Dr Heather Sequeira

Dr Heather Sequeira is a chartered consultant psychologist and internationally recognised authority on the intersection of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and psychological trauma. With over 20 years of experience, she is one of the UK’s leading specialists in trauma-related OCD, working with complex, treatment-resistant presentations in both NHS and private settings.

Many people who go to Dr Sequeira have already done therapy and are frustrated by how little has shifted. They may have tried established approaches, yet the checking, monitoring or reassurance-seeking remains. Dr Sequeira specialises in the presentations where OCD is not only about intrusive thoughts, but also a deeper, long-learned drive to prevent things going wrong.

She works across a full range of OCD, including intrusive-thought OCD such as harm themes, ROCD, POCD, and more common forms of OCD.

With lived experience of OCD, Dr Sequeira understands this work both personally and professionally.

Through her clinical work, Dr Sequeira has developed an approach she refers to as Trauma-Linked Compulsivity. This recognises that for some people, compulsive patterns are shaped by earlier trauma, stressful life experiences and shame. They need a more tailored clinical approach. Her therapeutic methods include evidence-based CBT for OCD, including ERP, alongside ACT-informed work and other trauma-integrated approaches selected to fit the individual. When the approach truly fits, therapy becomes more efficient and outcomes are more durable, supporting lasting, meaningful change rather than repeated cycles of temporary relief.

Dr Sequeira leads the OCD Service in her NHS Trust and provides specialist therapy to high-functioning individuals worldwide. She is the founder of PTSDTraumaWorkshops, delivering advanced training for psychologists and organisations on PTSD, complex trauma, dissociation, and trauma-related compulsive patterns.

She holds a PhD in psychological trauma from St George's Hospital Medical School and serves as Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham’s School of Psychology. She is also a visiting lecturer, doctoral supervisor, and mentor to early-career psychologists. Her work is helping shape a new generation of trauma-informed clinical practice at the interface of OCD, trauma, and complex stress presentations. She is currently writing a trauma handbook with the British Psychological Society and Routledge, bringing together contemporary evidence and real-world clinical practice.

A regular contributor to national media including the BBC and Sky News, Dr Sequeira is known for translating psychological science into therapy that is precise, practical, and deeply humane.