Hypnotherapy For OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) in London
Hi, I’m Steve. I’m a hypnotherapist in London with extensive experience treating OCD and mental health conditions affected by an anxiety disorder. I am a fully qualified Member of the National Council of Hypnotherapy and hold a Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma and Diploma in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy. If you’re experiencing intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviour, or panic attacks and looking for OCD treatments, then get in touch. I offer a free initial consultation to discuss how Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help you overcome anxiety.
What is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that is characterised by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions). An OCD sufferer can be significantly impacted by their quality of life as it can be very time-consuming and interfere with work, school, and social activities. Obsessions and compulsions can also lead to social anxiety disorder leading to a change of routine, and even self-imposed isolation, which can be very distressing.
What are the symptoms of OCD?
- Avoidance of places, people, or things that trigger obsessions
- Excessive hand-washing, cleaning, or showering
- Checking appliances, door locks, or car brakes
- Arranging items in a particular order
- Needing to touch things a certain number of times
- Counting, tapping, or repeating words or phrases
- Obsessive thoughts about germs and contamination
- Fear of losing control or making mistakes
Is OCD behaviour normal?
Obsessions and compulsions are normal behaviours and form part of what makes us human. However, anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder can be extremely debilitating, with OCD rituals creating repetitive cycles that can make daily tasks difficult.
OCD sufferers may employ techniques to avoid certain circumstances or external stimuli that trigger obsessive thoughts. It can affect all aspects of life: work, home, and relationships. The anxiety caused by OCD symptoms can lead to isolation, stress, and even depression. Many effective treatment options are available to help manage compulsive thoughts, such as cognitive behaviour therapy and alternative therapies. Hypnotherapy is used to complement CBT as an OCD treatment.
How does hypnotherapy work?
Hypnosis works by accessing the subconscious mind, where our habits, behaviours, and emotions are controlled. The therapist will guide you into a state of deep relaxation and then make suggestions designed to help you change how you think and behave. These suggestions can be about anything that will help you overcome your OCD, such as changing how you feel about your obsessions or breaking the cycle of compulsions.
Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy can be an effective tool in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder because it can help to:
- Break the cycle of OCD thoughts and behaviours
- Reduce anxiety and stress
- Build confidence and self-esteem
- Increase motivation to change
- Teach new, more helpful ways of thinking and behaving
Where I hold my sessions
As a clinical hypnotherapist, my hypnotherapy practice is at Muswell Health (North London) and The Terapia Consultancy (Central London). I also run a virtual hypnosis practice online with many of my clients enjoy the process from the comfort of their own home.
