Addictions
Addiction happens when you become overly dependent on something, often when you’re trying to escape from other problems. A person may be be addicted to substances and/or behaviours including alcohol, drugs, food, gambling, sex, the internet and shopping.
Obsessions and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Most people have occasional intrusive, troubling thoughts, but some people can’t get rid of them. People with obsessive compulsive disorder are often overwhelmed by unwanted and disturbing thoughts, images, or urges—known as obsessions. Such obsessions lead to repetitive actions or mental acts that are defined as compulsions. Examples of OCD obsessions include fears about safety, aversion to germs or dirt, and taboo thoughts about sex and violence. If you have OCD, you may have repeated obsessions and compulsions that seem very important and make you feel anxious. Therapy can help you put things in perspective and develop coping mechanisms to help you to deal with your intrusive thought patterns.
Phobias
A phobia is an irrational, intense, persistent fear of certain situations, activities, things or people. It can be an inconvenience or it can take over our lives depending on the fear. Therapy can be very effective in helping you manage your fears so you can have a better quality of life.