Opening Up to My Therapist about Intrusive Thought

Hi everyone, I decided to join this app because I believe I need more support when it comes to being open about intrusive thoughts and how scary it can be to share them. Yesterday I had a therapy appointment and I decided to open up with her about a recent panic attack I had that followed with intrusive thoughts. I rarely experience them now or can mitigate the anxiety that comes from them because I am on medication, but I thought I wouldn’t be judged and felt comfortable opening up about them to my therapist. Following after that, she began to ask mandated reporter questions and I became scared because she seemed to think I would act on the thoughts I’ve had. So despite me opening up with her about them I feel like I can no longer share because people who have never experienced them think i would act on the intrusive thoughts, when in reality I know I would never and have avoided people, places, and things because of them. Intrusive thoughts are debilitating and cause people to question who they are and go into complete panic! And I guess I’m just frustrated because though there are people who understand it’s still very weird for others and it just saddens me.

Username: VGHVGH

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 1y ago

Thank you for sharing this, and I'm sorry this happened to you. I'm glad you found this community, though, because being able to share your story and get support is essential for recovery. Never give up seeking support and help, it is so worth it to get your life back. There is so much more information out there now about OCD, but your story illustrates that there is so much more that needs to be done to raise OCD awareness. Is changing your therapist anoption for you? Once I found my therapist on this app (Susanne Haase) my life changed dramatically. I had therapy for 4ish years with another OCD therapist (not with NOCD) and although I learned a lot, I didn't really improve. It would just seem that if you're spending time (and money) with a therapist, you would be better served to be putting the time in with someone who truly understands OCD. Take care, and thanks for sharing.

Username: Steven55!Steven55!

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 1y ago

I agree with VGH. My NOCD therapist never did anything like what you experienced. If you fear your therapist you can't recover. Why not get a consultation with NOCD. Couldn't hurt.

Username: MichelleVMichelleV

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 1y ago

I’m sorry you had this experience. It seems to be common for therapists who don’t specialize in OCD, to not understand. I hope you’ll find the support here that you’re looking for-this is a very warm and accepting community.

Username: Lisa LeeLou Lisa LeeLou

User type: NOCD Alumni

Date posted: 1y ago

@Shannon I’m so sorry that you experienced this. As said above, while there Is much more information and understanding now about OCD and OCD symptoms, there is still More that needs to be done. I do think it’s important that those of us with OCD have a therapist who specializes in OCD, most particularly one that specializes in one of the OCD specific treatments such as ERP (Exposure and response prevention). Of course, there could still be more understanding needed from someone in the OCD field, and not every therapist is the right fit. However, I think the chances of a therapist understanding things like intrusive thoughts, and how to address them, are Significantly better, when it’s an OCD therapist. I would definitely encourage you to consider reaching out to the NOCD care team for a free 15 minute consultation; link below. Bottom line though, don’t give up. Recovery is possible, and you are worthy of recovery. https://www.treatmyocd.com/calendar?src=homepage&_gl=1*dpgbx1*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE2MzY2NTk5MTQuQ2p3S0NBaUFtN09NQmhBUUVpd0FydkdpM0QwaEhYczN1Q0ZabWhVRUF4RndaaDJoa3AxbTRnek9TRWQweUJ4U3pqeU1SRU9FNGVwZkFSb0NNY0VRQXZEX0J3RQ

Username: Wildcat14

Date posted: 5y ago

So I’ve had some anxiety crop up related to POCD this week. Intrusive thoughts, etc. it’s happened once before but I wasn’t educated on OCD then or seeing my therapist so I’ve never talked about it. I’m terrified to tell my therapist because I’m terrified of being reported. I’ve never done anything harmful or even WANTED to do anything harmful. I am NOT a danger and I know it! I just want help dealing with the thoughts but am scared to share in therapy. Anyone else experience this?

POCD

Username: gustave

Date posted: 4y ago

For those of you currently going to Therapy, was there ever a time where your therapist reacted negatively when you discussed your intrusive thoughts? I’ve always been curious about this especially since I used to see a therapist who had no experience in treating anyone with OCD and was surprised that I thought that I might have OCD saying that it’s a serious illness. And I know other people had therapists that asked them the typical liability questions when they mention their intrusive thoughts.

Username: Anonymous

Date posted: 2y ago

Anonymous

Hi all. I opened up to my psychiatrist today (my therapist and ocd therapist know) about the intrusive thoughts I've been having. The one thought would pop up over and over "child porn" and it made me so sick to my stomach because I can't believe I would think of such a thing. Then the thoughts were more dark like thinking of touching my son and even images of that happening..then came urges...and i felt so guilty and disgusted with myself :( after I told my psychiatrist ( who is currently treating me for bipolar 1) he was so concerned and told me I need to stay with my mom to make sure my son is safe. To not trust myself and have someone watch me. Well that made me feel a whole lot worse! The thoughts were actually subsiding this week and talking about it with him made the "child porn" thought pop up again. I just feel like I'm failing at life and as a mother. My immediate family think I should turn myself into a mental health facility and have intensive treatment. They think because I have those thoughts that I want to act on them or to let it go. I don't want to act on them and would never! Im scared of my thoughts and thats the problem. This is so frustrating.

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Opening Up to My Therapist about Intrusive Thought

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