Compulsions

How it shows up

A compulsion is a repeated behavior or mental act a person feels driven to perform, often to ease anxiety or a sense that something is “not right.” It might be checking locks over and over, counting, arranging objects a certain way, or repeating a phrase in your head. The behavior can bring brief relief, but the urge usually returns, and over time it can eat into time, energy, and relationships.

How hypnotherapy helps

Pattie works with clients to explore what the compulsion is doing for them emotionally — what it’s protecting against or responding to — and helps build new, calmer responses to that same trigger. Using clinical hypnosis alongside CBT and NLP techniques, sessions aim to loosen the automatic link between the trigger and the compulsive response, so the urge feels less urgent and easier to sit with. This work is gradual and collaborative, not a quick switch-off.

What a session looks like

Every client starts with a free 20-minute consultation to talk through what’s happening and whether hypnotherapy is a good fit. Sessions run $150 and can happen in person at the Scottsdale office or over Zoom, whichever is easier for you. You’ll also get a customized recording to reinforce the work between visits.

Common questions

Will this make the compulsion disappear completely? Hypnotherapy is not magic, and no one can promise a specific outcome. It works best alongside your own genuine desire to change and a willingness to put in effort between sessions.

Is this the same as OCD treatment? Compulsions can appear on their own or as part of OCD. If your compulsions come with intrusive, distressing thoughts, it’s worth mentioning that in your consultation so the approach can be tailored.

How many sessions will I need? That depends on the person and how long the pattern has been in place. Pattie will give you an honest read after your consultation rather than a one-size-fits-all number.