Understanding OCD:
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterised by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) that an individual feels driven to perform. These compulsions are often an attempt to reduce the anxiety caused by the obsessions.
Symptoms and Themes
Symptoms of OCD can vary widely but often include excessive checking, a need for symmetry, fear of contamination, intrusive thoughts of harm, taboo/shameful subjects, and an overwhelming urge to seek reassurance.
OCD manifests in various themes, including:
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Harm OCD: Fear of causing harm to oneself or others.
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Checking OCD: Repeatedly checking things like locks or appliances.
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Symmetry OCD: A need for objects to be perfectly aligned or symmetrical.
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Contamination OCD: Fear of germs or contamination.
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Intrusive Thoughts: Unwanted, distressing thoughts, often of a violent, taboo or sexual nature.
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Counting OCD: Compulsion to count objects or actions.
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Orderliness OCD: Need for items to be arranged in a particular way.
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Hoarding OCD: Difficulty discarding items, leading to clutter.
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Perfectionism OCD: Fear of making mistakes or not being perfect.
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Religious OCD (Scrupulosity): Obsessions related to religious or moral correctness.
I have personally struggled with OCD
Since becoming a psychotherapist and hypnotherapist, I have experienced overwhelming OCD. However, through this challenging period, I utilised my own bespoke treatment method, combining solution focussed hypnotherapy techniques with expert ERP techniques and principles. Today, I am proud to say that I have gained complete control over my OCD and live a life free from the fear and anxiety that once dominated my existence.
Below, I share the story of my experience with OCD.
My Story
I first realised I had OCD when I was 12. It was quite mild; my symptoms were symmetry OCD and checking OCD, with minimal intrusive thoughts to my memory. I saw a hypnotherapist for a little while. For over a decade, I barely noticed my OCD, but then I experienced a few different stressful situations all coming to a head in a short space of time. This plunged me into an absolute OCD crisis. This time, the theme was Dementophobia, or a fear of going crazy, and Harm OCD, with all my thoughts surrounding this belief. I had panic attacks and, for a few weeks, I was really scared and struggling, as I am sure many who are reading this are too.
I thought, 'How hypocritical for me, a therapist, to be struggling so much with my own mental health.' But I reminded myself that we are all human and these things happen. I used the techniques I teach my clients and combined them with expert ERP techniques and principles to overcome my OCD. Now, I can proudly say that I am in full control of my OCD symptoms and can live a perfectly normal life, free of the fear and anxiety associated with OCD. And I know I can facilitate you in achieving this freedom too.