OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD): what it is and how we can help

OCD involves having obsessional, intrusive thoughts or performing repetitive (compulsive) acts or both. The sufferer may recognise that these thoughts and behaviours are not useful and are "out of character" for them. But it is very hard to manage OCD alone, as resisting these behaviours and ignoring the thoughts usually creates strong feelings of anxiety. At Fernwood we offer OCD counselling, with many clients recovering from it completely. 

Symptoms

You may experience some of the following symptoms:

• Distressing ideas, images and impulses which enter your mind again and again
• Becoming indecisive, over-analysing alternatives
• Performing compulsive acts, such as hand washing, cleaning, maintaining things in certain order, tidying, performing actions in a certain way
• Feeling afraid, distressed, in danger or anxious
• Looking to friends or family for constant reassurance

• Temporary relief as the compulsive behaviour is performed, soon reverting back to anxiety 
  

Treatment

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is found to be a very effective form of OCD counselling. The specific variation of the therapy is known as "Exposure and Response Prevention" (ERP). The therapy involves gradual exposure to the feared object or obsession and learning to manage the anxiety without performing the obsessive actions.

For some clients, incorporating a more cognitive approach which involves tackling the obsessive, intrusive thoughts more directly might also be necessary.

If you have any questions about how Fernwood can help you with OCD counselling, please contact us on info@fernwoodclinic.co.uk