The Role Of An OCD Therapist In Managing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that can impact a person’s daily life in a number of ways. A person with OCD often experiences obsessions, which are repetitive thoughts that a person cannot control, and compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors related to the obsessions. While obsessive and compulsive behaviors often affect how a person interacts with the world, .
For individuals living with OCD, it may be beneficial to work with a team of mental health professionals, including an OCD therapist. An OCD specialist may have a variety of techniques and strategies for managing symptoms, and they can work with you holistically to develop an OCD treatment plan.
In this article, we’ll explore the role of an OCD therapist in managing OCD and how to find a therapist who is a good fit for your needs.
Understanding obsessive-compulsive disorder
Although the term “OCD” is often used casually as a way of describing someone who is neat or extremely organized, obsessive-compulsive disorder is an official disorder that is recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). OCD can only be diagnosed by a mental health professional, who may ask about various common obsessions and compulsions, including:
Obsessions
- Fear of losing or forgetting something
- Fear of germs or illness
- Fear of losing control
- Desire to have organization or perfect symmetry
- Consistent and unwanted or taboo thoughts
Compulsive behaviors
- Cleaning or washing hands in excess
- Organizing things in a highly particular way
- Checking things repeatedly
- Repeating words silently or out loud
A person with OCD often cannot control these behaviors, even if they are aware of them and want them to stop. Also, engaging in these obsessions and compulsive behaviors may not bring a person with OCD pleasure; instead, engaging in a compulsive behavior may serve as a way of relieving anxiety related to an obsession. OCD may impact a person’s daily life, making it challenging to function or perform tasks at school or work or to build interpersonal relationships.
The role of an OCD therapist
An OCD therapist is a mental health professional who has undergone training to treat OCD and related disorders. While a general therapist may have a cursory understanding of OCD, OCD therapists may have more extensive experience in treating OCD and a better understanding of which techniques are most effective. When selecting a therapist for OCD, you might look for them to have additional training that targets OCD specifically.
An OCD therapist may also be experienced in working with medical doctors and psychiatrists to develop a cohesive plan for medication and psychotherapy that can effectively reduce OCD symptoms. They may use various types of therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy, to treat OCD. An OCD therapist may also provide techniques for making lifestyle changes that may positively impact OCD, such as developing routines, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep.
Approaches and techniques used by OCD therapists
Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be highly individualized, and symptoms may present themselves in different ways for different people. OCD therapists may use a variety of strategies that are designed to target your specific symptoms. Although there can be some differences in treatment, there are a few commonly used forms of therapy or techniques to manage OCD. These include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT is a therapeutic technique in which a person identifies negative thought patterns or triggers and learns to change them or reframe them in the moment. For example, a person living with OCD may have a fear of sickness that leads them to believe that if they touch a door knob, they will get sick and die. Using CBT, an OCD therapist may prompt the person to pause and identify this trigger and think about how unlikely it is that they will get sick, especially if they wash their hands before eating.
CBT can serve as a way for individuals with OCD to start small, recognize their thought patterns, and make some changes. It can be important to understand that this may be a slow process and that a person may not be able to fully replace behaviors at first. In some cases, CBT may be used as a precursor to related therapies, such as exposure and response prevention.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP)
Exposure and response prevention therapy is a subset of CBT and is to treat OCD. With ERP, a therapist may help a person identify a trigger or fear and slowly and gradually increase the exposure to that fear, talking through how to respond.
This could look different for different types of OCD. For example, a person who experiences an obsession with germs may have the compulsion to clean a surface that they see as contaminated. With ERP, a therapist may start by having the person get close to the surface. They may eventually ask the person to touch the surface without cleaning it. If they are successful, they may gradually increase the severity of contamination with the end goal of showing that nothing bad will happen if the compulsion is not performed. Over time, this can change the way a person thinks about their obsessions and can help them function in the real world more effectively.
Mindfulness and acceptance and commitment therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has been recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA) as an evidence-based treatment for OCD. ACT is a type of therapy that is based on mindfulness techniques and self-reflection. The underlying premise of ACT is that we cannot control everything that happens to us in the present moment, and trying to change or control things like OCD can bring more anxiety and make the condition worse. This does not mean that a person undergoing ACT accepts that their OCD symptom will never get better. Rather, it can help a person with OCD to think flexibly and live in the present.
Acceptance and commitment therapy may have As a person progresses through ACT, they often learn that thoughts are just thoughts and anxious feelings related to OCD are just emotions.
Parts of the therapeutic process
Finding an OCD therapist who is a good match for you may be an important first step in managing symptoms of OCD. Some people try out a couple of therapists before finding a good match.
Online therapy can be beneficial for individuals with OCD and may allow for increased flexibility when looking for a therapist. With online therapy, you can fill out a questionnaire that allows you to be matched with a therapist who meets your preferences, including those based on gender, sexual orientation, and specialization. With online therapy, you can attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection via audio, video, or live chat. This also means that you can conveniently attend sessions without commuting to an office.
Initial assessment and diagnosis
After you find a therapist that you want to work with, they may begin by performing an initial assessment of your symptoms. They may ask questions regarding the history of your symptoms, how severe they are, and how often you experience them. OCD can have genetic components as well, so a therapist may also ask for your family’s mental health history.
Your OCD therapist may take the information from your initial assessment and use the DSM-5 to make a diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with OCD, your therapist can begin developing a treatment plan specifically designed to improve your symptoms and reduce the impact of OCD on your life. Even if you are not diagnosed with OCD, a therapist may still develop a plan to help you reduce feelings of anxiety.
Developing a treatment plan
Treatment plans for OCD may vary based on the individual and their symptoms and may involve a combination of psychotherapeutic techniques and medication. While a therapist cannot prescribe medication, they may work with a doctor or a psychiatrist who prescribes medication for OCD symptoms.
Individuals who can’t attend in-person therapy may benefit from online therapy. Online treatment or therapy techniques for treating OCD have been shown to be highly effective at reducing symptoms. In an online environment, a licensed OCD therapist can help a patient recognize their thought patterns and reframe their cognitive structures around OCD. This can reduce symptoms over time and empower patients to reduce anxiety when OCD symptoms do occur.
Ongoing therapy and support
After an intensive treatment plan, an OCD therapist may continue to provide ongoing therapy and support. While OCD symptoms may go away, it is always possible that new situations or stressors may cause them to flare up again. A therapist may continue to develop strategies for managing symptoms in all areas of life and improving a person’s overall mental health and well-being.
It may also be beneficial for a person with OCD to build a support network outside of therapy. Letting people in your life know about your OCD can be a way to reduce stigma and find additional support after therapy. Family members and friends may be able to notice changes in personality, emotions, or demeanor over time, which can help a person with OCD manage symptoms.
Takeaway
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