I’m super anxious about starting ERP therapy and worry that it will be super distressing and/or I won’t be able to will myself to do it. I have a visceral reaction in my body if I feel forced to do things and leave my comfort zone. Any tips?
Have faith in your therapist and address any concerns you have before hand
Your therapist should help you make a list of hierarchy— from the scariest thing that triggers your OCD, to the most tolerable thing that triggers your OCD. You will start with really small little bite sized pieces of ERP. They don’t just throw you in the deep end! Know that every person that has done ERP has felt just as terrified as you and we all made it through and got better from it! It’s a proven method and I actually found it exciting after my first session because it felt like I had a partner helping me face my fears no matter how silly they felt!
@L_e_d Thank you, we started ranking things but most were highly distressing! My thoughts definitely went to jumping in the deep end, so this helps to know
My experience has been amazing so far. My therapist eased me into the exposures and it never felt too difficult. I can't believe how far I've come in a couple of months. Let us know how your first exposure goes. It's so exciting (but trust me, I understand being scared at first) Trust the process. It's life changing 💓🙏🏻
Hi guys! Was wanting some tips on ERP. I am just getting started & trying to read articles about being codependent, happy engagement stories but my mind when I try to sit with “maybe I am, maybe I’m not. Life is uncertain.” Will come up with more rabbit hole thoughts of I’m crazy have every mental illness out there etc. does anyone have tips for experiencing all day anxiety/panic attacks & fear of doing an exposure wrong? I am scared I won’t get better bc I’m not doing it right.
It feels like I can never even get to be able to get there. It shakes me to my core and writing out my fears, triggers, and compulsions today for my therapist made my OCD finally feel real and that it’s not just my anxiety. Has anyone else struggled with this? Any tips for newbies who are scared 💩less?
I started ERP therapy yesterday and had my second session today. During my session of trying to do an exposure, I started crying, and became very anxious. I know that this type of therapy is hard, but how do you know this is just some thing that you can’t do? I have been anxious all day and my exposure has been the only thing I’ve been able to think of. I want to get better but I don’t know if I’m able to push myself this much.
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