How to Stop Intrusive Thoughts?

Intrusive thoughts are thoughts that regularly enter your mind against your will. A lot of the time, it is possible to resist or ignore these intrusive thoughts. But for some, it can cause a lot of distress and anxiety.

The first step to dealing with intrusive thoughts is to realise that they are merely temporary, however powerful they might seem in the moment. It is important to identify that it is indeed an intrusive thought but understand that it will soon disappear once it has run its course.

Common Examples of Intrusive Thoughts:

Below are some examples of what our clients have felt when they discuss what they are experiencing. These intrusive thoughts can be embarrassing or controlling, but please know that we can help you:

• Fear of being killed or killing someone else
• Concerns that others are gossiping about them
• A mother worrying about something terrible happening to her child
• Fear of being made fun of or laughed at
• Fear of doing something profoundly shameful or embarrassing
• Irrational negative thoughts regarding self-worth or failing within themselves
• Violent sexual fantasies
• Particularly violent thoughts
• General negative thoughts about your life and experiences
• Fear-based thought that you’ve got a disease with no basis to support it
• Flashback to unpleasant things from your past. (Ex. intrusive memories PSTD)
• Intrusive fear of loss in the family

Intrusive thoughts and OCD are commonly connected but it’s not always the case. In fact, the large percentage of people experience intrusive thoughts on a daily basis.

In the event that intrusive thoughts become increasingly repetitive, overwhelming or cause difficulty functioning in daily life, help is available. A myriad of medical conditions, including anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder can bring about and intensify intrusive thoughts.

At the Hypnosis and Therapy Centre, we use Hypnosis and a unique multi-therapy approach to help and eliminate a vast range of issues, including intrusive thoughts. Our techniques are extremely effective and can have an instant impact after the very first session!

Reaching out for a Free Phone Consultation with us, or your GP is the first step towards overcoming debilitating intrusive thoughts.

What Causes Intrusive Thoughts?

Intrusive thoughts can happen randomly. Some thoughts wander into your brain but leave just as quickly leaving no lasting impression. But it is the intrusive thoughts that last longer and often return.

Obsessive Thoughts vs. Intrusive Thoughts

Obsessive thoughts and intrusive thoughts have a lot of similarities, although have distinct differences.

Intrusive Thoughts

Intrusive thoughts, or invasive thoughts often come into your mind seemingly out of nowhere. There is no definitive reason to what causes intrusive thoughts. Some researchers link these unwanted and invasive thoughts to an imbalance of a brain chemical known as GABA, responsible for inhibiting activity of certain cells in the mind.

It is important to understand that although these thoughts can be worrying to you, it is not necessarily a sign of an underlying disorder unless. That being said, if they are severe or persistent, it may be worth investigating further with your GP or therapist. Intrusive thoughts can affect anyone, but they are often linked to underlying mental health issues. This is nothing to be ashamed of, and it is getting more and more accepted to be able to speak out about mental health issues which is helping the world move in a positive direction.

Obsessive Thoughts

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) occurs when intrusive thoughts become uncontrollable. This can cause people to become compulsive about repeating some behaviours in an effort to end and prevent these compulsive thoughts.

Common examples that are less severe include worrying about locking doors, turning off appliances, the fear of bacteria and turning on and off lights a number of times before entering or leaving a room. This can be an unhealthy result that interferes with a person’s quality of life.

Another common symptom of people suffering from OCD is that when they are experiencing and intrusive thought, they can overreact. At a chemical level, the brain sends signals that something is wrong and it needs to reacted to immediately. While it may be obvious to others that these fears and obsessive thoughts are illogical, to the person experiencing them, the reaction and fear are indeed very real.

For a person who has non-clinical OCD, intrusive thoughts affect them much less. The severity of emotional distress resulting from these thoughts is a good reflection of the diagnosis for OCD.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Traumatic events can often be connected intrusive thoughts and people living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

These thoughts may trigger some of the physical symptoms of PTSD, such as increased heart rate and sweating.

When at its worst, these thoughts can be so severe that flashbacks occur leading to intense psychological distress.

Stress in general is something that Hypnosis and our unique approach is used to resolve from the core.

Clients are amazed the difference they feel after just on session with Caitríona or Fiachra.

Eating disorders

Intrusive thoughts can also develop and intensify eating disorders.

These are extremely harmful to their mental health. So much so, that the thoughts can eventually have a negative impact on their physical health.

The reason people with an eating disorder can be impacted by intrusive thoughts is that they can worry about the physical impact food will have on their body, which in turn leads to a halt in eating.

It may be difficult to understand this, but such behaviours are more common than you think.

Eating disorders are often linked to an unhealthy weight-loss, but they can also be associated with weight gain.

Weight management is another service we provide which focusses on resolving the inner issue that is causing the unwanted behaviour.

How Do I Stop Instrusive Thoughts?

If you are fed up with intrusive or obsessive thoughts taking over you’re life, it is simpler than you think to take the first step, and take back control.

Some therapies will focus on certain aspects of these negative thoughts. For example, some therapists use cognitigve-behavioural therapy (CBT) which can help with overcoming overwhelming fears and obsessions. This is used to force patients to rationally focus on their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and observe how they relate to each other.

At the Hypnosis and Therapy Centre, we use a unique, multi-therapy approach which involves Hypnosis and CBT along with a range of different therapies depending on the client. We have helped countless people suffering from OCD, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, panic attacks, confidence issues, eating disorders, depression and many more issues. You can see our reviews on Google and Trustpilot!

The first step is to organise a Free Phone Consultation or Complimentary Breakthrough Session via the form below. Caitríona and Fiachra are extremely caring and genuine people who love the work they do.

Alternative Ways to Help with Intrusive Thoughts

There is no simple cure for this, and it will vary on each person. Try the steps below that will contribute to being able to manage these thoughts until you feel the need to get in contact:

• Surround yourself with great friends – Surrounding yourself with great friends will remind you that you are not alone. They should be understanding and kind. You will need people by your side to help you through the tougher times. You also respect and understand that they may need some help to understand your situation. We all have issues! But we don’t all talk about them. By surrounding yourself with people you trust and love, you can get through anything! It does take a lucky person to have those type of friends, professional help such as Caitríona or Fiachra at our centre are always there to act as a relief and to help you through these times
• Take care of yourself and your mental health – Recognise that these thoughts are just thoughts and that they WILL pass. Making small changes to your routine will help you manage your mental health. Try meditation, yoga, walks or other gentle activities! These can distract and relax your mind which will improve your overall mental state and indeed help with intrusive thoughts. You cannot expect change to just happen, you must take steps to make this positive change!

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Joshua R.

Very good experience really helped with the problems I had in my life just finished my 3rd session! Thanks so much Caitriona

Barbara H.

After seeing several Counsellors in Canada after the death of my beloved husband Anthony I felt I was still in the same boat and nothing had changed for me. Then a good friend recommended Fiachra when I went back to Ireland for a visit. Fiachra was very professional and helpful and made me feel at ease. I am still feeling much pain but I still remember Fiachra’s insight into helping me move on with my life.

Paul M.

I’ve had an issue with misdirecting my emotions by engaging in negative behaviours ‘ the lads helped re-program my sub-conscious by helping me process past traumas directly linked to my actions.

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I met Fiachra September the 2nd and from that moment on I have never looked back he has helped me so much with my problem and is so generous with his time I would highly recommend Fiachra as it is the best decision I have ever made thankyou hypnosis and therapy centre

Brian P.

This treatment has changed my life
This treatment has changed my life. Can’t recommend it enough, Fiachra was excellent and made me feel very comfortable the whole way through

Toni W.

I've recently been doing some work with Sarah Jane to help me with bruxism. What I really loved about the sessions is that Sarah Jane made it simple for me to understand the process and how it all works. I needn't have worried - I found the sessions to be very calming and I've also learned some invaluable techniques that I can use myself.

Robyn N.

I can’t recommend Fiachra highly enough. From our first call he instantly put me at ease, and from just the second session I noticed a huge shift in my perspective. He has a way of guiding you to trust your own instincts and approach things differently, which has been genuinely transformative. What’s really stood with me is how approachable and supportive he is - always keeping in touch and available whenever I needed to chat. A brilliant experience and I’m so grateful for his help. Thank you Fiachra!!

Katie C.

I recently did a series of sessions with Caitríona and could not recommend the Hypnosis & Therapy Centre enough. I had fallen into old patterns in the evening and wanted to break free from the guilty and shameful feelings it was leaving me with. Caitríona helped me to focus my energy elsewhere and to break the habit, all within 3 sessions. The freedom this has given me emotionally cannot be described: it is a lovely and exciting feeling to know I am setting a good example for my family and children. It has also had a domino effect elsewhere, where I have stopped procrastinating on big decisions work-wise and actually followed through with them. I would highly recommend.

eoin O.

Catríona has been fantastic over the three sessions & always been available to answer any texts or phone calls I may have needed throughout the week. Really professional service.

Shona F.

I have had 2 sessions so far and I feel like Fiachra has brought me back to life. He has helped me so much. I did not know much about Hypnosis & therapy so I was a bit sceptical at first but its the best decision iv ever made. Fiachra is so knowledgeable and was always available to contact at anytime. He has changed my outlook on life in so many ways. The whole experience so far has been amazing. Thank you Fiachra

Shauna M.

I found the whole experience fantastic and I noticed a difference from the very first session. Both Fiachra and Catriona were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They were approachable and kept in constant communication throughout the whole process. I would recommend them to anyone looking to change a certain aspect of their life.

Niall H.

A massive thank you to the Hypnosis and Therapy centre and to Fiachra. A fantastic experience and amazing benefits seen from the very first session. Fiachra’s level of knowledge and understanding is second to none & really works hard to make sure the benefits are experienced from the very start. I would highly recommend to everyone. Thank you again Fiachra for all your help and continued support.

Mairead

I had an all consuming personal issue . After much research I decided to contact Fiachra  and after an extremely comforting chat I was given  an appointment within 24 hours.
It has turned out to be the best decision I've ever made in my life.
His practice was in a clean and welcoming environment.
Fiachra showed a great ability to listen and was very professional . He was completely non judgemental which allowed me to honestly express myself . His therapy gave  me the ability to help myself. He was very kind and generous with his time, skill and knowledge. After just one session I came away with a complete sense of peace.
My perspective on life has totally changed to one of enjoyment .
Fiachra made it clear that he was available for follow up calls at any time which was extremely comforting to know. Fiachra is priceless and all the money in the world could not pay him for all he has done for me.

Alan O.

My Experience with Fiachra was just amazing, from the moment we chatted he made me feel very comfortable and relaxed. He is exceptional at his job and went above and beyond to help me. I wish you all the best in the future Fiachra and thank you again.

Vi C.

I am so thankful for the help that Fiachra gave me while I was finding it difficult to deal with grief and anxiety. He helped me understand what I was going through. He has a special talent and personality. 5 star all the way ✨️

Ian C.

I couldn't recommend Caitríona any more. Before my sessions I was suffering which chronic post Covid anxiety and panic attacks. Her sessions with me have been life changing and happy to say I'm back to myself. Anyone who is suffering with similar challenges should definitely contact the Hypnosis & Therapy Centre, you won't regret it! Ian

Brian S.

I recently had a hypnosis session with Fiachra and it was an amazing experience! From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and at ease. Fiachra guided me into a deep state of relaxation, and I was surprised at how effective the session was.

The personalised suggestions were spot on, and I noticed positive changes almost immediately afterward. I left feeling lighter, more focused, and motivated. I highly recommend him] for anyone looking to explore hypnosis. It truly was a transformative experience!

Melissa

Having completed 3 sessions with Fiachra, I can confidently say I feel so much better in myself and dealing with anxiety. Fiachra provided constant support via phone calls/text and even voice notes which I found extremely useful to listen back over to whenever I needed. Fiachra has instilled so much confidence in me and my ability to “deal with it as it happens” which is my new favourite phrase. I can’t emphasise enough how the support I received was 7 days a week, through weekends and even while abroad I was able to check in with Fiachra and stay on top of things. Hypnotherapy with Fiachra has been an amazing investment in myself and one I’d highly highly recommend

E F.

I found the sessions very beneficial and transformative from a mindset point of view. While I went into the sessions looking to break bad habits and reduce anxiety, I've found they changed my general outlook and made me more confident and less anxious as a result. I'm not quite sure how it works but I'm very happy that the sessions have had a positive impact on me and I've noted continous improvements since completing them

Arlene

Cannot thank Fiachra enough! The experience was phenomenal - it brought me from a place of constant internal churn of negative feelings and frustration to one of calm, positivity and self acceptance, even after just one session. I was, and still am, amazed by how easy the process was and moreover, that it has sustained ever since! Each session improved on the outcome of the previous and I am so happy that I made the decision to give this a try. I feel better than I have in years, it’s hard to put into words what impact that has, only that I’m very grateful!

Maitha A.

Fiachra was an incredible support throughout my journey to overcome my challenges with presenting. He guided me step by step, showing me a new approach that I hadn't encountered before. If you're looking to transform your mindset and approach to something you find difficult, Fiachra is the person to help you do it. Highly recommend—thanks again!

Dolores H.

Hi
I went to Fiachra in May 2024 for really bad anxiety and panic attacks! Which severely affected my driving , so it was very debilating and totally awful. I spoke to Fiachra over the phone and went to see him and he totally got it.
He made me feel totally at ease and assured me I could conquer this after 10 years of trauma I had been through.
He was a super guy and was always at the end of the phone to help me.
Couldn’t recommend him enough.
Dolores

Aaron M.

I had a really bad fear of flying so bad that I actually jumped out of a plane a few months ago before it took off. I booked in with Fiachra and after 2 sessions I was up in the small planes in weston airport. After 4 sessions I went to spain and flew so comfortable I was able to really enjoy it. I would definitely recommend giving it a try I put it off as i didnt think it would work but it definitely did. Fiachra also took numerous phone calls and helped me with other issues I had going on, his service is 10/10.

Day D.

I've had an issue with public speaking for a very long time and booked some sessions. After only 1 session I could see the positive difference it had and overall boost in my confidence let alone public speaking. After only 4 sessions and when I had to speak in front of a crowd it just came so natural and had no fear prior to speaking and as I got into the speech more and more it came so natural. Thank you so much for your help.

Andrea S.

I found hypnosis and therapy centre online as I was desperate to try anything that would aliviate my constant panic attacks and living on edge. I booked 3 in person sessions with Fiachra. I was super anxious heading to my first session but only a few minutes after entering and meeting Fiachra I felt comfortable and at ease. Fiachra is really amazing at what he does. I really felt lighter and much more relaxed after each session and my panic attacks were essentially none existent. Fiachra always insisted that I contact him whenever I needed and he would be there to help. A year later I could feel things were starting to slip for me again I was starting to feel panic coming back on. I reached out to Fiachra and he instantly got back to me and very kindly provided me with an online session out of his own time and at no cost to me. Just after chatting to him I felt better. I don't know how this works but it does. Fiachra is such a genuine guy and is really there to help. I am so grateful I crossed his path. Thank you for everything Fiachra !

Mary M.

Professional and seamless experience
The whole experience from the beginning was seamless and very professional. Fiachra was available to chat by phone outside of our scheduled hour. I can’t believe the difference the sessions have made to my life.

Margo R.

I don't know how this process works as it seems so effortless but let me tell you it does. I have lived a very self-conscious anxiety driven half-life up to now, afraid to give life my best shot.
The sessions with Fiachra showed me how to re-frame things in my head and now everything is different. I feel lighter, I'm just not carrying the weight of the world, I'm the one organising re-unions! Think well, sleep well, live well, that's the new motto!
I would genuinely recommend this experience, it's so supportive, positive, transformative. Thanks a million.

Zara P.

I contacted the Hypnosis and Therapy centre to resolve my fear of driving. I didn’t know what to expect as I had never done hypnotherapy before but I saw all the amazing reviews and that helped me decide as I had not found a way to deal with my fear of driving. I had three sessions with Fiachra and his therapy has been life-changing for me. I’ve experienced improvements in all areas of my life, I realised I had had a lot of anxiety that I don’t have any more I feel so aligned with myself and free of fears and worries. And I have no problem driving any more. I wish I had done it long time ago.
I did in-person sessions with Fiachra - the space was cosy and quiet. Fiachra is brilliant at what he does! He is very generous with his time as well.
I’d highly recommend the Hypnosis and Therapy Centre to anyone considering it! It’s been an incredible improvement of my life. Thank you, Fiachra!

dave R.

Where do I start... For most of my life I've suffered with anxiety and always trying to avoid meetings or engagement or even family gatherings with the fear my anxiety would get the better of me. It got to the stage where I had to do something about it as I had an important job interview coming up which I didn't think I'd even get shortlisted for. So I contacted Fiachra and from the first phone call I felt a huge weight had been lifted of my shoulders its so weird I'm one of them people I was sceptical about the whole thing. But after a session you feel the change and have that spring in your step , I done 5 session's and its changed my outlook on life completely I've learned so much from it. To anyone who is in the same boat as myself just try it out its life changing and well worth every penny. Fiachra is brilliant and makes you so comfortable straight away. So anyone thinking of Hypnosis I'd recommend this company.

Cheers Again Fiachra.

Oh and I got the job........

Tiffany Q.

Caitriona and I worked together after I had a bad fall from my horse to retrain my subconscious and get my confidence back. I was very satisfied with the hypnotherapy and the results are becoming more apparent as time goes on.

Fiona H.

A really fantastic experience with Fiachra over the course of the 5 sessions and many phone calls(I have to add the phone calls were at no extra cost and he really encouraged me to keep in touch between sessions to ask anything or clarify anything I wanted). He taught me how to see things in a different way, put a different perspective on the way we view how we think and act. His many analogies will stick with me forever as they really ingrain in my head this new way of thinking. He was easy to talk to, very easy to listen to and be guided by and very encouraging. It was a thoroughly worthwhile experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has anything at all in their lives they'd like to resolve. Thank you so much Fiachra for your generous time and the huge effort you put into each session and call.

Oonagh

The experience was truly life changing. Through a series of online sessions, Fiachra has helped me overcome childhood trauma and be my true self. I see life now through a totally different lens and can honestly say I am content with every aspect of my life. And if I'm not I can adult my way to resolving anything life throws at me rather than resorting to self destructive ways of thinking and acting.
Fiachra is so easy to talk to and you know from the first conversation that you are in safe hands. I cant recommend him enough. Thank you!

Paraic

For years, I battled with insomnia and its ripple effects on every aspect of my life, from my energy levels to my overall well-being. I found myself relying on over-the-counter meds to cope, which only exacerbated my confidence and aniexty issues in both personal and professional life..
Working with Fiachra has truly transformed my life. His approach to simplifying perceived complex issues and guiding me towards the “natural” path has been nothing short of a complete gamechanger. If you feel you are suffering,or in any sort of rut. I cannot recommend Fiachra highly enough
Thank you, Fiachra

Emer F.

I have had an incredible experience working with Fiachra over the last number of weeks. After trying a lot of different psychological approaches and techniques to build my inner confidence, Fiachra's approach is the only one that has really worked. In just a few weeks, I feel so much more at ease in myself and I feel I am back to being my natural self and huge positive things are happening in all areas of my life as a result of this work. The key in getting the best from Fiachra's work is to just trust the process and to trust that if its really easy its because its meant to be easy. I recommend everyone should see Fiachra no mattter where they are in their lives and I can't wait for him to write a book, I'm already pre-ordering it!!

Amy K.

I did a few sessions with Caitriona and I have to say I am really feeling the difference in myself. Before my sessions I was struggling with stress management but after speaking with Caitriona, who was very warm, caring and professional through out, I feel so much more at ease and more prepared to deal with the stresses of everyday life. The sessions were always so relaxing and I always looked forward to them! Thank you so much for all your help Caitriona!

Dave M.

I would highly recommend speaking with Fiachra. He changed my perspective on a number of limiting thought processes. Everything from learning to understand anxiety, thinking positively and really looking at how you see and treat yourself. Before the course he said my mind would be blown - I was sceptical, but it really was. A great guy too! If you're looking for a change - then this is a really good start.

Cian I.

Very professional and friendly service. I did 5 online sessions with Caitriona to quit smoking after 20 years, after every session I felt more relaxed and more confident in my ability to make the choice to not smoke. Coming into the busy holiday period I'm so happy to know that I won't be picking up the smoking habit again. Recommended for anyone who thinks they can never stop smoking but want to.

tristan mc L.

I had 5 sessions with Fiachra and am finished a few weeks now . I was suffering with awful panic attacks and riddled with Anxiety for a couple of years to the point where I could not take it anymore . I was willing to try anything so after some research I found Fiachra . I went into this a bit sceptical but with a very open mind . OK to say it worked is an understatement, I am blown away by the results as I am back to my old self full of confidence and happy go lucky exactly what I wanted from this therapy . I'm very very happy with the outcome 100% satisfied.
And as an added bonus if you will I told Fiachra about a huge phobia I had of needles in my veins ie to give blood etc . So Fiachra said I would have this phobia no more so I booked a full health check and today I went to the clinic and gave blood "without passing out as that's what had happened when I tried to give a blood test 14 years ago " . So all in all thank you so much for changing my life and my mindset and outlook on life in general . 🌟😊

Jason

Although I will probably never understand how hypnotherapy works, it does and I don’t need to understand. How I will feel in 6 months time I have no idea but what I can say is my mindset is much more calmer with the destructive thoughts that have been haunting me very much in the distance and not able to intrude any more. That is all I asked for, no one can be happy all the time but everyone deserves to have peace of mind and Fiachra has given that to me

Sabrina M.

Thank you so much Catriona for helping me with my anxiety and fear I am forever grateful and known I have your support means so much
Highly recommend ye guys x
Done the online zoom it was so relaxing and the support Aswell from Catriona and fiachra

Luca G.

Hi there, I had the pleasure to have some sessions with Caitriona, and I felt different afterwards.
I haven't been smoking in the last week and a half, some days after our last session, I'm really happy.
It took some time before I was able to make that decision for myself, to finally quit, and now all feels way better.
Thanks a lot for your help
Luca

Mj

Had a great experience with Caitríona she really helped me overcome with binge eating. Caitríona is lovely and really understanding. Would highly recommend

María Eugenia M.

Excellent experience. I really recommend it to anyone. I could not be happier with my results. Many thanks!

Shane M.

I was suffering from chronic insomnia, high anxiety and nervous tension before seeing Fiachra. I had several visits to my doctor, who, after realising that I hadn't slept in over a year, recommended that I go to a sleep clinic. I had been taking OTC medications and other sleeping aids. Having read the reviews Hypnosis and Therapy Centre, I decided to give it a go. My sessions were on line. The best way to describe my experience is that it has been transformative! My life has transformed for the better and I cannot thank Fiachra enough for his guidance and encouragement. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking to regain control of their life.

Lorna C.

What a wonderful investment and experience, I dealt with Caitríona and found her empathy and guidance fantastic.
In this hectic life I think this is something which would benefit everyone at least once per year. Thank you Caitríona.

Ireland’s Mental Health Condition

According to the OECD report, mental health problems have cost the Irish economy over € 8.2 billion annually. It has one of the highest rates of mental illness in Europe, ranking third out of 36 countries surveyed in the annual Health at a Glance report. It was also recorded that 18.5 percent of the Irish population was recorded as having a mental health disorder, such as bipolar, anxiety, depression or alcohol and drug abuse. Depression rates were also well above the European average for both men and women.

These reports tell us that mental health should be given a greater priority. The most significant question we need to ask of ourselves is whether or not these thoughts happen significantly enough and cause enough distress to be considered a problem. If that is the case, we need to seek professional help.

Hypnosis and Therapy Centre: Mental Health and Intrusive Thoughts

We have helped thousands of people since 2004, and as a small, Irish, family-run business we will continue to help people regain control in their lives!

We offer a Free Phone Consultation or Complimentary Breakthrough Session to discuss the process and answer your questions so get in touch to get back in control of YOUR life.