Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where unwanted thoughts, images or doubts (obsessions) cause strong anxiety, and you feel driven to do things (compulsions) to ease it. The relief does not last, so the cycle keeps going. OCD is common and very treatable.

What is the best treatment for OCD?

NICE recommends cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) that includes exposure and response prevention (ERP). Some people also take medication, which your GP can talk to you about. Our therapists offer CBT with ERP, and Hypno-CBT, in Fareham and online.

"Pure O" is a name people use for OCD where the compulsions happen mostly in your head, such as reviewing, analysing, praying or trying to push thoughts away. It is still OCD, and it responds to the same kind of help.

Will I be made to face my worst fear straight away?

No. ERP always starts with small, manageable steps that you agree with your therapist. You build up gradually, and you are always in control of the pace.

Can hypnotherapy help with OCD?

Hypnotherapy on its own is not a recommended treatment for OCD. However, many people find Hypno-CBT helpful, as it combines CBT tools with deep relaxation to lower anxiety and build confidence while they work on their OCD.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on you and how long OCD has been part of your life. Many people start to notice a difference within a few weeks, and your therapist will review progress with you regularly.

Do you help children and teenagers with OCD?

Yes. We work with young people aged 7 to 17 using gentle, age-appropriate CBT, and involve parents where it helps. Parents are welcome to call first to talk it through.

How much does OCD therapy cost, and can I have it online?

CBT and Hypno-CBT are £90 for a 50 minute session, and counselling starts from £72. Sessions can be in person in Fareham or online by secure video, at the same price. Your first 15 minute call is free.

Fareham Counselling Centre · Hampshire

Counselling & CBT for Obsessions & Compulsions Hampshire

Practical support to loosen the grip of OCD patterns — in Fareham or online across the UK.

When a thought will not let go

Everyone has the odd "did I lock the door?" moment. But for some people, a worrying thought gets stuck. It keeps coming back, and the only way to quieten it seems to be checking, cleaning, counting, asking for reassurance or going over it again and again in your head.

The relief never lasts, and the habits can start to take up hours of your day. Counselling, CBT and hypnotherapy for obsessions and compulsions in Fareham, or online, can help you break the loop and get your time and your peace of mind back.

Book a free, confidential call Or call free on 0800 970 4776

A woman in a CBT session for obsessions and compulsions in Fareham — **A thought is not a fact.** And it is not a reflection of who you are.

Common obsessions and compulsions

People come to us from Fareham, Portsmouth, Southampton and Gosport with all kinds of patterns. You might recognise some of these.

Checking locks, taps or switches Washing or cleaning more than you want to Needing things to feel "just right" Counting or repeating Asking others for reassurance Replaying conversations in your head Unwanted thoughts that upset you Avoiding places, people or objects Overthinking "what if?"

Unwanted thoughts are very common. Having a thought does not mean you want it or that you will act on it. The fact that it upsets you usually shows how much it goes against who you are.

A woman sitting on a park bench, deep in thought

Try it: the doubt loop

Pick a thought, then choose what to do with the urge. See what happens when you give in to it, and what happens when you let it pass. This is the idea behind exposure and response prevention (ERP), a key part of CBT for OCD.

How strong the urge feels60%

The urge is telling you to act now. What will you do?

Times round the loop

Every ritual brings a moment of relief, then the doubt comes back stronger.

In real life, letting the urge pass takes practice and support. Your therapist will go at your pace, starting with small steps.

Is it OCD, or just the way I am?

You do not need a diagnosis to get help. If thoughts or habits are taking up a lot of your time, causing you distress, or getting in the way of work, family or relationships, it is worth talking to someone. If you think you may have obsessive compulsive disorder, our OCD therapy page explains more, and your GP can also help.

How therapy helps you break the loop

Every plan is different, but most people move through steps like these.

Understand your loop

Map out your thoughts, urges and habits together, so it all starts to make sense.

Change how you see thoughts

Learn that a thought is just a thought, and that you do not have to argue with it or obey it.

Small, steady steps

Gently face the things you avoid and resist the ritual, one small step at a time.

Keep it going

Build tools and calm you can use on your own, so the changes last.

Therapy for obsessions and compulsions in Fareham

On your free call we will help you choose the right approach, and the right therapist, for you.

A smiling man after CBT for obsessions and compulsions

CBT and ERP

The most researched treatment for obsessions and compulsions. Practical, structured and at your pace.

About CBT

A woman talking with her counsellor in a therapy session

Counselling

Space to explore what sits behind the anxiety, such as stress, change, loss or a strong sense of responsibility.

About counselling

Hypnotherapy

Deep relaxation, often combined with CBT (Hypno-CBT), to lower the anxiety that drives the urges.

About hypnotherapy

EMDR

Helpful when the worries began after a difficult or frightening experience.

About EMDR

You may also find our pages on OCD, anxiety and health anxiety helpful.

★★★★★

“A superb therapist! Very professional and supportive. I made huge gains in my wellbeing thanks to him and his team.”

Gary, Fareham

No judgementWhatever your thoughts are about

From £72Counselling. CBT and hypnotherapy £90

In person or onlineFareham, Hampshire, or by video

Ages 7 and upAdults, children and teenagers

Questions about obsessions and compulsions

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What are obsessions and compulsions?

Obsessions are unwanted thoughts, images or doubts that keep coming back and cause anxiety. Compulsions are the things you do to ease that anxiety, such as checking, cleaning, counting, seeking reassurance or going over things in your head. They bring short-term relief but keep the cycle going.

Is this the same as OCD?

When obsessions and compulsions take up a lot of time or cause real distress, this is often called obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). You do not need a diagnosis to get help. Our OCD page explains more.

Does having an unwanted thought mean I want it?

No. Unwanted thoughts are very common, and having one does not mean you want it or will act on it. People often feel most upset by the thoughts that go against their values. Our therapists will not judge you, whatever the thoughts are about.

What is ERP?

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is part of CBT. With your therapist's support, you gently face the things that trigger your anxiety and practise not doing the ritual. Over time your brain learns that the anxiety passes on its own. It is always done step by step, at your pace.

Can hypnotherapy help with obsessions and compulsions?

Hypnotherapy can help lower anxiety and build a sense of calm and confidence. It is often combined with CBT as Hypno-CBT, so you get practical tools to break the loop as well as deep relaxation.

Do you help children and teenagers?

Yes. We work with children and young people aged 7 to 17, as well as adults. Parents are welcome to call first to talk things through.

How much does it cost, and can I have sessions online?

Counselling starts from £72 a session, and CBT and hypnotherapy are £90. Sessions can be in person in Fareham or online by secure video, at the same price. Your first 15 minute call is free. See all our prices.

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You can get your time back

A free, confidential 15 minute call. Tell us a little about what is going on, and we will find the right therapist for you.

Book my free call Call free 0800 970 4776

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