Do you ever find yourself trapped in a seemingly never-ending cycle of repetitive thoughts and behaviours that you just can’t escape? 

Perhaps you’re constantly washing your hands, checking locks, repeating phrases or counting objects, even though you know it’s excessive. 

Or maybe you experience intrusive thoughts that cause immense distress and anxiety, immersing you in the moment as if it’s real. If this all sounds a bit too familiar, you may be struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). 

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Despite often being stereotyped as just cleanliness in popular media, OCD is a mental health condition that can significantly impact your daily life, relationships and overall well-being. 

It’s characterised by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions) that you feel compelled to perform to reduce anxiety. 

Whilst OCD can be an incredibly challenging condition to live with, there are effective therapies available that can help you regain control, break the cycle and live a more fulfilling life. One such therapy that has shown promising results for OCD treatment is Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).

What are the 3 main symptoms of OCD?

Unsure if you may have OCD? OCD is largely based on doubt - presenting itself with a combination of obsessions (e.g. “Could my hands be dirty?”), intrusive, catastrophic thoughts (e.g. “my hands are diseased”) and compulsions (e.g. “I must wash my hands 3 more times, and then they will feel clean”). This cycle results in feelings of significant emotional distress for the sufferer. 

The obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts that repeatedly pop into your mind, causing intense fear or anxiety. These thoughts can be about contamination, harm, symmetry, or even forbidden desires. Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental acts that you feel driven to perform in response to obsessions. These behaviours are often aimed at reducing anxiety or preventing a feared outcome, but they provide only temporary relief and can become extremely time-consuming and disruptive. 

The emotional distress associated with OCD can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation.

What is an example of OCD thoughts?

Though examples of OCD in film and TV might show someone repeatedly cleaning the same area, or excessively washing their hands, it can present in a number of different ways. 

An example: you’re driving down the road, and you hit a pothole. Your mind tells you that this pothole was a person or an animal, and you’re convinced you’ve hurt someone else. You check your mirrors, and see the pothole in the road - but you’re not convinced. You check your mirrors once, twice or even three times, or you may even feel the need to turn back and check again. The doubt is still nagging in the back of your mind. 

This is an example of an obsessive thought that can trigger compulsive checking behaviour. Other common examples include fears of contamination, worrying you’ve said something harmful or rude to hurt someone else, or fears of leaving your house or car unlocked. These thoughts can be incredibly distressing, but it's important to remember that they are just thoughts, not reflections of your character or intentions.

Regardless of the focus of your intrusive thoughts, OCD is categorised by the need - the need to just check (once, twice, three times), or to complete repetitive mental rituals. It’s these that affect your mental health in the long run. 

Is it anxiety or OCD?

While anxiety is a common feature of OCD, it's important to distinguish between the two. Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived threat, whereas OCD involves specific obsessions and compulsions that significantly interfere with daily life. If you're experiencing persistent, intrusive thoughts and feel compelled to perform repetitive behaviours to alleviate anxiety, it's important to seek professional help for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate OCD treatment.

What therapy is good for OCD?

Whilst there are a range of OCD treatment options, one that is particularly promising is EMDR therapy. Traditionally used for trauma processing, EMDR has also shown effectiveness in helping to address the underlying anxieties and emotional distress associated with OCD symptoms.  

EMDR involves bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping or the “butterfly hug” method, whilst you focus on the distressing thoughts and memories that trigger your OCD. Going through this process can help you to reprocess these experiences, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing you to regain your sense of control.

Does EMDR work with OCD?

Thinking of trying EMDR therapy for OCD? Research suggests that EMDR can be a valuable tool in OCD treatment. This is because it targets the root causes of OCD, such as traumatic experiences or deeply ingrained fears. EMDR can help to desensitise and reprocess these memories, leading to a reduction in obsessive thoughts and the need to do compulsions. 

It can also help you develop healthier coping mechanisms and improve your overall emotional regulation.

Can EMDR stop intrusive thoughts?

Whilst EMDR may not completely eliminate intrusive thoughts, it can help to significantly reduce their frequency, intensity and associated anxious feelings. 

Through reprocessing the underlying anxieties and fears that fuel these thoughts, EMDR can help you to regain a sense of distance and control over them - meaning that you can break free from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions that is disrupting your life. 

How many EMDR sessions for OCD?

Wondering how many EMDR sessions you’ll need for OCD? The answer is, it depends. The number of treatment sessions needed can vary depending on the individual and the complexity of their condition. 

Some people may see significant improvements within the first few sessions, whilst others may find that they need longer-term therapy. It’s important to work with a qualified EMDR therapist who can tailor their treatment plan to your specific needs and goals.

Break the Cycle

Living with OCD can feel incredibly challenging at times, but it is important to remember that you’re not alone - and the right treatment can help you break the negative cycle of obsessions and compulsions. 

With support around you and therapeutic interventions, such as EMDR, you can learn to manage your OCD symptoms and live a more fulfilling life. If you’re ready to break the cycle, get in touch to explore how EMDR therapy can help you regain control and find greater peace of mind. Remember, healing is possible, and you deserve to live a life free from the grip of OCD.

If you're interested in learning more about EMDR for OCD, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I offer both in-person sessions at my clinic near Warrington, Cheshire, and online sessions via Zoom. Together, we can explore how EMDR can help you on your journey to healing and well-being.