Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a very common anxiety disorder that is characterised by the presence of obsessions and compulsions that are felt to be unreasonable and that impair daily functioning. OCD can be very distressing – it may be accompanied by depression and may also negatively impact relationships.
OCD is a long-term condition characterised by thoughts that make you feel anxious (obsessions) and behaviours you employ to reduce this anxiety (compulsions) and is one of the most common mental health problems. Anxiety-provoking thoughts can preoccupy the mind and will not disappear, despite your best efforts not to think of them. These thoughts could centre on contamination by germs, or that someone will be harmed because of the sufferer’s negligence. Sufferers may see pictures in their mind of violent or sexual images which are completely out of character; however, importantly sufferers do not act upon these images. To help reduce the anxiety caused by these negative thoughts individuals may have rituals such as washing hands repeatedly, constant checking, and constantly asking for reassurance from others that everything is okay. This can lead to significant distress and interfere with daily functioning in domestic life, study, work, social life, relationships.
Counselling and psychotherapy can be highly successful methods in overcoming obsessive-compulsive disorder. In the safe and confidential environment of the therapy room, we can untangle anxiety from reality and confront automatic intrusive thoughts, breaking the cycle between these thoughts and damaging compulsions. We can explore the underlying causes to your OCD ensuring that these issues have been addressed to prevent future episodes. All activities undertaken during the therapy session will be at your own pace.
Benefits of counselling and psychotherapy for OCD:
- Helps you to understand the root causes of your OCD
- Examines the thoughts, feelings and behaviours that maintain the cycle of OCD
- Gain self-understanding and insight, including identifying triggers
Develops tailor-made coping strategies to replace safety behaviours
What I can help with
There are times in life when things become too difficult for us. Often friends and family can offer support, but sometimes this isn’t enough.