I’m afraid to talk to my therapist about a particular fear that actually involves them. I don’t want to be switched to another therapist because I make them uncomfortable or they think I’m weird or something. I like my therapist and I don’t want to have to “start over” with someone else. I know that I have to talk about my fears to get better, but I’m scared. Any advice about talking with your therapist about strange thoughts that involve them too?

I don’t know that you necessarily need to tell them. You can work on the erp with them and it should get better over time regardless of who is involved in the thoughts. OCD is just just sneaking it’s way in as it does so I really wouldn’t worry too much about telling them to get relief.

I have had fears about every therapist I’ve worked with. It’s normal. You don’t have to talk about it to progress with ERP.

Hey there! My name is Tyler Devine and I am one of the advocates here at NOCD. I’m sorry you are having a tough time. OCD is a very, very debilitating area in the realm of mental health and anxiety disorders. However, we know this. Saying how hard it is and continuing to dig a deeper hole is not how you win this daily battle. Learning to face OCD head on is something that comes with time and practice. I’m not sure where you are in your journey with OCD, but let me give you some background on myself: I’m 27 years old and have been dealing with ocd since I was young. About five years ago, I finally surrendered to the monster that is OCD (particularly SO-OCD, which if you’re unfamiliar with some of the main subtypes of ocd, is obsessive thoughts, feelings etc of a sexual relation). This is when I walked into my first therapy session with a specialist. Ever since then, I have never looked back. To this day, she is still someone I thank God for as she was a major part of a shift in my life. I know it’s tough but trust a vet like me who has put a lot of time into this stuff when I say you are far from alone. Some big things that helped me tame the beast and still do to this day are meditation, prayer, ERP (both staged and in real time), help from a specialist, faith, and medication (if necessary, as a supplement to your training). All these things combined with a positive attitude toward yourself and your OCD will lead you to victory! Keep helping others and keep utilizing the wonderful community of therapists and people who struggle with the same stuff like you and me. Before you know it, you’ll be a master of fear. I feel like it was yesterday I drug myself to my first appointment with a specialist nearby. To this day, I will always, always thank her for what she did for me to assist me in my journey with ocd. That first surrender is the hardest. Calling OCD out for what it truly is will drastically weaken its force. The more you talk (in any form of therapy) the more you get out of it. Pray for fearlessness often, especially before therapy, and continue to get better. Strength and Prayers, Tyler D