OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) is a chronic (long term) mental health condition that is associated with obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviour. An obsession is defined as an unwanted thought, image or urge that repeatedly enters a person's mind. A compulsion is defined as a repetative behaviour or mental act that a person feels compelled to carry out. The person gains no pleasure from the compulsion unlike people who take drugs etc. People with OCD believe that they have to carry out their compulsion to stop their obsession coming true.

OCD is the one of the most common mental health conditons in the UK, with 1-3% of adults and 2% children or teenagers having the condition. For men the condition usually starts in their teenage years, for women it starts later usually in their early 20's. That said, OCD can occur at any time, even during childhood.

Symptoms of OCD can range from mild to severe. Some people only experience the condition for short periods of time (an hour of the day for example), whilst for others it completely takes over their lives. The causes of OCD are as yet unknown.

Hypnosis helps to control the condition by using techniques such as parts therapy, direct suggestions, regression, future orientation and by teaching self hypnosis.

This condition requires a medical diagnosis from a GP or mental health worker before hypnotherapy commences.