Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition that involves obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. It can affect anybody and can develop at any age, however, it usually occurs during early adulthood.
Those with OCD tend to have upsetting obsessions such as:
fear of hurting themselves or others (deliberate or accidental)
fear of being ‘contaminated’ by germs/bacteria
a fear of becoming unwell or dying (commonly known as ‘health anxiety’)
A desire for symmetry
The thoughts may be violent or even sexual in nature and can be very stressful for the person affected.
Compulsions to carry out a certain behaviour is the mind’s way of trying to prevent this anxiety (even if logically the behaviour and thought aren’t linked). The behaviours will differ from person to person but may include:
cleaning
counting
repeating words
actions
checking (i.e. checking doors are locked, taps are off)
Hypnotherapy works with the unconscious mind, the part we are not aware of, or are able to influence normally. Hypnotherapy works by putting you in a relaxed state so that the hypnotherapist can access this part of the mind. Once accessed, they can then influence it using suggestion techniques.
Symptoms of OCD are often exacerbated during times of high stress or anxiety. Part of your treatment plan should, therefore, include techniques to help reduce stress/anxiety. This is an area where hypnotherapy can be especially useful.
A hypnotherapist can teach you self-hypnosis techniques to help manage stress and anxiety. This typically involves visualisation and breathing techniques which you can call upon when you need to.