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OCD

We work with ODC sufferers who have decided to take full ownership of their recovery. Who wants to discover the confidence, reconnection and relief that comes with resolving hyperactivity in their brain’s fight/flight/freeze system.

Most of our clients are people who understand that there’s more to OCD treatment than medication and talk therapies. This is for people who believe in the value of self-care.

We believe that classic OCD ‘treatments’ like medication and psychotherapy are valuable tools. However, they don’t form a holistic approach to OCD treatment. Self-care and self-healing are important aspects of every mental health journey. OCD is a complex issue that impacts the entire person, so a flexible and holistic approach to healing is often necessary.

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Book an online consultation and get personalized advice from the comfort of your home. Our licensed practitioners are here to assess your concerns, provide expert diagnosis, and offer treatment recommendations—all through a secure virtual session.

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tobias@severnclinics.co.nz

Learn More About OCD Care

Severn sessions are for people who want to reclaim their nervous systems. By taking a holistic approach to heal from OCD. 

Most ‘healing journeys’ require us to be open to various perspectives and solutions. Especially if we want to truly free ourselves from OCD in the longer term. 

This is an opportunity to learn more about what causes OCD to get ‘stuck’ in our nervous systems and the modern treatment options that now exist.

OCD Overview
OCD Causes
OCD Treatment

The Science

If you have ongoing OCD symptoms, you may have a persistent over-activation of your limbic system. The limbic system is the part of your brain responsible for the fight/flight/freeze response. Severn sessions use gentle high-frequency light to target hyperactive nerve cells deep in the limbic system.

From a neurological (nerdy) perspective, the effects of OCD are simply a nervous system that believes it is not safe. Which is a part of the limbic brain’s fight/flight/freeze response. 

The fight-flight-freeze response involves multiple brain centres and body systems. The central processors for this are all located deep in the brain’s limbic system. When the limbic system persistently signals the body that the environment isn’t safe, the body acts accordingly. As a result physical and psychological symptoms eventuate for many sufferers of OCD. 

We are discovering more and more ways to reduce hyperactivity in the limbic system. As a result, great progress is being made in the effective treatment of OCD. The rise of EMDR Therapy, Trauma & Stress Release Exercises, Mindfulness, CBT and Somatic Experiencing Therapy are all examples of that. We offer light therapy sessions as another breakthrough in self-care for OCD sufferers.

Severn Brainwave Entrainment sessions enhance mental and emotional well-being by reducing fight-flight-freeze activity in the limbic system. Brainwave Entrainment leverages the fact that nerve cell clusters deep in the brain respond to light. Many of the brain’s deep nerve clusters are every bit as responsive to light as skin and eye cells.

High-frequency LED light is gently beamed straight into the brain through light-receptive pathways to reduce the over-activation of the brain’s fight or flight centres.

OCD FAQs

OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, is a mental health condition characterised by persistent and intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) that are performed to reduce anxiety or distress. Symptoms of OCD may include excessive cleaning or hand-washing, checking behaviours, repeating words or phrases, and intrusive thoughts that are distressing or unwanted. OCD is often a response to chronic stress (often during childhood) and/or trauma.

When discussing OCD with someone who may have experienced trauma, it is important to approach the topic with sensitivity and empathy, as the symptoms of OCD may be related to past traumatic experiences. It is also important to acknowledge that symptoms of OCD may be distressing or overwhelming and to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to discuss their experiences.

Yes, OCD is a mental illness that can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life. It is, however, important to understand that OCD is not an incurable disease. It is better to think of it a little more like you might think about something like obesity; it is something that we do have the power to heal and resolve. Many OCD sufferers have unprocessed stress or trauma that make their symptoms infinitely more intense than they should be. When approaching OCD with someone who may have experienced trauma, it is important to recognise that ‘mental illness’ is not a character flaw or a weakness and that seeking treatment is a sign of strength. There are a growing number of experts who believe that conditions like OCD and anxiety disorders are responses to stress and trauma rather than being ‘brain-based illnesses”.

The exact causes of OCD are not fully understood, but it is believed to be a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Trauma and stress are often major contributing factors to the development of OCD, and individuals who have experienced trauma may be more vulnerable to developing the condition. Everything we do involves genes, and we are all born with certain strengths, certain weaknesses and certain tendencies. A growing body of science is proving, however, that our weakest genes are not a life sentence, as they can be switched off with the right self-care and the right environmental choices.

When approaching OCD with someone who may have experienced trauma, it is important to acknowledge the impact of trauma on mental health and to provide a non-judgmental space for individuals to share their experiences. This is known as ‘trauma-informed care’, and many believe it is likely to be the cornerstone of successful future OCD treatment protocols.

OCD is typically diagnosed by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, who will assess an individual’s symptoms and conduct a thorough evaluation. It is important for the evaluation to take into account the impact of trauma on an individual’s mental health and to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to discuss their experiences. Being diagnosed with OCD doesn’t mean you are doomed to live with full-blown OCD symptoms for a lifetime, far from it. There are ways to successfully manage OCD and live an awesome, happy, free life in the longer term. But it does take effort.

OCD is most commonly treated with a combination of medication and therapy, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. These are excellent approaches, yet many people find that they are not sufficient to resolve their OCD to a level they are happy with.

The future of OCD treatment will likely include more and more trauma-based therapies. These include EMDR Therapy, Trauma Release Exercises, Somatic Sensing Therapy and mindfulness-based therapies.

Trauma-informed care recognises the potential impact of past trauma on the effectiveness of treatment and takes steps to minimise the risk of re-traumatisation.

It is important to understand that there is more to managing OCD than just treatment. Self-care is a vital part of successful recovery. Healthy relationships, healthy habits, healthy sleep, healthy food and rewarding work are all vital to your recovery. Patience is the key to making these kinds of changes.

There are different types of OCD, including contamination and cleaning, symmetry and ordering, hoarding, and intrusive thoughts. We are all totally unique regarding the factors that play a role in our mental health. So inevitably, conditions like OCD vary greatly from person to person. Trauma-informed care recognises the potential connection between past traumatic experiences and the development of different types of OCD and takes a holistic approach to treatment that addresses the underlying causes of the condition.

There is no known cure for OCD, but with proper treatment and management, symptoms can be significantly reduced or eliminated. Correct lifestyle choices, excellent self-care, proper treatment and healing old emotional wounds are what successful resolution of OCD looks like in most of the success stories.

Insomnia can be targeted through a variety of drug-free approaches, including cognitive-behavioural therapy, EMDR therapy, Brainwave Entrainment, meditation, hypnosis, sleep hygiene and lifestyle changes. Trauma-informed care can be especially helpful for addressing underlying trauma that may be contributing to insomnia. The amygdala and hippocampus, which are involved in emotional processing, sleep and memory consolidation, can be targeted in trauma-informed therapy approaches.

ERP therapy is a type of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) that is often used to treat OCD. It involves exposing an individual to the feared object or situation that triggers their obsessions or compulsions and then preventing them from engaging in the compulsive behaviour. Trauma-informed care recognises the potential for ERP therapy to be triggering for individuals who have experienced trauma and takes steps to minimise the risk of re-traumatisation.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are commonly used to treat OCD. These medications work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help reduce symptoms of OCD. When discussing medication options with someone who may have experienced trauma, it is important to acknowledge any potential concerns or reservations they may have and to work collaboratively to identify the best treatment approach for their individual needs.

The length of treatment for OCD can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. In general, treatment for OCD can take several months or longer and may involve a combination of medication and therapy. When discussing the length of treatment with someone who may have experienced trauma, it is important to provide realistic expectations and to emphasise the importance of ongoing support and care. It is also important to understand that healing trauma is potentially central to their recovery process if it is to be successful.

OCD and OCPD (obsessive-compulsive personality disorder) are two distinct conditions. OCD involves the presence of obsessions and compulsions that cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning, while OCPD involves a pervasive pattern of perfectionism, rigidity, and control that can interfere with relationships and daily life. It is important to accurately distinguish between these two conditions when discussing treatment options with someone who may have experienced trauma.

Yes, trauma can be a contributing factor to the development of OCD. When discussing the potential connection between trauma and OCD with someone who may have experienced trauma, it is important to approach the topic with sensitivity and empathy and to provide a non-judgmental space for individuals to share their experiences.

Trauma often leaves the brain’s limbic system in perpetual fight or flight mode. Fight or flight is the brain’s response to an unsafe environment. It is thought that OCD behaviours are symbolic attempts to make the environment safe. The solution to this is finding ways to switch off the fight or flight activity in the traumatised brain, like Brainwave Entrainment, EMDR Therapy and mindfulness exercises.

Self-help strategies for managing OCD may include identifying triggers and developing coping skills, practising relaxation techniques, engaging in physical exercise, and seeking support from family and friends. Trauma-informed care recognises the potential impact of past trauma on the effectiveness of self-help strategies and works collaboratively with individuals to identify strategies that are safe and supportive. Learning about trauma and the best ways to resolve it within the nervous system is one of the best steps you can take towards better self-care if you have OCD.

Yes, OCD can be a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When discussing the potential connection between PTSD and OCD with someone who may have experienced trauma, it is important to acknowledge the impact of trauma on mental health and to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to discuss their experiences. It is also important to work collaboratively to identify an appropriate treatment approach that addresses both conditions.

Some common compulsions associated with OCD include repetitive behaviours such as hand-washing, counting, checking, and organising. These compulsions are often used to try to alleviate the anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts. Many of these behaviours are thought to be symbolic attempts to create the feeling of a safe environment in traumatised or stressed individuals. When discussing compulsions with someone who may have experienced trauma, it is important to recognise that these behaviours may serve as coping mechanisms and to approach the topic with sensitivity and empathy.

OCD can have a significant impact on relationships, as it can cause individuals to withdraw from social situations and become preoccupied with their obsessions and compulsions. It can be extremely hard for those closest to someone with OCD to uphold the standards and requirements dictated by their compulsions. This is a common cause of friction in relationships affected by OCD, and it can be very severe if not managed carefully, kindly and proactively

Yes, it is possible for someone to have OCD without realising it. The symptoms of OCD can be difficult to recognise or may be mistaken for other conditions, and individuals may not be aware that their thoughts or behaviours are indicative of OCD. Many OCD sufferers have also experienced trauma that they are no longer fully aware of. It is important to approach the topic with empathy and to provide information and resources to help individuals understand their symptoms.

Yes, OCD can co-occur with other mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. When discussing the potential co-occurrence of OCD with other mental health issues with someone who may have experienced trauma, it is important to provide a non-judgmental space for individuals to share their experiences and to work collaboratively to identify an appropriate treatment approach that addresses all of their symptoms.

If you know someone who may be experiencing OCD, it is important to approach the topic with sensitivity and empathy. Encourage them to seek professional help and offer to provide support in finding a therapist or treatment program. Provide a non-judgmental space for them to share their experiences, and offer to help them identify healthy coping strategies.

Yes, it is possible for individuals to experience OCD without compulsions. This is known as “pure obsessional OCD” or “primarily obsessional OCD,” where individuals experience intrusive and distressing thoughts or images without engaging in any visible compulsions.

If you think you may have OCD, it is important to seek professional help from a mental health provider. They can help you understand your symptoms, provide a diagnosis, and develop an appropriate treatment plan. When discussing the possibility of OCD with a mental health provider who practises trauma-informed care, it is important to feel safe and supported throughout the diagnostic process and treatment.

OCD can affect children and adolescents in similar ways as it affects adults but may present differently due to developmental factors. Children and adolescents may experience obsessions and compulsions related to school performance, social interactions, and physical safety. Many children and adolescents who have OCD symptoms may have unresolved stress responses or experienced trauma, and it is important to provide a safe and supportive environment for them to express their thoughts and feelings. And to honour the fact that healing their trauma may be the key to a full recovery.

Yes, it is possible to have mild OCD, where individuals experience obsessive thoughts and/or compulsions that do not significantly impact their daily functioning. When discussing the severity of OCD with someone who may have experienced trauma, it is important to recognise that even mild symptoms can cause significant distress and interfere with an individual’s quality of life. It is important to encourage individuals to seek professional help if they are experiencing symptoms of OCD, regardless of their perceived severity. A trauma-informed approach would prioritise building a trusting relationship, validating the person’s experiences, and providing a safe and supportive space for them to explore their concerns and determine the best course of action for their individual needs.

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Our team offers a wide range of treatments, helping you to achieve your recovery goals. 

Our Team

Tobias Hall

DC BSc. Hons. IIst Nat. Dip. NZCA

Kade Christensen

BHSc. (Paramedicine) EMT, CERT. ST

Zabad Michael

DPT (Doctor of Physiotherapy)
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OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, is a mental health condition characterised by persistent and intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) that are performed to reduce anxiety or distress. Symptoms of OCD may include excessive cleaning or hand-washing, checking behaviours, repeating words or phrases, and intrusive thoughts that are distressing or unwanted. OCD is often a response to chronic stress (often during childhood) and/or trauma.

When discussing OCD with someone who may have experienced trauma, it is important to approach the topic with sensitivity and empathy, as the symptoms of OCD may be related to past traumatic experiences. It is also important to acknowledge that symptoms of OCD may be distressing or overwhelming and to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to discuss their experiences.

Yes, OCD is a mental illness that can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life. It is, however, important to understand that OCD is not an incurable disease. It is better to think of it a little more like you might think about something like obesity; it is something that we do have the power to heal and resolve. Many OCD sufferers have unprocessed stress or trauma that make their symptoms infinitely more intense than they should be. When approaching OCD with someone who may have experienced trauma, it is important to recognise that ‘mental illness’ is not a character flaw or a weakness and that seeking treatment is a sign of strength. There are a growing number of experts who believe that conditions like OCD and anxiety disorders are responses to stress and trauma rather than being ‘brain-based illnesses”.

The exact causes of OCD are not fully understood, but it is believed to be a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Trauma and stress are often major contributing factors to the development of OCD, and individuals who have experienced trauma may be more vulnerable to developing the condition. Everything we do involves genes, and we are all born with certain strengths, certain weaknesses and certain tendencies. A growing body of science is proving, however, that our weakest genes are not a life sentence, as they can be switched off with the right self-care and the right environmental choices.

When approaching OCD with someone who may have experienced trauma, it is important to acknowledge the impact of trauma on mental health and to provide a non-judgmental space for individuals to share their experiences. This is known as ‘trauma-informed care’, and many believe it is likely to be the cornerstone of successful future OCD treatment protocols.

OCD is typically diagnosed by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, who will assess an individual’s symptoms and conduct a thorough evaluation. It is important for the evaluation to take into account the impact of trauma on an individual’s mental health and to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to discuss their experiences. Being diagnosed with OCD doesn’t mean you are doomed to live with full-blown OCD symptoms for a lifetime, far from it. There are ways to successfully manage OCD and live an awesome, happy, free life in the longer term. But it does take effort.

OCD is most commonly treated with a combination of medication and therapy, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. These are excellent approaches, yet many people find that they are not sufficient to resolve their OCD to a level they are happy with.

 

The future of OCD treatment will likely include more and more trauma-based therapies. These include EMDR Therapy, Trauma Release Exercises, Somatic Sensing Therapy and mindfulness-based therapies.

 

Trauma-informed care recognises the potential impact of past trauma on the effectiveness of treatment and takes steps to minimise the risk of re-traumatisation.

 

It is important to understand that there is more to managing OCD than just treatment. Self-care is a vital part of successful recovery. Healthy relationships, healthy habits, healthy sleep, healthy food and rewarding work are all vital to your recovery. Patience is the key to making these kinds of changes.

There are different types of OCD, including contamination and cleaning, symmetry and ordering, hoarding, and intrusive thoughts. We are all totally unique regarding the factors that play a role in our mental health. So inevitably, conditions like OCD vary greatly from person to person. Trauma-informed care recognises the potential connection between past traumatic experiences and the development of different types of OCD and takes a holistic approach to treatment that addresses the underlying causes of the condition.

There is no known cure for OCD, but with proper treatment and management, symptoms can be significantly reduced or eliminated. Correct lifestyle choices, excellent self-care, proper treatment and healing old emotional wounds are what successful resolution of OCD looks like in most of the success stories.

ERP therapy is a type of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) that is often used to treat OCD. It involves exposing an individual to the feared object or situation that triggers their obsessions or compulsions and then preventing them from engaging in the compulsive behaviour. Trauma-informed care recognises the potential for ERP therapy to be triggering for individuals who have experienced trauma and takes steps to minimise the risk of re-traumatisation.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are commonly used to treat OCD. These medications work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help reduce symptoms of OCD. When discussing medication options with someone who may have experienced trauma, it is important to acknowledge any potential concerns or reservations they may have and to work collaboratively to identify the best treatment approach for their individual needs.

The length of treatment for OCD can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. In general, treatment for OCD can take several months or longer and may involve a combination of medication and therapy. When discussing the length of treatment with someone who may have experienced trauma, it is important to provide realistic expectations and to emphasise the importance of ongoing support and care. It is also important to understand that healing trauma is potentially central to their recovery process if it is to be successful.

OCD and OCPD (obsessive-compulsive personality disorder) are two distinct conditions. OCD involves the presence of obsessions and compulsions that cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning, while OCPD involves a pervasive pattern of perfectionism, rigidity, and control that can interfere with relationships and daily life. It is important to accurately distinguish between these two conditions when discussing treatment options with someone who may have experienced trauma.

Yes, trauma can be a contributing factor to the development of OCD. When discussing the potential connection between trauma and OCD with someone who may have experienced trauma, it is important to approach the topic with sensitivity and empathy and to provide a non-judgmental space for individuals to share their experiences.

Trauma often leaves the brain’s limbic system in perpetual fight or flight mode. Fight or flight is the brain’s response to an unsafe environment. It is thought that OCD behaviours are symbolic attempts to make the environment safe. The solution to this is finding ways to switch off the fight or flight activity in the traumatised brain, like Brainwave Entrainment, EMDR Therapy and mindfulness exercises.

Self-help strategies for managing OCD may include identifying triggers and developing coping skills, practising relaxation techniques, engaging in physical exercise, and seeking support from family and friends. Trauma-informed care recognises the potential impact of past trauma on the effectiveness of self-help strategies and works collaboratively with individuals to identify strategies that are safe and supportive. Learning about trauma and the best ways to resolve it within the nervous system is one of the best steps you can take towards better self-care if you have OCD.

Yes, OCD can be a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When discussing the potential connection between PTSD and OCD with someone who may have experienced trauma, it is important to acknowledge the impact of trauma on mental health and to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to discuss their experiences. It is also important to work collaboratively to identify an appropriate treatment approach that addresses both conditions.

Some common compulsions associated with OCD include repetitive behaviours such as hand-washing, counting, checking, and organising. These compulsions are often used to try to alleviate the anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts. Many of these behaviours are thought to be symbolic attempts to create the feeling of a safe environment in traumatised or stressed individuals. When discussing compulsions with someone who may have experienced trauma, it is important to recognise that these behaviours may serve as coping mechanisms and to approach the topic with sensitivity and empathy.

OCD can have a significant impact on relationships, as it can cause individuals to withdraw from social situations and become preoccupied with their obsessions and compulsions. It can be extremely hard for those closest to someone with OCD to uphold the standards and requirements dictated by their compulsions. This is a common cause of friction in relationships affected by OCD, and it can be very severe if not managed carefully, kindly and proactively

Yes, it is possible for someone to have OCD without realising it. The symptoms of OCD can be difficult to recognise or may be mistaken for other conditions, and individuals may not be aware that their thoughts or behaviours are indicative of OCD. Many OCD sufferers have also experienced trauma that they are no longer fully aware of. It is important to approach the topic with empathy and to provide information and resources to help individuals understand their symptoms.

Yes, OCD can co-occur with other mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. When discussing the potential co-occurrence of OCD with other mental health issues with someone who may have experienced trauma, it is important to provide a non-judgmental space for individuals to share their experiences and to work collaboratively to identify an appropriate treatment approach that addresses all of their symptoms.

If you know someone who may be experiencing OCD, it is important to approach the topic with sensitivity and empathy. Encourage them to seek professional help and offer to provide support in finding a therapist or treatment program. Provide a non-judgmental space for them to share their experiences, and offer to help them identify healthy coping strategies.

If you think you may have OCD, it is important to seek professional help from a mental health provider. They can help you understand your symptoms, provide a diagnosis, and develop an appropriate treatment plan. When discussing the possibility of OCD with a mental health provider who practises trauma-informed care, it is important to feel safe and supported throughout the diagnostic process and treatment.

Yes, it is possible for individuals to experience OCD without compulsions. This is known as “pure obsessional OCD” or “primarily obsessional OCD,” where individuals experience intrusive and distressing thoughts or images without engaging in any visible compulsions.

OCD can affect children and adolescents in similar ways as it affects adults but may present differently due to developmental factors. Children and adolescents may experience obsessions and compulsions related to school performance, social interactions, and physical safety. Many children and adolescents who have OCD symptoms may have unresolved stress responses or experienced trauma, and it is important to provide a safe and supportive environment for them to express their thoughts and feelings. And to honour the fact that healing their trauma may be the key to a full recovery.

Yes, it is possible to have mild OCD, where individuals experience obsessive thoughts and/or compulsions that do not significantly impact their daily functioning. When discussing the severity of OCD with someone who may have experienced trauma, it is important to recognise that even mild symptoms can cause significant distress and interfere with an individual’s quality of life. It is important to encourage individuals to seek professional help if they are experiencing symptoms of OCD, regardless of their perceived severity. A trauma-informed approach would prioritise building a trusting relationship, validating the person’s experiences, and providing a safe and supportive space for them to explore their concerns and determine the best course of action for their individual needs.