Using NLP Techniques to Treat OCD Symptoms

What is NLP?

Neuro-linguistic programming, usually shortened to NLP, is a psychological approach that focuses on the connection between thoughts, language and behaviour patterns. Some people with OCD explore NLP as a treatment option, particularly if other approaches have not worked well for them.

NLP draws on various techniques, including elements of hypnotherapy and talking therapy. Practitioners work with clients to identify unhelpful thought patterns and attempt to reshape them using specific methods.

NLP sits outside mainstream NHS treatments for OCD. NICE guidelines recommend cognitive behavioural therapy (particularly exposure and response prevention) and medication as first-line treatments. Some people try NLP as part of a broader approach to managing their symptoms, though it lacks the clinical evidence supporting conventional treatments.

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How NLP Approaches OCD

NLP practitioners often look for underlying triggers that may be contributing to OCD symptoms. The approach is based on the idea that many thought patterns operate at an unconscious level. However, it's important to note that current research does not substantiate NLP as an effective method for identifying or treating the root causes of OCD symptoms.

There is often a focus on past experiences. Some OCD symptoms appear to be linked to earlier events, even when the person is not fully aware of the connection. NLP techniques attempt to uncover these associations, though the scientific basis for this process remains unestablished.

Once triggers have been identified, the work shifts to changing how you respond to intrusive thoughts. This might involve:

• Visualisation exercises intended to reduce the emotional intensity of certain thoughts by mentally altering their size, colour or distance
• Reframing techniques to change your perspective on feared situations
• Anchoring methods that attempt to link calmer states to moments of anxiety, though clinical evidence for this technique in OCD treatment is lacking

The stated goal is similar to other OCD treatments: breaking the cycle where obsessive thoughts lead to compulsive behaviours, which then reinforce the original fears.

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What the Evidence Says

NLP remains controversial within psychology. Critics point to the lack of peer-reviewed research supporting its core claims and the absence of standardised training requirements. Research on its effectiveness for OCD specifically is extremely limited, and the technique is not recommended by NICE.

This does not mean no individual has ever found NLP helpful. However, anecdotal reports are not a reliable guide to treatment effectiveness. The evidence base is far weaker than for established treatments like exposure and response prevention, which has decades of clinical research supporting its use.

If you are considering NLP, consult your GP or a mental health professional first. They can help you weigh up the options and ensure you're not delaying access to treatments with proven effectiveness. NLP might be considered alongside evidence-based approaches, but should not replace them.

Finding an NLP Practitioner

NLP is not regulated in the UK like clinical psychology or psychiatry. Anyone can call themselves an NLP practitioner regardless of training level, which makes choosing carefully essential.

If you decide to try NLP, look for a practitioner who holds accreditation from a recognised body such as the Association for NLP or the Professional Guild of NLP. Verify their training background thoroughly and ask about their specific experience with OCD. Be aware that even accredited practitioners have not undergone the standardised clinical training required of NHS therapists.

Be wary of practitioners who promise rapid results or guaranteed outcomes. No treatment for OCD can offer guarantees, and responsible therapists will be honest about the limitations of their methods.

Costs vary considerably. Sessions are typically not available on the NHS, so you will need to pay privately, usually between £50 and £150 per session.

For evidence-based OCD treatment through the NHS, speak to your GP. Organisations such as OCD Action and OCD UK also provide support and information about treatment options.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Exposure Therapy Hierarchy Builder lets you create a personalized hierarchy of feared situations ranked by difficulty for gradual exposure therapy. Try it now →