Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that individuals feel compelled to perform.

These behaviors are often driven by intense fears or intrusive thoughts, leading to significant distress and interference with daily life.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is considered the “gold standard” in treating OCD and falls under the umbrella of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

The basic principles of ERP for OCD is to face your fears without engaging in rituals.

Key Aspects of OCD

• Repetitive Behaviors: Engaging in actions like repeatedly checking doors or appliances, excessive cleaning, or arranging items in a specific order.

• Intrusive Thoughts: Experiencing unwanted, persistent thoughts that are difficult to dismiss and can cause significant anxiety.

• Seeking Reassurance: Frequently seeking confirmation from others to alleviate fears and doubts.

Empowering Through ERP

ERP involves gradually and systematically exposing individuals to the thoughts, images, or situations that trigger their obsessions, while teaching them to resist the urge to perform compulsive behaviors.

The Exposure component of ERP refers to gradually confronting the thoughts, images, objects, and situations that make you anxious and/or provoke your obsessions.

The Response Prevention part of ERP refers to not doing the compulsive behavior once the anxiety or obsessions have been triggered.

Over time, ERP will retrain your brain to no longer see the obsession as a threat.

ERP in Practice

Psychoeducation about OCD, the symptoms, treatments, and other information to help better understand what can help.

Engaging with the specific triggers of OCD without giving in to compulsive behaviors.

• Facing the distressing thoughts and the uncertainty that comes along with them and learning how to tolerate the uncertainty.

• Intentional action of resisting engaging in compulsions or avoidance behaviors..

• Delaying rituals by increasing the time between obsession and compulsion.

• Modifying rituals which can aid in recognizing that obsessions do not materialize when the usual ritual is not performed.

Contact Julie at Reframe CBT to learn how ERP can help you or your loved one with OCD.