My aim as a therapist is to create a safe and empathetic space where people can express themselves without fear of judgement. OCD can feel overwhelming and confusing at times and my approach is clear and empowering, with a focus on the individual. The aim of treatment is to alleviate the debilitating symptoms of OCD and equip people with the tools they need for long-term success and lasting recovery. Through compassion, creativity, and the right treatment, I help people conquer OCD and regain control over their lives.

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I specialise in treating OCD and related disorders using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). I use CBT with a focus on Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) when working with children and adolescents. This is the recommended treatment with the best clinical outcomes for OCD, also known as evidence-based treatment.

 

I have many years of experience working with OCD, adapting my approach to work with neurodiversity, whilst retaining the key elements that ensure effective treatment. I primarily work with the individual but also deliver parent-led CBT for OCD.

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Alongside independent practice, I work as a Senior Clinical Psychologist at the National and Specialist OCD, BDD and Related Disorders Clinic. In addition to my clinical work, I am engaged in ongoing research aimed at improving the understanding and treatment of mental health conditions.

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Education:

• Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN) between 2015-2018

• PhD in Clinical Neuroscience, University College London (UCL) between 2011-2015

• B.Sc. Psychology with Honours, University of Birmingham between 2008-2010

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Selected publications:

Watts, R., … Howard, M., et al. (2023). The clinical presentation of avoidant restrictive food intake disorder in children and adolescents is largely independent of sex, autism spectrum disorder and anxiety traits. EClinicalMedicine, 63, 102190.

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Howard, M., Hembry, P., Rhind, C., Siddall, A., Uddin, M.F., & Bryant-Waugh, R. (2023). Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) as a psychological intervention in the treatment of ARFID for children and young people. The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, 16.

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Howard, M., Gregertsen, E. C., Hindocha, C., & Serpell, L. (2020). Impulsivity and compulsivity in anorexia and bulimia nervosa: A systematic review. Psychiatry Research, 113354.

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Howard, M., Roiser, J. P., Gilbert, S. J., Burgess, P. W., Dayan, P., & Serpell, L. (2020). Can short-term fasting influence impulsivity in healthy individuals? Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 1644.

 

Projects

I have spoken at several OCD-UK National Conferences about OCD in children and young people. Videos from one of the virtual conferences in 2021 can be found here.

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