Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Finding a Path Forward

At Eleos Counselling, we provide specialised counselling for obsessive compulsive disorder in West Sussex, supporting individuals who feel overwhelmed by distressing thoughts and compulsive behaviours. Whether you’re struggling with intrusive images, anxiety, or repetitive rituals, our counselling for obsessive compulsive disorder West Sussex offers a compassionate, evidence-based approach to help you take back control of your life.

What Is OCD?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a complex mental health condition characterised by a cycle of intrusive thoughts (obsessions), overwhelming emotions (such as fear and guilt), and repetitive behaviours (compulsions). These patterns can severely affect daily life, relationships, and peace of mind.

At Eleos Counselling, our therapy for OCD in West Sussex focuses on helping you understand this cycle and develop healthier ways to respond—reducing distress and creating long-term change.

What Is OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition defined by a cycle of distressing thoughts (obsessions), emotional discomfort, and repetitive behaviours (compulsions). These cycles often interfere with daily routines, relationships, and a sense of peace. OCD therapy in West Sussex at Eleos Counselling is designed to help individuals break free from these patterns through professional, tailored support.

1. Obsessions: Intrusive Thoughts That Trigger Anxiety

Obsessions are the unwelcome thoughts, images, or doubts that can feel intrusive and uncontrollable. They often centre around fears of harm, contamination, or moral failure. Common obsessions include:

• Disturbing or unwanted thoughts (e.g., harming a loved one, blasphemous ideas)

• A need for symmetry or perfection

• Fears of contamination or illness

• Doubts about actions (e.g., “Did I lock the door?”)

• Overthinking everyday decisions

Andy’s experience:
“I’m terrified I might harm my baby son. Deep down, I know I never would, but these awful thoughts keep invading my mind. I force myself to repeat a mantra to calm the fear. It’s exhausting.”

At Eleos Counselling, OCD therapy in West Sussex supports individuals like Andy in recognising that these thoughts, while distressing, do not define who they are. Through therapy, we work on changing the way you relate to these obsessions, so they no longer control your emotions or actions.

2. Emotions: Anxiety, Guilt, and Mental Exhaustion

The emotional side of OCD is intense. Obsessions trigger anxiety, which can feel unbearable and lead to compulsions aimed at finding relief. These emotions often include:

• Fear of harm (to oneself or others)

• Guilt or shame about intrusive thoughts

• Overwhelming anxiety that drives compulsive behaviour

• Temporary relief that never lasts

Julia’s story:
“I can’t leave the house without checking everything five times. I know it’s irrational, but the anxiety is so intense, I feel like I’ve failed if I skip my routine.”

OCD therapy in West Sussex helps clients like Julia understand the emotional mechanisms behind OCD and develop healthier, more sustainable ways to regulate these responses without relying on compulsive behaviour.

3. Compulsions: The Behaviours That Reinforce the Cycle

Compulsions are actions or mental rituals meant to reduce anxiety. While they may offer temporary comfort, they actually reinforce the cycle of obsession and anxiety. Examples of compulsions include:

• Excessive cleaning or handwashing

• Repeated checking of locks, appliances, or switches

• Seeking reassurance from others

• Avoiding people, places, or objects that trigger obsessions

• Hoarding unnecessary items out of fear of making a mistake

Kevin’s account:
“I spent hours checking the car. Even in the rain, I’d go back just to make sure the door was locked. I knew it was, but I couldn’t stop.”

OCD therapy in West Sussex aims to gently interrupt this cycle by building new strategies for coping—strategies rooted in mindfulness, emotional awareness, and self-compassion.

How OCD Therapy in West Sussex Can Help

Our therapeutic approach at Eleos Counselling goes beyond symptom management. We offer a safe, non-judgmental space to help you better understand your condition and reclaim your life.

1. Understanding and Managing Emotions

Our therapy sessions focus on:

• Mindfulness tools to help observe thoughts without acting on them

• Emotional regulation techniques to reduce anxiety, guilt, and fear

• Identifying emotional triggers and responding in healthier ways

Learning to sit with difficult feelings without rushing to suppress them can bring lasting relief.