Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or OCD as its more commonly know is a very common anxiety disorder involving repetitive thinking patterns often which are very distressing and frightening in nature. These compulsions lead to the person feeling they have to perform a specific type of action or behaviour over and over so they may feel less anxious or to help them stop their obsessive thinking pattern. Unfortunately the more a person continues with this type of behavioural pattern the more it is reinforced and becomes ingrained in their day to day life. Some of these compulsions involve excessive cleaning, counting, checking which may be to see has the door been locked repitedly or switching the lights on and off over and over.

OCD can have a huge impact on a persons life and within their relationships with those they care about most. People who suffer from the disorder often wait for a very long time before seeking support which often leads to the disorder progressively getting worse over time. OCD can occur at anytime in someones life and no matter how irrational the thoughts the person is having the copulsion is so strong they find it impossible in that moment to stop themselves.

If you feel you suffer from OCD counselling can help by utilising behavioural therapy such as CBT & DBT techniques for developing more effective coping startegies to deal with these compulsions and also help challenge these irrational beliefs.

"You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations