Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Living with OCD can feel exhausting and overwhelming, as though your thoughts and routines are controlling your day-to-day life. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy offers a gentle, practical approach that helps calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and restore a sense of control.
Rather than focusing on the problem, sessions are centred on your strengths, your progress, and the future you would like to create — supporting you to feel calmer, more confident, and more at ease in everyday life.
As with any therapeutic approach, your commitment to the process plays an important role in creating positive and lasting change.
Sessions: Usually 8 – 12
Please note results can vary depending on the severity of the symptoms.
OCD is more common than many people realise, with around 1 in 50 people experiencing symptoms at some point in their lives. For some, intrusive thoughts can be recognised and passed over, but during times of increased stress or anxiety, OCD behaviours can develop as a way of trying to regain a sense of control. Over time, these behaviours can begin to feel automatic and overwhelming, impacting daily life and wellbeing.
OCD can usually manifest itself in one of the ways explained below.
Intrusive thoughts (Pure O)
Intrusive thoughts can feel sudden, distressing, and completely out of character. They may involve fears of causing harm or acting against personal values. It is important to know that having these thoughts does not mean you want to act on them — many people experience intrusive thoughts, and there is no evidence that they are acted upon.
Rituals and checking
Rituals may include repeatedly checking doors, appliances, or locks, driven by fears that something bad could happen if the action is not completed. Although checking can temporarily reduce anxiety, it often leads to a cycle of increasing stress and repetition.
Symmetry and perfectionism
This form of OCD is often associated with a strong need for order or things to feel “just right.” Individuals may feel compelled to line up objects, repeat actions, or count in specific ways to ease anxiety or prevent harm. While this can bring brief relief, the urge to repeat the behaviour often returns.
Contamination and washing
This type of OCD centres around fears of germs, illness, or contamination. Avoidance of certain places or objects and excessive cleaning or washing can become ways of managing anxiety, even though they may reinforce it over time.
Living with OCD is very different from simply liking things a certain way.
It can cause significant anxiety and distress, sometimes leading people to withdraw from everyday activities.
Many individuals hide their thoughts and behaviours from others, which can increase feelings of isolation.
With the right understanding and support, it is possible to break this cycle and move forward.