In this blog, we will learn more about Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the critical core of CBT treatment for OCD. In short, ERP is an evidence-based therapeutic approach for people with OCD. Initially, it was thought to work by a principle of HABITUATION (reduced response to the stimulus on repeated exposure). Still, it is…
The following three elements of inhibitory learning include surprise, combining fear cues and variety. Considering the third element, surprise, this works when the outcome of an exposure and feared belief are hugely mismatched. For example., if one has an obsessive fear that someone will break into their house if they do not repeatedly check the…
In this blog, we will learn about how to do imaginal exposure. Triggers such as pictures and scripts can be used for imaginal exposure. One must remember the following essential points when writing a script for imaginal exposure. You can write about 4-5 scripts. The scripts must be in the “future tense” to make it…
An example of how you can start imaginal exposure. The first step to start ERP therapy is to brainstorm all thoughts and compulsive rituals that distress you. Write down as many as you can and highlight next to them, classifying the symptoms as mild, moderate or severe. Mild symptoms cause less than 30% distress; symptoms…
An example of how you can start situational exposure. Situational exposure, in contrast to imaginal exposure, is what you do practically. A combination of both types will work best. However, some cues may not be possible to do it practically. Hence, imaginal exposure will be more suited. The first step to starting ERP therapy is…
In this blog, we will discuss any practical problems you might have in encountering imaginal or situational exposure and how sometimes a combination of ACT and mindfulness techniques and CBT can work. Sometimes, a grade or step in exposure might be too distressing, or you might fall back a few steps during times that are…
In this blog, we can look at some ACT metaphors that you can read to overcome symptoms of OCD. This will include, Leaves on the stream Think about your thoughts as leaves on the stream. They could be intrusive, but they pass through the stream, and you don’t have to stop them. Reacting or…
Embarking on your ERP and CBT journey at home requires diligent planning and daily practice. This preparation is critical to your success. Goal setting : When we ask people about their goals, they might say they want to eliminate their OCD. Though this might be a valid goal, having a goal aimed at perfection…
In this blog, let us look at some subtypes of OCD and what might be the obsessive thoughts and compulsive rituals for this. Type 1 is Obsessive thoughts related to accidental harm. The obsessive thoughts include fear of harming self, fear of hurting others, intrusive violent thoughts, fear of blurting out obscenities, fear of acting…
This blog will concentrate on how a family of a person with OCD can respond to their symptoms and help them with recovery. Sometimes, when people suffer from OCD for a long time and do not seek help, the OCD symptoms become part of their personality. The family might need psychoeducation to understand what OCD…
