OCD can be a complex and distressing disorder that involves obsessive thoughts and compulsive, repetitive behaviours. We all need to re-check things from time to time, particularly when under stress or very busy, but when we’re in the grip of OCD it can feel quite overwhelming and not leave space for anything else in life.
When we feel that we are in danger, it is natural for us to keep on red alert and continually check for signs of imminent threat. If this feeling is ongoing it can lead to heightened states of anxiety, and constant checking, so that the very behaviour that is designed to keep us safe can cause us great distress. This ends up becoming a negative spiral, whereby the more distressed and anxious we feel, the more our repetitive behaviour increases, and so on, which can worsen the checking behaviours and quickly overtake our life.
Hypnotherapy can help by reducing anxiety levels and teaching your brain how to relax. It can help you to let go of the sense of permanent danger and threat, enabling you to let go of the routines that you have developed to help you to have a sense of safety. Hypnotherapy has been shown to be effective in alleviating the stress and anxiety that can drive OCD.
If you’re struggling with OCD, or wonder if you might be, why not book in for an initial consultation to see how I could help?