Counselling, CBT and EMDR for Obsessions and Compulsions in Fareham
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where individuals become trapped in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions. It commonly affects young adults but can develop during adolescence or after significant life events, such as pregnancy, bereavement, or trauma.
Obsessions are unwanted, distressing thoughts or images that cause anxiety, while compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed to alleviate this distress. These compulsions, though they may provide temporary relief, only reinforce the cycle and can significantly interfere with daily life.
While everyone experiences occasional intrusive thoughts – for example, wondering if you’ve left the door unlocked – OCD manifests when these thoughts become overwhelming and begin to dominate one’s life. Those who are perfectionistic, highly anxious, or have a strong sense of responsibility are particularly vulnerable to developing OCD..
What happens during your CBT sessions?
What are the Symptoms of OCD?
The core symptoms of OCD are intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours.
- Obsessions: These are persistent, unwanted thoughts or mental images, often linked to fear of causing harm, contamination, or a deep sense of responsibility. Common obsessions might include intrusive thoughts about violence, sex, relationships, or religion. People with OCD might also have excessive fears about germs, dirt, or a need for symmetry or order.
- Compulsions: These are repetitive actions taken to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions. Common compulsions include excessive hand washing, checking that doors are locked repeatedly, arranging objects in a certain way, or mentally repeating words or phrases. These compulsions may need to be performed a specific number of times to alleviate distress, which can be very time-consuming and have a significant impact on personal life, work, and relationships.
“James is a superb therapist! He is very professional and supportive.
I made huge gains in my well-being thanks to him and his team”.
— Gary, Fareham
Find Trusted Counselling, CBT & EMDR Therapy for Obsessions and Compulsions in Fareham Hampshire
Counselling can be instrumental in helping individuals manage OCD by exploring and understanding their thought patterns. Through therapy, clients can learn how to cope with OCD and begin to gain control over their compulsions.
The most effective treatment for OCD is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a therapeutic approach that examines the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. CBT helps individuals challenge unhelpful thoughts and change behaviours that maintain the cycle of OCD.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a specialised form of treatment for OCD, often used alongside CBT. In ERP, individuals are gradually exposed to situations that trigger anxiety while being supported by a therapist to prevent the compulsive behaviour. Over time, this process reduces anxiety and helps individuals build more adaptive coping mechanisms. ERP can be challenging, so it is recommended to use it in conjunction with CBT for optimal results.
COUNSELLING HELP FOR OBSESSIONS AND COMPULSIONS IN HAMPSHIRE
Compulsive behaviours frequently arise from discomfort. Therapy focuses on helping individuals to understand and manage this discomfort, ultimately reducing the physical and emotional impact and exploring the underlying thought processes.
Through therapy, individuals with OCD can gain insight into their condition, challenge harmful patterns, and reclaim control over their lives. With the right support, it's possible to manage OCD effectively and improve overall well-being.
“James is a superb therapist! He is very professional and supportive.
I made huge gains in my well-being thanks to him and his team”.
— Gary, Fareham
ONLINE AND IN-PERSON COUNSELLING THERAPY FOR OBSESSIONS AND COMPULSIONS IN HAMPSHIRE
Obsessions and compulsions can take over daily life, causing distress and interfering with relationships, work, and well-being. Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, while compulsions are repetitive actions performed to ease anxiety. These behaviours often create a cycle that feels impossible to break, affecting up to 2% of the population.
Therapies like Counselling and Psychotherapy can help by addressing the root causes and providing tools to manage triggers. At the Fareham Counselling Centre, our clients learn strategies to reduce the impact of these behaviours and regain control.
Hypnotherapy is also a powerful tool for breaking free from obsessive and compulsive patterns. By working with the subconscious mind, it helps reframe unhelpful thoughts, reduce emotional distress, and build resilience. Hypnotherapy supports lasting change, empowering individuals to live more balanced, fulfilling lives.
Counselling at the Fareham Counselling Centre, can assist you in managing your emotions at this difficult time, and can help you get your life back on track, no matter how much pain you are feeling at this time and whatever difficulties you are facing.
Call us now on 07946 641270, or complete our online form to book an appointment with one of our Counsellors in our Fareham Practice TODAY!