Alex Habens, Compassion Focused CBT / ACT Therapist and OCD Specialist

Hi, I'm Alex. I'm an experienced psychotherapist and clinical supervisor, based in Brighton. I'm passionate about working collaboratively with individuals and their families to achieve lasting recovery from OCD and anxiety. 

I have lived experience of OCD, anxiety and depression, and many clients have shared that they found it helpful and reassuring to work with someone who can relate to what they're going through on a more personal level.

Whatever your reasons for seeking help, I'll be committed to supporting you with warmth, acceptance and compassion.

We'll work together as a team to make sense of things. Above all, my aim is to be transparent and authentic, so that we can establish a positive relationship, built on openness and trust.

 

Alex is an absolutely incredible therapist! Those with OCD will know just how hard it can be to discuss. No matter what I said it was always met with compassion, understanding and best of all the knowledge and experience to tackle any problem and give you the tools to move forward with your life. Alex has helped me get my life back. Anon, 30 (OCD)

My Skills and Experience

I specialise in supporting people with OCD and other common anxiety disorders and I have more than 15 years' clinical experience working with adults, young people and their families. I work integratively, meaning that I draw on a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and other mindfulness-based approaches. I've provided therapy in a range of health and social care settings, including NHS, Higher Education and the charity sector. 

As well as providing therapy, I have extensive experience as a clinical supervisor and trainer, in a range of private, NHS and voluntary sector settings.

In previous roles, I've managed a Counselling and Therapy service at an award winning young people's mental health charity. I've also provided teaching and supervision on the Post Graduate Diploma in CBT at GMMH PTTC. I currently work as an associate therapist for a specialist OCD centre. 

I attend regular training with leading specialists and I'm committed to keeping up with the latest research and developments in the field of CBT, CFT, ACT and Clinical Supervision.

Qualifications and Accreditations

The British Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapies (BABCP):

BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist

BABCP Accredited CBT Supervisor

Social Work England:

Registered Social Worker

2026 | Developing as a Clinical Supervisor in CFT Compassionate Mind Foundation 

2024 | Diploma in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) BPS Approved / Compassionate Mind Foundation 

2021 | PGCert Supervision Skills / University of Manchester / GMMH Psychological Therapies Training Centre 

2014 | PGDip CBT / Evidence Based Therapies for Children and Young People (BABCP Level 2 Accredited) | University of Manchester / GMMH Psychological Therapies Training Centre

2011 | Masters in Social Work (MSW) | University of Manchester 

2007 | BSocSc Criminology and Social Policy | University of Manchester