Evelynne R. Scott-McFarlane

Evelynne R. Scott-McFarlane is a BABCP-accredited CBT therapist specialising in OCD and anxiety disorders. She delivers evidence-based CBT and ERP in accordance with NICE guidelines for OCD treatment, and writes to help people understand what they're experiencing before seeking professional support

line illustration of a person thinking, representing the reflective process of understanding health anxiety symptoms"

Health Anxiety Symptoms: Why the Worry Never Stops

Health Anxiety Health Anxiety Symptoms: Why the Worry Never Stops Published: June 2026 QUICK ANSWER Health anxiety is a recognised clinical condition in which persistent, distressing worry about having or developing a serious illness significantly disrupts daily life, even when medical tests come back clear. It affects an estimated 1 to 5 percent of adults […]

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CBT letter blocks, representing the process of making an informed, considered decision when choosing a CBT therapist.

Finding A CBT Therapist: 5 Things To Look For

CBT Finding A CBT Therapist: 5 Things To Look For Published: May 2026 QUICK ANSWER When choosing a CBT therapist in the UK, look for: BABCP accreditation (not just membership) Protocol-specific specialisation that matches your difficulty, in line with NICE guidelines Ongoing clinical supervision; A practical check of their credentials and approach before you book;

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A laptop on a calm home desk, representing online CBT therapy sessions accessible from home for anxiety disorders.

Does Online CBT Work for Anxiety Disorders? The Research Says Yes

CBT Does Online CBT Work for Anxiety Disorders? The Research Says Yes Published: May 2026 QUICK ANSWER Online CBT for anxiety disorders is effective and NICE-recommended. Multiple NICE guidelines, including CG31 for OCD and CG113 for panic disorder, recommend CBT as first-line psychological treatment, with evidence supporting online delivery across conditions. A major 2018 meta-analysis

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Abstract illustration of a circular thought loop in forest green on a cream background, representing the hidden, internal nature of Pure O OCD."

The OCD Nobody Can See: What Is Pure O?

The OCD Nobody Can See: What Is Pure O? QUICK ANSWER Pure O (Pure Obsessional OCD) is a form of OCD characterised by intrusive thoughts and mental compulsions rather than visible physical rituals. Common mental compulsions include rumination, thought suppression, mental review, and seeking internal reassurance. NICE clinical guideline CG31 recommends Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

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Assorted pills arranged beside wooden tiles spelling 'PANIC', symbolizing anxiety treatment.

Panic Attacks vs Panic Disorder: Key Differences Explained

Panic Attacks vs Panic Disorder: What Is the Difference and When Is CBT Right for You? QUICK ANSWER A panic attack is a single, time-limited episode of intense fear with physical symptoms including racing heart, breathlessness, chest tightness, and dizziness, typically peaking within ten minutes. Panic disorder is a diagnosable condition defined by recurrent, unexpected

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An open notebook and pen on a warmly lit desk, representing the structured, collaborative process of CBT and ERP therapy for OCD"

CBT and ERP for OCD: What Treatment Actually Involves

CBT and ERP for OCD: What Treatment Actually Involves QUICK ANSWER CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) for OCD is a structured, evidence-based psychological treatment that targets the thoughts, behaviours, and emotional responses that maintain OCD. Its core technique is ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention), in which clients gradually face feared situations while choosing not to carry

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A person sitting in quiet contemplation, seen from behind against soft natural light, representing the uncertainty and distress of health anxiety or OCD

Do I Have Health Anxiety or OCD? A Therapist Explains

Do You Have Health Anxiety or OCD? A Therapist Explains QUICK ANSWER Health anxiety is a persistent, excessive worry about having or developing a serious illness, which continues despite medical reassurance. OCD is a condition involving unwanted, distressing intrusive thoughts and compulsive rituals performed to neutralise them. When OCD’s intrusive thoughts centre on illness or

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A person washing their hands carefully at a white sink, illustrating the compulsive handwashing behaviour common in contamination OCD

What Is Contamination OCD? Symptoms, Triggers and How CBT Helps

What is Contamination OCD? Symptoms, Triggers, and How CBT Helps QUICK ANSWER Contamination OCD is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder in which a person experiences persistent, unwanted thoughts about contamination, from germs, illness, dirt, or chemicals, and responds with compulsive behaviours designed to neutralise that fear. These behaviours provide only brief relief, and over time

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illustration showing OCD on one side, and anxiety on the other, representing the differences between disorders

Do I have OCD or Anxiety? Key Differences Explained

Do I Have OCD or Anxiety? Key Differences Explained QUICK ANSWER OCD and anxiety share a lot of surface features, but they work through different mechanisms and respond to different treatments. Anxiety tends to involve persistent worry about real-world situations. OCD centres on unwanted intrusive thoughts followed by compulsions, and it’s the compulsion-relief cycle, not

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Types of OCD: The 7 Most Common Forms Explained

Types of OCD: The 7 Most Common Forms Explained QUICK ANSWER OCD takes many different forms. The type of intrusive thought at the centre varies between people, but the cycle is always the same: an unwanted thought triggers anxiety, a compulsion temporarily relieves it, and the doubt comes back stronger than before. Recognising the specific

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