Parents interfering with therapy. Hi all. My mom does not know much about OCD. She wants me to stop using my NOCD therapist and see a different therapist that does not do ERP. She thinks that doing exposures is wromg and makes me worse.

I’m sorry you’re going through. I’m glad you’re sticking to erp!

That is a great idea

Thanks!! I am going to just ignore what she says. She is not the expert.

Is there any support groups near you or over zoom she can attend to hear other people talk about their ocd and the erp therapy. There is a support group in new hamspahire over zoom on Thursday nights and there was a mom who attended last week to get info because her 25 year old daughter has it and the mom did not understand. It seemed very helpful to her.

Oh thank you.

I’m not sure why she thinks it’s wrong but perhaps try using the addiction metaphor with her? Ask if she would give you drugs if you were in pain and going through withdrawals.

I tried explaining that to her and she kicked me out of the house. Then let me back in. I try to explain to her she does not listen. I will not listen to her. Thanks

Try looking over these support groups and hopefully she can attend one https://www.treatmyocd.com/support-groups I am so sorry that you are struggling with this. It is very difficult for a parent to see their child struggle and in pain- and with ERP, initially there may be an increase in anxiety and discomfort but that is actually a good thing- it sounds counterintuitive but that is what makes it work. Maybe your therapist could meet one on one with your mom and explain the intent behind the exposures, if they haven't already done so and give education about why ERP works and how.

Do you have the NOCD app? You can access groups in the app and I would encourage you to sign up for the supporting others with OCD group and the new to NOCD group. And you guessed it! Have your mom there for the groups with you. I think she will learn a lot. However, if she is not accepting then if you have been diagnosed with OCD please stick with ERP. It is the standard for treatment and talk therapy makes OCD worse. Also, is it possible that she thinks you are worse because when you start ERP it does increase your anxiety before you start seeing a reduction? I think she needs some education. You can also let your therapist know and ask if they have any resources to help educate her.