Therapy For Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by patterns of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, which are often distressing for the individual experiencing them. Around 1% of the world population is estimated to have OCD, but various treatments are available. If you're looking to find a therapist who can help address your OCD symptoms, getting familiar with the most effective types of therapeutic treatment for OCD and how to find a therapist who is convenient for you to meet with can be beneficial.
What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
There are many false myths and stereotypes about OCD showcased in the media. and perpetuated in popular culture. That’s why it’s important to understand that OCD is a serious mental illness, not simply a clean, organized, or hyper-focused personality type.
- Contamination fears and compulsions
- Organizational fears and compulsions
- Harm fears and compulsions
- Intrusive thoughts (severely distressing and unwanted images or ideas)
- Rumination
- Checking behaviors, including reassurance seeking
- Inappropriately aggressive or sexual thoughts
- Fears regarding morality, values, and lawful behavior
- Fears regarding self-control
OCD compulsions
The thoughts that a person with OCD has are often unwanted and distressing and may even involve explicit themes. The thoughts may go against the person's values, which can cause them to worry that because they are experiencing the thoughts, they believe in them or want to enact them in real life.
- Checking
- Washing
- Skin picking
- Counting
- Organizing
- Repeating mantras
- Seeking reassurance
- Avoidance
Regardless of the content of the thoughts, those living with OCD may spend their time and energy controlling or trying to eliminate them. Those with OCD may also recognize that their urges are not logical and they may feel shame about them. The cycle can be detrimental to the individual's mental health and may also impact their relationships (which is especially common with subtypes like ROCD), work, and other aspects of theirlife.
If you haven't been diagnosed with OCD but feel that the key symptoms match your experiences, consider contacting a mental health professional like a therapist to confirm your OCD diagnosis through testing, and/or interviewing. Note, however, that you do not need any kind of OCD or other diagnosis to reach out for support from a therapist.
OCD and other conditions
How is OCD treated?
Just a few decades ago, OCD was considered untreatable. However, there are now several effective treatment options available for this condition. Certain forms of therapy, are usually the first line of treatment—particularly cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure and response prevention therapy.
One widely recognized treatment for OCD is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is also used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a form of talk therapy designed to challenge a client's unwanted or distorted thought patterns and shift them toward more constructive or positive ones. Learning to recognize such thoughts is usually the first step, which may be helped along through certain mindfulness-based practices.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP), also sometimes referred to as exposure and ritual prevention (EXRP), is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy commonly used to treat OCD. The premise of exposure and response prevention or ERP therapy is that by subjecting the client to triggers of their anxious thoughts and helping them resist the urge to perform their compulsions, they may become desensitized to them over time. Exposure can be done in two ways:
- Exposure In vivo: This method involves physically confronting the causes of obsessive thoughts. For instance, touching a public object and abstaining from hand-washing could reduce the fear of germs over time.
- Imaginal exposure: In imaginal exposure, the client imagines the distressing obsessions and their perceived consequences. This technique might be used for explicit situations that cannot be practiced or faced in person ethically, such as the themes of some intrusive thoughts.
Before you begin exposure and response prevention therapy, your therapist may ask you to rate each of your fears surrounding not partaking in compulsions or facing your intrusive thoughts on a scale of zero to 100. They may then start with exposure to the lowest fears and move up over time. Using a graded worksheet, the therapist can then ask you to measure your stress levels during exposure. When your anxiety levels go down, it can show that you are progressing.
The effectiveness of CBT and ERP
How to find an OCD counselor in your area
There are a few ways to find a therapist who has expertise in working with individuals experiencing OCD. One is to search online for " OCD therapists near me.” Or, you can contact your insurance company if applicable and ask for a list of providers in or near your zip code who are in network. Once you find providers within a commutable distance, you can call and ask if they're accepting new patients for OCD treatment and what their rates are. You can also look into the provider’s credentials and any reviews you may be able to find to help you make your decision. If you find someone who seems like a good fit, you can schedule a session.
Alternative counseling options
If you do not have insurance, are having trouble finding therapy options in your area, or would simply prefer to engage in therapy for treating OCD from home, you might also consider online therapy for OCD.
Through an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed therapist who you can meet with via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging.
Takeaway
Can OCD go away on its own?
Can OCD be treated without medication?
Although medications may sometimes be used to support the management of symptoms of OCD, they generally can’t treat OCD completely, and they may not be appropriate in all cases. Therapy is often a more effective form of treatment for OCD.
What kind of therapist is best for OCD?
Can a regular therapist help with OCD?
Is OCD therapy expensive?
How can I cure my OCD naturally?
Is a psychiatrist or therapist better for OCD?
What triggers OCD?
Who should I consult for OCD?
Is OCD a personality disorder?
What is the first line of treatment for OCD?
How do I stop OCD thoughts?
What causes OCD to get worse?
What happens if OCD is not treated?
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