Today we have a blog post from one of our Master’s level interns, Grace Clibourn, about OCD. Grace finds it a great honor to walk alongside those who are experiencing hardship.
Her counseling approach is rooted in the sense of hopefulness, and therapy with her feels light, compassionate, and empowering. Understanding that life can be unpredictable; Grace creates an environment that is free of shame and built on a sense of peace.
She believes each person holds within themselves the ability to live a life full of meaning and purpose, no matter the symptoms they may be experiencing today. Grace believes that everyone deserves to have a place to let it out in the presence of someone who is safe, genuine, and caring.
What is OCD?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a mental health condition marked by distressing, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors driven by the need to do certain things to reduce distress and obsessional doubt.
What Are Obsessions and Compulsions?
“Obsessions” are intrusive and can also be made up of images, sensations, and urges. They are ego-dystonic, meaning they go against one’s values. Because of the unwanted nature of these obsessions, individuals struggling with OCD find this experience to be incredibly distressing.
Compulsions can be physical or mental. Physical compulsions may include washing, checking, avoiding, or repeating a behavior. Mental compulsions can look like rumination, distraction, reassurance seeking, or neutralizing the thoughts.
Here’s the deal about intrusive thoughts: everybody has them. Every person on this planet experiences thoughts that they do not enjoy, agree with, or find disturbing. The difference between someone with OCD and someone without OCD is that the person with OCD places value and attention on the thoughts themselves. Someone with OCD experiences these thoughts in cycles and it leads to intense anxiety that interferes with their daily life.
Because of the level of distress that these thoughts, images, sensations, or urges cause, the person with OCD will do things to try and make them go away. The attempts to make the thoughts go away are known as “compulsions”- something you feel compelled to do in order to alleviate the anxiety caused by the obsessions. Compulsions may help in the moment, offering temporary relief, but in reality, compulsions are the behaviors that strengthen the long-term obsession-compulsion cycle.
What To Do To Help With OCD
One of the most commonly used and most effective, evidence-based treatments for OCD is called Exposure Response Prevention (ERP). This is a powerful treatment where the person with OCD practices confronting the thoughts, images, objects, and situations that evoke anxiety and provokes obsessions (exposure). The response prevention piece means intentionally refraining from engaging in a compulsion once obsessions and anxiety are triggered. Eventually, anxiety goes down on its own rather than an individual using a compulsion to lower anxiety.
If you are or your loved one has OCD, you are not alone and I see you.
Resource: If you are interested in this type of therapy, I encourage you to reach out to us here at Anchored Counseling Company. We have many trained therapists who specialize in ERP therapy and we would love to support you on your journey. Fill out our contact form here and we will get you set up with one of our compassionate therapists.
Affirmation: “I am strong, resilient, and I am able to handle uncertainty.”
You Got This!
Grace
The professionals here create an environment that is supportive and affirmed, informed by an understanding of trauma. At Anchored Counseling Co., there’s a shared belief in the fundamental worth of each person, and therapy is delivered with warmth and empathy. The therapeutic philosophy here is built on the premise that every client has the natural ability to enact meaningful and enduring change in their life.
To connect with a therapist who aligns with your unique needs, please contact our office at 615-510-3797 or contact us here.
