteed, but many people learn to loosen the grip of OCD. See also our page on OCD symptoms and the general page on OCD treatment.
Meet the Senior Clinician
Professor Dr. Asghar Ali Shah is the Professor and Head of the Psychology Department at Preston University, Islamabad, and a former Chairman of the Department of Psychology at International Islamic University, Islamabad. He holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Peshawar, has 38 years of experience in psychology and has been in private psychotherapy practice since 1991. He has seen more than 3,000 clients, has more than 10,000 hours of clinical experience and has published more than 30 research papers. He works with OCD, relationship difficulties, child and family concerns and trauma, and he has presented research on OCD and ego defences. He sees clients on Mondays and Tuesdays, from 10 AM to 8 PM. Read his full profile.
Medication and OCD
We provide psychotherapy and do not prescribe medication. Some people with OCD also see a doctor for medication, and psychotherapy can work alongside it. If your psychotherapist thinks a medical opinion would help, they will tell you.
OCD in Children and Teenagers
OCD often begins in childhood or the teenage years. Signs include repeated washing or checking, asking for reassurance again and again, rituals before sleep or school, and distress when routines change. Parents are included in the process. See our page on a child psychologist in Islamabad.
How Family Members Can Help
Try not to join in the rituals or give repeated reassurance, which can keep OCD going, and avoid criticism or telling the person to simply stop. Be patient, encourage treatment and ask your psychotherapist how to support progress.
Book an Appointment
Message us on WhatsApp or send an appointment request. We usually reply within about 30 minutes. Our clinic is at House 66, Street 73, F-11/1, Islamabad, and online sessions are available across Pakistan and abroad. See also our psychotherapist in Islamabad page.
Meet the Specialist
Prof. Dr. Asghar Ali Shah
Professor & Senior Psychotherapist · PhD Clinical Psychology · 38 Years' Experience
Professor Dr. Asghar Ali Shah is Professor and Head of the Psychology Department at Preston University, Islamabad, with a PhD in Clinical Psychology and 38 years of experience in psychology. He has seen more than 3,000 clients and has more than 10,000 hours of clinical experience. He sees clients on Mondays and Tuesdays, 10 AM to 8 PM.
What Prof. Shah helps with:
Meet Therapists Who Can Help
Prof. Dr. Asghar Ali Shah
Professor & Senior Psychotherapist · PhD Clinical Psychology · 38 Years' Experience
Muhammad Naushad Anjum
Founder & Lead Psychologist (HCPC Registered) — Couples, Marriage & Relationship Counselling
Lamiah Munaf
Teenage Counselor & Educational Remedial Therapist
What Our Clients Say
“I had a really great experience at Meeting Matters Clinic in F-11. The therapists here are highly professional aur unka ravaiya bohat supportive hai. It’s not easy to find a safe space for mental health, but yahan ka mahol bohat pur-sakoon aur welcoming hai. They genuinely listen to your problems without any judgment. Highly recommended for anyone looking for good counseling in Islamabad.”
Subhan A. · Google Review
“I am truly grateful to Ms. Tasmiya Asghar and the team at Meeting Matters. I reached out during one of the most difficult periods of my life while dealing with grief and trying to be the best parent I could be for my children. Ms. Tasmiya's kindness, empathy, and guidance helped me navigate emotions that often felt overwhelming. She helped me understand my feelings, regain perspective, and think through practical ways of supporting my children and myself. I always felt respected, heard, and comfortable during our sessions. I would wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Tasmiya Asghar and Meeting Matters to anyone going through a challenging time and looking for professional support in a compassionate environment.”
Hashir K. · Google Review
“Have noticed alot of changes within myself because of the sessions I've had. My therapist is extremely kind and helpful. I've never once felt uncomfortable feeling like I'm talking to a stranger. My Dr has made me feel as if she's my own and has helped me a lot.”
Shagufta K. · Google Review
15+ Years of Experience You Can Trust
The Meeting Matters has been providing professional counseling, therapy and training since 2010 — over fifteen years of clinical experience supporting individuals, couples and families across Pakistan and around the world. Our psychologists are trained in evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, EMDR and psychodynamic therapy, delivered through confidential online counseling and online therapy as well as in-person sessions at our Islamabad clinic.
Explore Our Full Range of Services
Alongside specialist support for this concern, you have access to our full range of services — the same experienced team, available online or in person:
Individual Therapy
One-to-one online counseling and therapy for anxiety, depression, stress and personal growth.
Couples Counseling
Online relationship counseling for communication, conflict and rebuilding trust.
Marriage Counseling
Online marriage counseling for couples working through distress or disconnection.
Premarital Counseling
Guided conversations before marriage, available online.
Family Therapy
Family counseling for communication, parenting and conflict resolution.
Child Psychology
Child and adolescent therapy with parent guidance.
Online Therapy
Secure online therapy sessions from anywhere.
Corporate Mental Health Workshops
Workplace wellbeing programs for organisations.
Career Counseling
Support for career transitions and workplace stress.
Key Benefits
- Psychotherapy for OCD by a PhD-qualified clinical psychologist
- Senior clinician with 38 years of experience in psychology
- In person at F-11/1 or online
- Urdu and English
- Confidential and professional
- Rated 4.8 on Google (430+ reviews)
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Take the first step toward better mental health. Our compassionate team is here to support you.