Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
If you have OCD, you may often feel overwhelmed by persistent, intrusive thoughts that you can't seem to control. These thoughts might make you feel anxious or fearful, pushing you to engage in repetitive behaviors to try to alleviate that discomfort. You might find yourself constantly questioning whether something is safe or right, leading to a sense of doubt or uncertainty. The need to perform rituals can feel like an urgent compulsion, leaving you drained and frustrated when you can’t complete them. Despite knowing that your thoughts or actions don’t always make sense, you may feel powerless to stop them, leaving you feeling trapped in a cycle of worry and relief.
How Therapy Could Help...
​​ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): You would work with your therapist to identify the negative thought patterns that trigger your compulsions. By challenging these thoughts, you can begin to change your behavior and reduce the need for rituals. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): In ERP, you would gradually face the situations that trigger your anxiety or obsessions, but without performing the compulsive behavior. Over time, this helps you build tolerance to the anxiety and realize that your fears are often unrealistic. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: You may also learn to use mindfulness to stay present in the moment, helping you manage the urge to engage in compulsions and reducing the anxiety that often comes with obsessive thoughts. Understanding Your Triggers: Therapy helps you gain insight into the situations or emotions that trigger your OCD, so you can develop strategies to cope with them without resorting to compulsive actions. Building Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Your therapist will work with you to develop healthier coping mechanisms, which can reduce the overall impact of OCD on your daily life.