My last ERP therapist was aggressive. Not sure if it’s supposed to be that way but I always felt worse after our sessions. Is that suppose to happen? Can ERP not work for everyone?
For me, I didn’t like therapy because my therapist did not give me reassurance for my anxiety. That can be off putting for someone with OCD that is used to everyone reassuring them. But the goal is to not seek reassurance anymore
Hello! Generally speaking, I think that you have to find the right therapist, I think the development of rapport is key to any good therapeutic alliance. If the first therapist wasn't a fit then I think you keep looking- I went through a few before finding the right fit. In terms of OCD- I would just caution that OCD may try and convince you that you don't want to do the treatment or find sneaky ways to sabotage your progress. Not saying that is what this is- just keep it in mind. Make sure avoidance isn't at work. But if you felt like you needed something else then definitely find what you need, you deserve that.
Hi, I went through a couple of therapists before liking one. Make sure they are experts at OCD and have treated others before. I can see why after a session you feel worse. Your therapist gives you/ you do exposure during the session that heightens your anxiety. When you leave the session you have to deal with that anxiety alone. Maybe ask your therapist for ways to deal with anxiety afterwards if that is the reason you feel worse after.
I am sorry that you are having a difficult time. It is common to feel worse after doing ERP at first, because we are learning something new and it will take our brain a while to accept our new response. That being said, I think it is important to be comfortable with the therapist you are working with or I would think, although I can't be sure, that it would have an impact on your recovery. Communication is key - so if the therapist is moving too fast or asking you to do something that you are not ready to do, you need to voice that to the therapist. You are in charge of your care, but if the therapist is unaware of how you feel, then he or she cannot fix it. I hope that you find someone that you are comfortable working with and are able to continue the ERP therapy.
I find while doing exposures, rarely does my anxiety lessen. It usually amps up and stays that way for the remainder of the day. I could be having a fairly decent day, but dutifully do my exposures and then the rest of my day is anxiety filled. I guess that’s just how it is now? Also, I’m wondering if my therapist even believes I have OCD. I totally understand my therapist cannot provide reassurance. But it’s to the point it seems my therapist acts like I actually did the thing I fear. I feel so isolated.
Every therapist I’ve tried for OCD has felt dehumanizing and judgy, as if I’m the threat not my OCD. I’m still looking for a good therapist. Have you ever had a bad therapy experience?
I read about ERP and have seen information about it on here. One of the goals is to say, "maybe I am this or that...ect." That terrified me. The thoughts and images that go in my head are disturbing and upsetting. I don't want to even think about saying, "maybe this or that." It's devasting to have these thoughts and question why you're having these thoughts. Doesn't the "maybe" make it worse? The one thing that helps me is that is to remind myself that these are just thoughts and I know I'm not a monster, even if I feel like one. Is ERP not for everyone? Has anyone else had a problem with the techniques used in this kind of therapy? I had cognitive therapy for years with an OCD specialist and that seemed to help a lot. Writing out the worst case scenarios would make me suicidal. Im having a difficult time not obsessing over the "maybe" after intrusive thoughts now. It doesn't make it better.
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