OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Treatment Sandyford

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an illness that causes people to have unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and to repeat certain behaviours (compulsions) over and over again. We all have habits and routines in our daily lives, such as brushing our teeth before bed. However, for people with OCD, patterns of behaviour get in the way of their daily lives. Most people with OCD know that their obsessions and compulsions make no sense, but they cant ignore or stop them. What are obsessions? Obsessions are ideas, images and impulses that run through the persons mind over and over again. A person with OCD doesnt want to have these thoughts and finds them disturbing, but he or she cant control them. Sometimes these thoughts come just once in a while and are only mildly annoying, other times, a person who has OCD will have obsessive thoughts all the time .What are compulsions? Obsessive thoughts make people who have OCD feel nervous and afraid. They try to get rid of these feelings by performing certain behaviours according to "rules" that they make up for themselves. These behaviours are called compulsions. (Compulsive behaviours are sometimes also called rituals.)For example, a person who has OCD may have obsessive thoughts about germs. Because of these thoughts, the person may wash his or her hands repeatedly.Performing these behaviours usually only makes the nervous feelings go away for a short time. When the fear and nervousness return, the person who has OCD repeats the routine all over again Some people treat their OCD with just cognitive therapy. Others use only medication while others choose to combine both. The following medicines are also often used to treat depression and include: clomipramine. These drugs can cause side effects such as dry mouth, nausea and drowsiness. Sometimes they also have sexual side effects. It may be several weeks before you see an improvement in your behaviour. Unde

What is psychotherapy? Psychotherapy is the treatment of psychological, emotional, or behavior disorders through the communications between the client and a therapist. The goal of therapy is to establish a central relationship of trust in which the client or patient can feel free to express personal thoughts and emotions and thus gain insight into his condition and generally share in the healing power of words. (Britannica) Will it work for me? Many people feel a great deal of benefit from psychotherapy, some even after comparatively few meetings. Like any other treatment or life experience, psychotherapy may not be suitable for everyone. Each individual has to make up their own mind about whether therapy is helpful for them. Clinical experience shows that if you are motivated and set yourself realistic goals, psychotherapy is likely to be of benefit.How long will it take?The length of treatment will be determined by what you are offered following assessment. How often are the sessions? Most psychotherapy is once weekly, although sometimes client’s circumstances won’t allow for this, so an alternative arrangement will be made. How long does each session last? Individual psychotherapy sessions normally last fifty minutes. How much does it cost? A one on one session costs E85.00. What benefit should I feel afterwards? Research has shown that psychotherapy is effective in reducing symptoms, improving relationships and self esteem. However, as each person is an individual it is difficult to generalize at the beginning as to which benefits a person may feel. The exploration and the journey is often as important as the goal. Does it usually work? A great deal of research has been done which shows C.B.T to be effective. However, it only works as a catalyst with the person undergoing treatment. This means that in order for therapy to be effective, the "work" is not done to you - but by you and with you.Can I stop if I feel its not working? It is always possible to leav

Cognitive therapy seeks to help the client overcome difficulties by identifying and changing there thinking errors, behaviour, and emotions. This involves helping patients develop skills to change beliefs, identifying thinking errors and changing behaviours. Treatment is based the collaboration between the client and the therapist. Once those thoughts have been challenged, your feelings are easier to change. I believe that most people can overcome any emotional disability by ‘Working harder’. So be prepared for some homework, as C.B.T does require you the client to record your progress and challenge your behaviour in between sessions. But it’s not just about working harder; I will help you to ‘work clever’. The techniques of C.B.T will allow you to see your world from a new angle and this often brings relief and a new found ability to change behaviour that up until now, you may have felt would never change.

Evening appointments

IAHIP accredited counsellor and psychotherapist. Appointments available for: depression, anxiety, panic attacks, trauma, abuse, relationship difficulties, co-dependency, post natal depression, bereavement.

Couples consultation = 110Family therapy up to 6 people 150