Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - OCD Therapist

Obsessive-compulsive disorder – shortened to OCD – can be a somewhat confusing term. Whether someone has it in Bournemouth, Dorset or elsewhere. This is because there is a huge difference between an obsession and a compulsion.

What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has two main elements: obsessions and compulsions.

Obsessions are unwanted thoughts, images, urges, worries or doubts that continually recur in your mind and they can make you feel very anxious

Compulsions, however, are repetitive actions that you take to reduce the anxiety caused by the obsession. It could be something as simple as repeatedly checking the doors are locked, repeating a specific mantra in your head or checking your pulse.

Fundamentally these compulsive behaviours are about being afraid that not doing things a certain way will cause harm.

Obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD can be somewhat confusing terms. This is because there is a many difference between obsessions and compulsions.

Obsessions can be in the form of obsessive thoughts or obsessive behaviours, and compulsions in the form of compulsive thoughts or compulsive behaviours.

So in effect, it is 4 separate conditions grouped under one umbrella mental health term.

Some individuals experience only one element of the 4 mentioned whilst others are troubled by a combination of them.

In my experience, obsessive compulsive disorder could wisely be described as a "curse" of those who care TOO much.

Individuals who suffer from OCD are often the kindest most caring people I have ever met, but as with all things in the universe we must seek balance, it is a great asset to be a caring person but not to the point where we become crippled by a need for control.

We have all checked the door a second time despite knowing it’s already locked, but this is the thin end of the wedge for sufferers of OCD. Their lives can be ruled and mental health affected by rituals, superstitions and behaviours designed to alleviate their anxieties and provide a sense of control in uncontrollable situations.

Is OCD common in Bournemouth and Dorset?

Obsessive compulsive disorder is far more common than you may imagine across the WHOLE of the UK (not just locally), affecting as many as three in a hundred people.

People with OCD experience repetitive, intrusive and unwelcome thoughts, images, impulses and sensations, which they find all but impossible to ignore. Compulsive behaviours then develop in a vain attempt to ward off these intrusions.

Obsessive rituals are a common example of such compulsive behaviours. These are sometimes very mild, with superstitions like stroking an ornament for luck before performing on stage. But they can be severe – in the case of one anorexic with advanced OCD – she would wash her hands seven times, then put on gloves before counting 37 perfectly shaped raisins to eat for lunch.

What is the root cause of OCD?

This can be different for everyone but common causes are traumatic life events (particularly in early life) and "learned" behaviours from parents, caregivers and even other children. I have also known cases where these learned behaviours developed much later in life and stem from a relationship with a partner who suffers from OCD.

OCD is a close cousin of anxiety disorders and is sometimes even considered or diagnosed as a specific type of anxiety disorder.

Can young people get OCD?

Yes. Children and adolescents' issues are often very similar to those of adults, in fact, many adults report they had their first OCD symptoms as children.

Many young children have a phase of harmless rituals, such as wanting a special toy at bedtime or avoiding treading on cracks in the pavement. This is not a cause for concern and is not OCD.

If however, the young person is aged 13 or above, and as a parent, you are concerned because the rituals go beyond such behaviours, upset your child, or perhaps take up a lot of time and thereby interfere with their everyday life (like school, hobbies or friends), we would be happy to help.

If the young person concerned is under 13, it may well be worth asking for advice from your G.P and, if necessary, seeing a specialist child psychologist or psychiatrist.

The treatments for children with OCD are usually similar to the treatments used with adults.

How can OCD be treated?

Can you treat OCD with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?

OCD responds very well to both Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and hypnotherapy both of which can be provided here at Dolphin Hypnotherapy Practice in Bournemouth.

What kind of therapist do I need for OCD?

Any cbt therapist can assist in treating OCD. However, as an OCD therapist, I have found that a combination of psychological therapies including cognitive therapy, hypnosis and where appropriate some counselling, provides the fastest and most effective treatment.

Is Counselling good for OCD?

Counselling as a treatment can be helpful in exploring the root causes of OCD and the things that for you, trigger OCD.

What is an OCD therapist?

In a nutshell, any cbt therapist or healthcare professional providing any kind of talking therapy for the treatment of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviour. Part of the treatment will involve emotional support especially for those with more severe OCD.

How do you get therapy for OCD?

The key to overcoming OCD lies in acceptance that there is a world of difference between feeling better – and getting better.

Each time you give in to an OCD behaviour it may make you feel better temporarily but it is only resisting will help you get better in the long term.

For information on how to do this and to find an "OCD specialist/therapist near me", Contact Dolphin Hypnotherapy now for your FREE 1-hour assessment consultation. OR book online using voucher code INITIALAC (Please note that in the event of non-attendance or cancellation with less than 48 hours notice, our standard consultation fee will be charged).

Our recent interview on BBC Radio about OCD

https://youtu.be/ILIQjupgceI