In this blog, we will learn how to challenge another unhelpful thinking pattern that can occur in OCD. The belief that one has an exaggerated sense of responsibility. This can play out when one has an intrusive doubt about whether one has locked the door. The compulsion could include checking the lock repeatedly until one…
This blog considers thinking errors five and six, which can occur in OCD. Thinking error 5 is the unhelpful pattern of overestimating the consequences of one’s actions. This might lead to one feeling excessively responsible and concerned about others, leading to many safety behaviours and compulsions. They may overestimate the danger of their actions and…
In this blog, we are going to consider thinking error 7. Thinking a thought is equivalent to committing the action and makes one a bad person. For example., we can see this pattern in religiosity OCD and harm OCD. Consider a scenario when Mr X, a 30-year-old devoutly religious person and a charitable, hard-working, law-abiding…
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…
