Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
The bully in your brain…
After coming back from the store, you immediately hop in the shower to wash your hair and body five times.
You’re at work writing an email when a thought pops up: “Stop typing, or someone you love will be harmed.”
It’s Saturday night, and you’re watching a crime documentary. But suddenly, it’s no longer just you and your significant other. The bully tells you, “You’re a horrible person, just like that criminal.” You’re later plagued with disturbing thoughts and images about harming someone.
When writing something in your notebook, you retrace the letters of the last word until you feel a sense of completion.
Do you recognize these concerns?
Germs and contamination…
Responsibility for harm, injury, or bad luck…
Symmetry, completeness, and the need to do things “just right”…
Unacceptable thoughts…
These are the four hallmarks of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
OCD loves hanging around.
The intrusive thoughts and images may be like quiet whispers, fleeting within a few minutes. Or they can be more “sticky,” lingering for hours. Their presence can feel ominous, terrifying, and downright debilitating.
So, you give in to the bully’s demands or try to drown out the distress with distraction and reassurance.
But the bully just steps back, drawing another line in the sand.
You can beat OCD at its own game!
No, this is not your average Saturday night board game or video game with cool graphics. Although, like any game, OCD has rules. I will let you in on a few of them (so, yes, there are more).
The reason OCD is so good at convincing you the sky is going to fall or that you’re an awful person is because it plays on your values.
OCD isn’t picky; it may fluctuate between 13 different themes within the four subtypes.
It can even hibernate, leaving you for weeks, making you think it left for good. It’s a relief… until a trigger or stressful event comes up.
Compulsions (what you do to try to eliminate it) are its food source. They may quiet OCD in the short term while it’s eating, but they end up making it stronger.
Let’s show OCD who’s boss!
We will start by identifying your OCD themes through an assessment. You’ll then receive in-depth psychoeducation so you can really know your opponent.
Then, we’ll use an evidence-based treatment called Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. With ERP, we identify your obsessions (thoughts, images, objects, or situations) and ways to face your fears gradually.
In time, you’ll be able to tolerate the uncertainty and distress associated with OCD.
Don’t put your life on hold!
Call today for your free consultation: (856) 200-8205.