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 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.
I'm just laying here avoiding being an adult and wondering if during ERP the therapists are mean. Like, is it a "tough love" type of situation? That makes me anxious
Has anyone else had a rough start? I’m 4 sessions in and have had no actual ERP work happen, I have 2 different therapists because none have availability to meet 2 times a week. Both those therapists are not available for the next 2 weeks so now I’m going to see a new 3rd one. Each time I’ve seen a new therapist I feel like the whole first session is spent with them re explaining everything. I’m paying for this out of pocket because they don’t accept Tricare which is my insurance as a Retired Marine. So I’m 960 in, and honestly feel worse than when I started. I get zero suggestions on what to do between sessions and feel so incomplete after my session finishes. I feel like I’ve gotten more help asking chat gpt questions on EPR and how to deal with ROCD than I do in my sessions . Does anyone have any insight or helpful advice here?
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