Clear unwanted habits & OCD with Hypnotherapy Norwich

Habits are an essential part of living, allowing us to carry out certain tasks automatically with minimal conscious effort, everyday activities from cleaning our teeth to driving a car, leaving us free to think and do other things. However, these patterned behaviours become a problem when they’ve outlived their original purpose yet continue to run, as if beyond our control.

Many people try to overcome their habits through willpower and self-discipline, and whilst this works for some people some of the time, it takes a great deal of energy to overpower our naturally dominant and safety-oriented subconscious mind and body.

Therapy can help individuals break free from unwanted habits and compulsive behaviours such as nail biting (onychophagia), hair pulling (trichotillomania), and skin picking (dermatillomania), as well as provide effective treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Change is achieved through accessing and releasing the subconscious drivers behind the compulsive behaviour and training in new, positive patterns for long-lasting change.

Please book a consultation to discuss your specific needs and possibilities for treatment.

Understanding OCD

  • OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, is when someone feels compelled to carry out a specific action in response to an unwanted thought or feeling.

    The action is usually an attempt to gain control or alleviate distress. For example, someone may believe that if they don’t wash their hands twice before eating, they’ll get sick, leading to compulsive handwashing as a way to feel safe.

  • Compulsive behaviours serve a subconscious ‘positive’ purpose—they act as a coping mechanism for an underlying issue, such as stress, safety concerns, or social anxiety.

    Essentially, OCD behaviours function as a temporary ‘sticking plaster’ to cover an unmet need. When that deeper issue is addressed, the compulsion naturally loses its energy because it is no longer needed.

  • Many people with OCD feel embarrassed or ashamed of their compulsions, fearing they’ll be judged as ‘weird’ or different.

    This fear of social rejection can intensify their underlying anxiety, which, in turn, strengthens the compulsive behaviour, creating a vicious cycle.

    Addressing these fears and reducing shame is an important step in overcoming OCD.

  • When the brain is under emotional stress—whether fear, anxiety, or even love—it becomes more suggestible.

    In OCD, a person might feel scared, develop a belief that a certain action will relieve that fear, perform the action, and feel temporary relief.

    Over time, this cycle reinforces itself, much like a trance or hypnotic pattern, making it harder to break free from the compulsive behaviour through conscious willpower alone.

  • The most effective way to treat OCD is by addressing the underlying emotional or psychological need driving the compulsive behaviour.

    Rather than just stopping the behaviour, therapy focuses on resolving issues related to safety, stress, or social connection.

    Once the root problem is resolved, the compulsive behaviour naturally fades because it is no longer serving a purpose

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Tom Carter - Private Therapist & Coach

Integrative Person-Centered Approach

Online or In-Person (Norwich, UK)

Fully Insured & DBS Checked

GHSC Accredited (GQHP)

  • "Tom is excellent, he makes you view smoking for what it really is, a non rewarding, deadly habit and he gives you both the facts and the confidence to remove it from your life...he also follows up with you which is a nice touch and has genuine interest in your success..."

    Simon

  • “A big thanks to Tom for helping to become a non smoker. Our session ran smoothly and the results were way beyond my expectations. I would encourage anyone to consider hypnotherapy for any issues they are experiencing. Thank you again Tom.”

    Chris G

  • "Tom is amazing. I met him this year and stopped smoking after one session, currently at 50 days of desire free non smoking and could not be happier Our session was part talking part hypnotherapy after an initial zoom exploratory chat. I found Tom incredibly easy to talk to, he’s very open and accepting of whatever I said, I never felt weird or uncomfortable irrespective of whatever I said and the session was a joy Already arranged a second session with Tom and looking forward to seeing him again. If you’re after someone in this field you’re in great hands with Tom."

    Chris W