Have you heard that ERP will make OCD worse? What do you think?

This is absolutely true! I'm so sorry that you experienced this. We hear about these stories so many times. I actually had a few bad experiences before coming to NOCD. To tell the truth, I still had my doubts because of those bad experiences but this condition is so much worse without this type of therapy, at least it was for me!

On the IOCD website you can find recommended questions to ask the therapist before beginning therapy.

I understand! This is a fear for everyone. I have had what I considered "bad" therapists but they weren't bad, they just weren't knowledgeable about what was needed for me. OCD can look like a lot of different conditions, so if someone isn't educated properly they may assume that a person has other comorbidities. Unfortunately, it's hard to find an expert. That's why I was so happy to have finally found NOCD!

@Estrid - Yes, you can find this here! https://iocdf.org/ocd-finding-help/how-to-find-the-right-therapist/

@BoogerBrains77 Or being given the “wrong dose”

@ But what about when you genuinely do have co-morbidity with other conditions?

@Anonymous - Very true! This can truly be a trial and error experience to say the least.

@carosyrup - This is the reason to get an expert that can assess you on multiple conditions, those that understand this condition know what is OCD and what the comorbidities are as well. I have BRFBs, PTSD, ADHD and other conditions that OCD definitely worked alongside with for years. As I started getting the proper treatment for each, I was able to gain my life back.

Yes!!

Yes, the thoughts will feel real but that's how OCD keeps us stuck. https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/why-ocd-feels-so-real

Write "ERP" in the search function and you will have a lot of information about Exposure with Response Prevention

HI! Here’s a quick overview of ERP. It’s a treatment that teaches you how to effectively respond to OCD thoughts, images, and urges. It’s the most proven way to get better and reduce your OCD symptoms quickly. After the consistent practice of ERP you’ll find that your anxiety doesn’t climb as high and doesn’t last as long. ERP stands for Exposure and Response Prevention. During ERP, you’ll gradually confront situations and triggers that cause you anxiety and discomfort, but instead of doing the actions that make your thoughts stop, you’ll learn to sit with the anxiety and accept the uncertainty behind the thought. Triggering your fears on purpose is the “Exposure” part. The “sitting with anxiety” (resisting compulsions) is called “Response Prevention.” Eventually, you’ll find that the anxiety is significantly minimized over time.

Agreed! Practice consistently and you'll reap the benefits for sure (at least this was true for me).

Its not worse, its working! OCD can't stand for us to try to get better and think differently. I looked at this as being OCD's final tantrum. I was learning a new way to react to the thoughts, images and urges without compulsions and OCD was not happy. This therapy literally saved my life!

I love to hear that! This was my attitude and what led to my determination as well. Have you tried ERP before?