I wanted to get some advice about therapy. I have had OCD since I was a kid and I am just now starting therapy/treatment ( so it has been like 20 years). I have also had some very traumatic events in my life and was in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship. I just started seeing a psychologist that specializes in OCD. I thought when I started going to therapy I would be able to address my OCD and also the trauma that I have gone through. But my therapist has a very targeted approach that only focuses on the OCD symptoms but she doesn’t want to know anything about the trauma that triggered these symptoms. When I told her that I had been through some things that I might also address she told me that she doesn’t do talk therapy, and she doesn’t specialize in trauma. Is this how all OCD therapists are, or do I just need to find a new therapist? I’m new to all this and I don’t know what to expect and I am feeling kind of lost. Also, does it matter if you see a psychologist vs a psychiatrist?

Pureolife, thanks for the insight! I wasn’t sure what to expect starting out. I have only been to 2 sessions so I will try and stick it out. I just want to get healthy and I just kept getting this feeling that I was doing things backwards, like I should be addressing the trauma first even though the OCD symptoms are what effect me on a daily basis. Knowing that trauma is typically addressed separately helps me know how to proceed. Thanks!

Thanks FernandoV! Makes a lot of sense when you put it that way. I was concerned because my trauma is so intertwined with my OCD symptoms since I mainly suffer from emotional contamination OCD that is directly related to the trauma. It is good to hear from other people that have experience with this so I know what to expect. Thanks everyone!

I also had both - At Rogers, my therapist, who was a behaviour specialist, actually used my trauma as exposures and had me write worry scripts to process with her. But she did tell me that it would be better to do it with someone specialized in PTSD. I know in our case they are related but they do need to be tackled separately. OCD first then PTSD. Why? Because when you overcome your OCD theme you will be able to see more clearly.

OCD specialists tend to focus just on OCD. I think you should stick to it for awhile (ERP usually takes about 2 months to see noticeable results). Addressing your OCD will make dealing with your trauma easier and more fruitful. But also vice versa. So if you see that you aren’t making progress in a few months because of unaddressed trauma, find a therapist who specializes in trauma. Everyone is different, and either of these issues could hold back progress for the other. But I think learning CBT and ERP first will actually aid you in addressing your trauma after. You may be able to find someone who does both, but I can see why this would be hard to come by. I haven’t personally seen any available in my area.