What Is OCD?
OCD can exhibit in a wide variety of different ways, but the most frequent hallmarks of the condition are obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. These can range from simple things such as checking to make sure the door is locked, to creating complicated rituals around every day tasks. It can even manifest as simply a series of intrusive thoughts and the inability to ‘stop thinking’ about certain topics or memories. OCD is usually accompanied by anxiety, worry, and emotional distress, which will often make the existing condition worse.
How Do I Treat It?
Hypnosis, or trance, is a very common mental state in which the subconscious and the conscious mind communicate. Simply put, whenever we use our imagination, we are briefly entering trance. It is in these moments that we can help the subconscious unlearn its less helpful responses, and pick up new, more beneficial ones.
As anxiety is often what causes, or at least exacerbates OCD, it is often where the treatment starts.
I use a blended and systematic approach to treat anxiety. After creating an environment where you can feel safe and respected, I will help you neutralise any trauma that may have contributed to your anxious state using highly effective Rewind and Timeline therapies. Once the cause of the problem is dealt with, I will help you to deconstruct the individual anxiety reactions and replace them with more measured and rational responses.
Once the anxiety is neutralised, we will go on to treat the obsessive and compulsive aspects. Using CBT exercises as well as conversational hypnosis, we will be able to create new behaviours and thought patterns to replace the old, unwanted ones. We will also ensure that you have self-hypnosis techniques and tactics in place, so that if anything comes up in the future, you will be able to manage it yourself with confidence, rather than needing to book more sessions.
During this, you will go into trance a number of times. You will have full awareness and control of yourself in these moments, and will easily be able to communicate or stop if you feel uncomfortable. I use calming, neutral language and relaxation techniques to help make this process feel restful and rejuvenating, with clients often reporting a ‘refreshed’ feeling after a session is over.
Depending on the clients past experiences, this is generally done within 15 sessions at the most, although sometimes significantly fewer are required.
Side effects of treatment include:
- Improved sleep
- More energy
- Better capacity to make rational decisions
- Ability to stand up for yourself in an appropriate manner
- Feeling unencumbered, or ’lighter’
- Greater resilience in difficult situations
- Higher motivation towards your own personal goals
Please get in touch to find out more and book your FREE initial consultation.
