4 Important Things to Know Before Starting Therapy for OCD by Robyn Tamanaha, LMFT
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by the occurrence of unwanted intrusive thoughts, images, and urges that involuntarily infiltrate the individual's mind. These thoughts might be centered around cleanliness, order, harm to themselves or others, religion, morality, making mistakes, or something taboo. These thoughts, images, and urges are persistent and can cause major distress that may negatively impact one’s quality of life. In an effort to decrease the magnitude of these thoughts, the individual will engage in repetitive behaviors, also commonly known as compulsions. The experience of intrusive thoughts and compulsions can take up at least two hours per day. This agonizing ordeal may affect various aspects of the individual's life, such as work, school, relationships, and basic self care practices. Despite the overwhelming nature of OCD, therapy can be a highly effective tool for addressing and managing the symptoms of OCD, allowing individuals to regain control of their lives. Through therapy, the individual can embark on a path towards a meaningful recovery and fulfilling life.
1. Embracing Discomfort
OCD want you to be certain 100% of the time. Individuals living with OCD might experience emotions, such as shame and embarrassment, which can make starting therapy feel nerve-racking. These emotional responses are perfectly normal. One important component of OCD therapy involves Exposure & Response Prevention, which includes confronting uncomfortable emotions and responding to them in new ways, rather than engaging in compulsions.
2. Thoughts are Neither Inherently Positive nor Negative
Individuals living with OCD have a tendency to assign meaning to their thoughts and emotions. Oftentimes, the unwelcomed thoughts and images are labeled negatively. Consequently, due to the presence of these intrusive thoughts, individuals may even start to question their own value or self worth. All in all, it’s important to remember that thoughts or images are simply mental events devoid of any actual significance or meaning.
3. Support and Guidance is Available
Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) is the cornerstone of OCD treatment. By using exposures in ERP treatment, the individual confronts their intrusive thoughts, images, urges, and situations that trigger their obsessions. During the exposures, the therapist assists the client with response prevention - resisting the urge to engage in compulsions. This crucial element of ERP helps disrupt the vicious OCD cycle. Through this, the client gets experience sitting with distress and discomfort, starting with low level exposures. Overtime, the therapist will expose the client to more challenging scenarios.
4. Recovery is possible
Since Exposure & Response Prevention is the gold standard treatment, working with a therapist who is experienced administering this therapy will equip you with the right tools to break free from the cycle of OCD. Through this process, you will learn how to manage the OCD cycle through the following:
You will be able to navigate distress without it dictating your behavior
You will be more present with the people in your life
You will be able to utilize ERP strategies when confronted with daily challenges
You don’t have to do this alone. I specialize in treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and use Exposure & Response Prevention with my clients. If you are interested in receiving therapy with me, let’s schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.
I can provide therapy. My office is located in Irvine, which is near Newport Beach, Orange, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Tustin, Seal Beach, and beyond. I provide video therapy to individuals who live in California, including Orange County, San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, at more. I work with OCD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and Asian American & Pacific Islanders.
Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. The topics being discussed are meant as a self-help tool for you own use. It is not psychotherapy or counseling. This information is to be used based on your own judgment. If you need to speak with a professional, you should find one local to you and contact them directly.