Question before diving into therapy

Hi Community. So, I have self-diagnosed OCD. I've struggled with vicious intrusive thoughts since I was a teenager (now 30) I discovered what intrusive thoughts and OCD is only a couple years ago now. I have POCD / False Memory OCD / intrusive thoughts of sexual nature involving family and children. As well as violent intrusive thoughts of things like cannibalism etc. There was a point in my life I felt like a monster, not knowing why I thought these things or couldn't know for certain that I haven't done certain things was eating me alive. After I read a book on intrusive thoughts, I became overwhelmingly relieved to know that the certain mental images I have arent an actual indicator of who I am or what I desire to do. Which has led me to feeling so much better on a day to day basis. However, I still struggle with the anxieties and subtle doubts when ocd/intrusive thoughts pop up. I am wondering if therapy is something I should dive into. I have no therapy experience whatsoever, and am scared of sharing some of the most sickening images and thoughts I have in my head. I am honest to my partner about all my ocd stuff and she is very supportive, and overall I am now able to let most thoughts slide. But when I am put into certain situations like being around children or family, I still have anxiety. Do you think therapy will help me? Can I be confident I wont be condemned and sent to jail for the things I have thought / think about from time to time? Thank you!

Ihatethis

161d ago

I think with a therapist who is familiar with ocd will know that you are harmless and you’ll be able to talk to them about everything

titaniumonetwo

161d ago

Make sure you see a therapist who specialises in OCD like the ones from here. You won’t say anything to them they haven’t heard before and they’ll be supportive and helpful.

NOCD Advocate - Greg J.

157d ago

Hello! I have had the exact worries you did. Definitely therapists that specialize in OCD or therapists on this app know these thoughts are just OCD. You will not be judged and they will truly listen to you. When starting with a therapist it is really important to be truthful with them. Therapists have heard everything before no matter how bad you think the thought is. Therapy can definitely help you as it helped me. You will work with a therapist to gradually face these thoughts without responding to them (ERP therapy). They will be with you every step of the way! A good resource to start would be to look up Ali Greymond on YouTube. If you have any questions on therapy, let me know! You got this!