Understanding Obsession, Compulsion and OCD
While Obsession, Compulsion, and OCD are closely linked, it’s helpful to look at each individually to understand how they operate—and how they can be treated.
Obsession
Obsession is a complex experience often involving ritualistic behaviour. The sufferer may:
- Wash their hands exactly 12 times an hour—no more, no less
- Clean their home top to bottom multiple times a day
- Count items, check locks repeatedly, or reread online comments before posting
These rituals must be performed just right or something will feel “wrong”—or worse, the person may fear something terrible will happen to them or someone else if the behaviour isn’t completed.
These rituals are not pleasurable; they are compelled. The person often knows the behaviour is irrational, but feels powerless to stop. It’s a powerful internal pressure to perform certain actions, often with extreme repetition, to relieve a deep-seated anxiety.
Why I Don’t Use Hypnotherapy for Obsession
Although hypnotherapy can sometimes break the habitual aspect of obsession, doing so too quickly can trigger significant anxiety or panic attacks. That’s because, to the obsessive mind, not performing the ritual feels dangerous—even life-threatening.
For this reason, I don’t use hypnotherapy to treat obsession. Instead, I use BWRT (BrainWorking Recursive Therapy), which allows us to safely and systematically dismantle the internal triggers behind the obsessive behaviour.
How BWRT Works for Obsession
BWRT is highly effective in treating obsession, typically over 4 to 8 sessions, and involves:
- Identifying the origin of the obsession
- Working through the unconscious fear of what might happen if the ritual is not carried out
- Releasing the client from outdated mental patterns
- Creating a ‘new self’ no longer reliant on obsessive rituals
Compulsion
Though often confused with obsession, compulsion is distinct.
Whereas obsession is forced and anxiety-driven, compulsion is driven by desire, even if the behaviour is ultimately unhelpful. The compulsive person tends to enjoy the activity—at least at first.
Examples of compulsive behaviour include:
- Repeatedly playing video games late into the night, chasing a high score
- Constantly checking social media or email, even when it’s disruptive
- Compulsive shopping, binge-watching, or gambling
These actions can feel rewarding or distracting at the time, but often come with consequences—missed responsibilities, disrupted relationships, or feelings of guilt.
Treating Compulsion with BWRT
Treatment is similar to that for obsession but with a different focus. In compulsive behaviour, we explore:
- What the compulsion is helping the person avoid
- What emotions or thoughts the behaviour is distracting them from
- How to remove the need for the compulsion and find healthier coping strategies
OCD: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
OCD is the clinical term used in psychiatry that covers both obsessive and compulsive patterns. It often presents as a combination of unwanted intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and the need to perform certain behaviours (compulsions) to reduce anxiety.
Though the name differs, the treatment approach remains similar—and BWRT has proven to be one of the few therapies with a strong track record for helping people overcome this challenging condition.
In Summary
| Condition | Driven by | Experience | Treatment Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obsession | Anxiety/fear | Feels forced and unpleasant | Break internal fear cycles with BWRT |
| Compulsion | Desire/escape | Initially pleasurable, later disruptive | Understand avoidance, remove the need |
| OCD | Both | A mix of obsession and compulsion | Same approach as Obsession via BWRT |
Is BWRT Right for You?
BWRT is a gentle but powerful therapy that works directly with your unconscious responses—without needing to relive trauma or repeat uncomfortable rituals. If you struggle with obsessive or compulsive behaviours and want lasting change, BWRT may be a great fit.
Tim Grover - Bedfordshire Therapies 