Excessive Counting Behavior

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People with counting compulsions may count because they feel that certain numbers have a special significance, and therefore specific actions must be performed a certain number of times. For example many people with excessive behavior feel that the number four is especially significant, and will therefore do things in sets of fours. For example if they smoke one cigarette, they may feel a sense of incompleteness unless they smoke three more. So they will count the number of cigarettes to be sure they have met the numerical goal.

People with counting behaviors may also count without thinking about a specific number. They might count their steps when walking, count tiles on the ceiling, or count cars driving past. The counting may be mental or aloud.

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People with counting obsessions do not always have a reason for counting. Even though someone who has contamination fears often knows their washing concerns are overboard, they feel usually feel there is a chance the fear is somewhat based on reality. With numbers, the excessive behavior does not always activate because it is worried about a certain outcome. Often taking 4 steps within say one block on the sidewalk, or looking away from a clock at a certain number may just feel right, rather than be driven by fear. Often people with excessive behavior will have a primary sub-type, i.e. sexual obsessions, but will have the numbers as more of a secondary problem. In cases like this, it is not as stressful or intrusive.

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Although a person with excessive behavior may realize this is just the excessive behavior, they continue to count or heed specific special numbers "just in case" and why tempt karma. These cases add up greatly with excessive behavior, and reinforcing the checking just makes the excessive behavior stronger. Which is why a sufferer may eventually become severe and consumed with counting rituals all day. If numbers are secondary to other excessive behavior concerns, these fears atop of a brain that already is overtaxed can be the final straw.

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Typical types of counting

• Counting steps

• Counting items

• Counting aloud

• Mental counting

• Counting numbers on devices (i.e. on a digital clock, the run time on the DVD player while trying to watch a movie, etc.)

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How Hypnosis can help you?

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Under deep relaxation, our hypnotist may help you to face your fears and stop avoiding them. It might seem smart to avoid the situations that trigger your excessive thoughts, but the more you avoid them, the scarier they feel. Instead, expose yourself to your excessive behaviors triggers, then try to resist or delay the urge to complete your relief-seeking excessive ritual. With hypnosis and imagination you can face your fears to help your excessive counting behavior to disappear. 

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