Is ERP or CBT more helpful with moral based OCD? Sometimes I struggle to find ways of exposure with my theme and it can be very triggering. Wondering is CBT is really the more helpful type of action. Also any CBT book recommendations would be helpful. Thanks.
ERP is the golden standard for OCD. CBT gets you analyzing thoughts and feelings and that’s NOT recommended for treating OCD. You have to learn to let intrusive thoughts be present and not react to them.
Get what you mean, but that's not exactly so...CBT is always a part of the psychoeducation which lays a ground for the ERP. They are integrated. And in the CBT you learn to detect traps in your thinking so you don't have to fall for analyzing rituals and so forth.
@Estrid Yes, I know. You have to niche down within the umbrella of CBT into ERP specifically for OCD is needed because talking out your OCD doesn’t help. You can do ACT or CBT when you’re better and understand OCD and its triggers. I do ACT, ERP, and CBT now, but when you’re starting out with an OCD specialist, they are doing ERP and don’t want you to talk it out or analyze your thoughts with them. Not the point of ERP and OCD recovery. When you’re recovered, then you can definitely explore other types of therapy under the CBT umbrella if needed.
@Nica Ok, get you. I have been in therapy several times, and it has always been CBT integrated with ERP. Maybe different in different countries... In my understanding CBT isn't about analyzing the thoughts, it's about learning about the connection between actions and thoughts. And without that understanding you have a hard time grasping exposures. I am not so good in English, sorry if I sound unpolite, not my purpose - I think it's an interesting topic. Maybe in shorter therapy you kind of cut out the CBT part and go directly to the exposures.
ERP is a part of CBT. You have to learn the basics about how thoughts and actions affect each other. Step two is to make an exposure plan where you learn to resist your compulsions while triggered. I recommend ERP school - Kimberley Quinlan. Website CBTschool.com
Hey! I’m a POCD sufferer and I was wondering if anyone who is doing ERP has any good suggestions for exposure heirarchies that I could take inspiration from? I’m starting CBT soon but I can only get it in a group and I don’t feel super comfortable talking about the details of POCD yet cos it feels really embarrassing. So far I’ve thought of going to the pool/park, or writing down my thoughts and looking at them, but my OCD really goes wild if I try to masturbate or if I feel aroused at all...at the moment I’m avoiding anything like that because it’s so distressing, but is that something I should do exposures for in the future?
Hello I am looking to start ERP on here with a therapist. I am quite nervous about it incase it doesn't work, I've had BWRT Therapy, CBT privately for months and I'm still horrified and scared of these thoughts. I haven't been officially diagnosed either which leads me down a horrible thought path.. but every therapist I have seen has said I have got harm ocd/pure o. Any advice on starting ERP? Thank you
Hi everyone, My therapist is not a fan of ERP, we are doing a compassionate based therapy and she really wants to get to the bottom of what is behind my OCD and core fears. However, we have been trying CFT for over a year and I am still struggling with CFT and day to day life. I am really keen to try ERP and she has said yes if I come up with suggestions. Would be very grateful for some ideas of good first ERP exercises for someone with SOCD and ROCD. Thanks in advance!
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