Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can be so difficult to live with. Many people in our culture today refer to themselves as having OCD if they have a preference for being tidy, however the true and full extent of someone experiencing OCD can have a hugely negative impact on their life far beyond this.  

 

OCD can be broken down into 2 components: obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are repetitive, unwelcome thoughts that interrupt, dominate and intrude on your thinking. Sometimes these thoughts can be really scary and overwhelming.

 

The second component of OCD is compulsive behaviour. Compulsions usually arise usually in order to counteract any worries but have a potential to become extreme. For instance, someone who worries that they have left a light on may check it’s off multiple times before leaving the house and may form a ritual they feel they have to complete in order to reduce their anxiety and convince themselves they have done this. Living with such a high state of anxiety can be so draining and debilitating.

 

Most people with OCD know that these thoughts and actions aren’t logical, however they can feel it’s impossible not to just in case something were to happen. This can often be felt in relation to an overwhelming sense of responsibility to keep their family safe which can be really distressing.

 

Gradually, over time these compulsive behaviours become less soothing and consequently become more extreme and difficult to cope with.

 

It should be said that statistically, OCD is usually treated through a course of CBT sessions, however if this is something you have tried already without success or perhaps if you just don’t feel drawn to CBT, then hypnotherapy may be the right option for you. As a responsible and professional hypnotherapist, before supporting you with OCD, I would check that you had a proper diagnosis of OCD and that your GP had no objection to you using hypnotherapy.

 

With this confirmed, together we could focus on:

- Developing coping strategies to help reduce your anxiety.

- Learning relaxation techniques to achieve a sense of inner calm.

- Understanding your triggers and the root cause of these thoughts and behaviours.

- Breaking the habits of your unwanted thoughts and compulsions so you are free of them.

- Supporting you to feel safe, in control and confident.

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I’m always happy to have an informal chat to help you understand whether hypnotherapy is right for you so please get in touch with me either by calling me on 07305870208 or via my contact form.

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