Psychological Treatment for Obsessional Thinking and Compulsive Behaviour

Obsessions and Compulsions

Anxiety is a normal psychological response to stress, often brought on by aspects of daily life. The effects of this response can range between mild to severe worry, and may at time at times lead to obsessional thinking and compulsive behaviours.

Unwanted and recurrent obsessive thoughts are intrusive and debilitating, and can often be accompanied by losing control of one’s impulses or losing freedom to choose a neutral or pleasant focus. Similarly, compulsive behaviours are repetitive and feel uncontrollable – and can involve excessive checking, such as making sure that the front door is locked or that the stove is turned off many times before leaving the house.

Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours can entrap people in a vicious cycle of increased anxiety arising from intrusive and often irrational thoughts, that is temporarily relieved by engaging in a repetitive behaviour. In extreme and chronic proportions this pattern is diagnosed as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – and can be extremely draining and difficult.

While obsessive thoughts and behaviours can be overwhelming, effective ways of understanding and managing one’s relationship with anxiety can help to diminish them. Our experienced psychologists can help you develop an approach for managing your anxieties, which can reduce their impact and maximise your personal sense of empowerment and freedom.

Related Issues: Social Anxiety, Anxiety, Phobias

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Our counseling approach

We also understand that every client’s needs and preferences are unique. Nexus Psychologists are highly trained in a wide variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, and are able to draw from these to ensure that our clients receive the therapy that will be most beneficial to them.