Can OCD be treated with Hypnotherapy?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. People with OCD have intrusive, unwanted thoughts, urges or images (obsessions) that cause anxiety and distress, leading them to perform repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) to relieve this anxiety.

While traditional treatments like medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) have been effective for many people with OCD, hypnotherapy is gaining popularity as an alternative or complementary treatment.

In Norwich, hypnotherapy for OCD can be an effective way to reduce anxiety, manage compulsions, and improve quality of life. Here's what you need to know about hypnotherapy and how it can help those with OCD.

What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that uses hypnosis to help people achieve a state of heightened inner awareness and connection with their instinctual selves – sometimes referred to as the subconscious. Through clearer connections with their subconscious, people are more able to change unwanted behaviours, thoughts, or feelings.

Hypnotherapy is safe, non-invasive and has no harmful side effects. It can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other therapies, depending on the individual's needs.

How can hypnotherapy help OCD?

Hypnotherapy can help those with OCD by addressing the root causes of their anxiety and compulsions – this is different than trying to treat the obsession at a symptom level. During hypnosis, the hypnotherapist can help the patient explore their subconscious mind to identify any underlying fears, anxieties, or beliefs that are contributing to their OCD symptoms.

By bringing these underlying issues to light, hypnotherapy can help patients develop new ways of thinking and behaving that can reduce the severity of their symptoms.

Hypnotherapy can also help patients learn relaxation techniques that can reduce overall anxiety levels. This can help patients feel more in control of their thoughts and emotions, reducing the urge to perform compulsive behaviours.

Is hypnotherapy effective for OCD?

Many people have found relief from their symptoms through this gentle and non-invasive therapy.

In one study, 25 patients with OCD were treated with a combination of hypnotherapy and exposure and response prevention (ERP), a type of CBT. After 12 weeks of treatment, 92% of patients showed significant improvement in their symptoms.

Another study of 28 patients with OCD found that hypnotherapy was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and OCD, and was associated with an improvement in quality of life.

In summary

If you or a loved one in Norwich are struggling with OCD, hypnotherapy may be an effective treatment option. By addressing the underlying fears, anxieties, and beliefs that contribute to OCD symptoms, hypnotherapy can help patients develop new ways of thinking and behaving that can reduce the severity of their symptoms. Book a consultation.