We don't have ERP therapists in my country. I did CBT and it helped a little. Now I'm doing schema therapy. I saw someone (a professional) wrote talk therapy (this means all psychotherapy????) is terrible for ocd. But my therapist said OCD is a symptom for me and it's good to see what's deeper (with schema therapy). What do you think?
Personally I am a firm believer in managing my issues with a very varied combination effort and have had ok success overall. Proper diet , ERP , CBT ,meditation, vitamins, supplements, exercise and other stuff that is self -help oriented.
That will only make your OCD worse. I highly suggest you looking into Nathan Peterson’s OCD course which is a one time fee.
What you wrote is very triggering for me, because it was a lot lot lot time to find a good schema therapist, another CBT therapist also recommended me the schema therapy, and I already started it so it feels like there's no way back... And it costs a lot... And I'm trying to trust my therapist that she's right about my cognition and how useful can schema therapy be... But this kind of sentences "it will only make it worse" makes me really desperate since I don't know anymore what to do and who to trust. If what you're saying is true than both of my therapist were wrong so I can't trust anymore but in my country they are the best and the countries where ERP is popular are so far away from me... I'm so lost:(((( I'm not sure tho that schema it's not good for me since I also have mixed personality disorder and sometimes not OCD is my biggest problem but deep self hate, anger... But yeah OCD is pretty hard too. I bought ERP books for myself btw
@top10statues Since you don’t have ERP in your country, then you should look into Nathan Peterson’s OCD course which is a one time fee and online.
@Nica Where can I find it?,
I guess someone deleted the reply although I see it when searching for the post.. if you are here I really want to know what's in your head🥺
I’m starting NOCD. I had several years of cbt as a child (well over 20 years ago) and I see a trauma therapist. But now I’ll be seeking further help for OCD and just really scared. CBT wasn’t helpful for me. How has ERP been helpful for you? Do you feel like you’ll finally get your life back? I’m consumed by my obsessions 😢 Would love others feedback if ERP helped you ❤️
I read about ERP and have seen information about it on here. One of the goals is to say, "maybe I am this or that...ect." That terrified me. The thoughts and images that go in my head are disturbing and upsetting. I don't want to even think about saying, "maybe this or that." It's devasting to have these thoughts and question why you're having these thoughts. Doesn't the "maybe" make it worse? The one thing that helps me is that is to remind myself that these are just thoughts and I know I'm not a monster, even if I feel like one. Is ERP not for everyone? Has anyone else had a problem with the techniques used in this kind of therapy? I had cognitive therapy for years with an OCD specialist and that seemed to help a lot. Writing out the worst case scenarios would make me suicidal. Im having a difficult time not obsessing over the "maybe" after intrusive thoughts now. It doesn't make it better.
These treatments are not designed for OCD sufferers because they treat OCD like a logic disorder when OCD is very far from that. Hence why, many patients do not recover with these treatments. ⭐️ Talk therapy involves doing a lot of compulsions like rumination, reassurance-seeking, trying to figure out your thoughts, Etc. ⭐️ Similarly, standard ICBT also involves compulsions such as arguing with your thoughts. For example, if you have POCD, your therapist might say “you know you’re not p*do so just ignore the thoughts.” This is reassurance and can turn into another compulsion called thought-blocking. ‼️A reputable therapist here (Tracie Ibrahim) has told us in a support group that ICBT isn’t even evidence-based (even though people claim that it is) ⭐️ Beware of Instagram “coaches” who want your money and say they specialize in a very specific subtype of OCD (ex. relationship OCD). A good ERP therapist would know that all OCD subtypes are treated the same way so the subtype shouldn’t matter. An ERP therapist should be knowledgeable in all of them because all OCD is just OCD. One of the only things that may differ is the type of exposures you have to do. ⭐️ Also, I suggest you do not use drugs & alcohol as a crutch. You will struggle with your OCD without those, which can possibly lead to addictions. Those substances can even increase your OCD symptoms. ❤️ What I do recommend for OCD recovery: ERP therapy, behavioral activation, ACT, mindfulness, self-compassion, OCD community support, healthy distractions, bonding time with family and friends, and healthy lifestyle habits. These habits include healthy eating (try to stay away from processed foods), going out on nature walks, consistent sleep, and consistent exercise. Let me know in the comments below if you have any extra tips for what’s been helping you through your OCD journey👇
Share your thoughts so the Community can respond
