Beth McConnell, Certified Practising Counsellor (PACFA)

Geelong OCD Counselling is a private practice specialising exclusively in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The practice serves adolescents (16+) and adults and delivers treatment primarily using Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (I-CBT), an evidence-based approach developed specifically for OCD. One hundred per cent of the practice is dedicated to OCD presentations. Services are offered in-person on the Bellarine Peninsula (Victoria, Australia) and via telehealth internationally.

When anxiety or mood symptoms co-occur with OCD, treatment primarily focuses on the OCD process, as obsessive doubt and compulsive responding often maintain broader distress. I-CBT is used to address the reasoning processes underlying obsessional doubt, which can also reduce secondary anxiety and depressive symptoms. Where mood or anxiety difficulties require additional or adjunctive support beyond the scope of OCD-focused treatment, appropriate referrals or collaborative care may be recommended.

Beth McConnell is a Certified Practising Counsellor (PACFA) with nine years’ experience in community mental health. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Psychology & Psychophysiology) and a Graduate Diploma of Counselling and is currently completing a Master of Counselling. Her practice focuses exclusively on OCD, and she has undertaken specialised training in Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (I-CBT). She engages in ongoing professional development and consultation within the I-CBT community to ensure competent, evidence-based OCD treatment.

Beth works with clients from diverse cultural, religious, and social backgrounds. OCD often attaches to deeply held values and belief systems, and treatment is delivered with sensitivity to cultural context, faith traditions, identity, and lived experience. Telehealth services allow access to specialised OCD treatment for individuals in regional and underserved areas. The practice is LGBTQIA+ affirming and committed to inclusive, respectful care.

Beth’s background in community mental health included working with individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and neurodivergent backgrounds. Her counselling training emphasised cultural humility, trauma-informed practice, and ethical responsiveness to diversity. She engages in ongoing professional development and supervision to ensure culturally responsive OCD treatment, particularly where symptoms intersect with identity, faith, parenthood, and minority stress.