Obsessions, Compulsions & OCD

Obsessions & compulsions are often a sign of underlying stress and anxiety. Many people will develop obsessive or compulsive symptoms when life isn't going so well - it's the body's way of relieving tension and the mind's way of gaining a sense of control.

While troubling such symptoms can be a useful warning signal that life needs a bit of attention. Such symptoms will normally respond well to general counselling or psychotherapy that address the underlying stress and anxiety. Often what is most useful is some help to reflect on where you have come from and where you are heading as well as how best to balance the many demands that life makes on us with our hopes and fears.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

For some others their symptoms seriously interfere with their ability to function. This may be Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (ocd). OCD an anxiety disorder which is thought to occur in approximately 2-3% of the general population. People suffering from ocd experience one or both of the following:

• Obsessive recurring persistent thoughts, images or impulses that cause marked anxiety or distress
• Behaviours or mental acts that the person feels driven to perform repeatedly to alleviate anxiety caused by obsessions

Common examples of obsessions are excessive worrying about causing harm to others, fears about security, hygiene or dreaded events occurring (i.e. house fires, car accidents). Common compulsions include checking behaviours, hand washing, cleaning or tidying rituals, excessive showering or teeth brushing, ordering, counting, praying, or repeating words. If sufferers have hygiene fears they may go to extraordinary lengths to avoid touching items they view as dirty or contaminated.

Most people who are afflicted with ocd are aware that their symptomatic thoughts and behaviours are 'beyond the norm' and get frustrated with their inability to control them. They may also suffer from a general low mood. The causes of ocd are not definitive but people who have personalities that like to be ordered and tidy and keep their emotions well under control are more vulnerable to developing the illness.

Find a therapist

Obsessive & Compulsive Symptoms

All of our team are experienced in working with obsessive & compulsive symptoms as part of broader stress, anxiety or other life issues. See a map of Therapist Locations or find Auckland Therapist by suburb or learn more about the Counselling Services we offer.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

For severe cases (which may be ocd Disorder) it is important to consult a professional who is experienced with ocd as it can be a difficult disorder to treat. Each person's ocd is unique, however successful treatment will usually include a combination of learning cognitive and emotional regulation skills, relaxation techniques, exposure and response prevention, as well as exploring probable fears, emotions and the history contributing to the illness. Medication may also be useful in such cases. Blair Schultz (Grey Lynn) has particular interest and experienced in working in this area.