Faced a fear I didn't know I had (not graphic)

YESSS, I am all about the duality, opposite sides of the same coin. I wanted to do it, and wanted to be able to do it, and if I had listened to anxiety I wouldn't have learned that I *COULD* do it. It was hard, and we can do hard things.

@NOCD Therapist - Devon G. What is the exposure for this?

@Jessie- - Hey Jessie, it really depends on the person's triggers, fears, and compulsive behaviors to target with response prevention. This is why working with an ERP specialist can be helpful in helping you better understand how to tailor ERP exercises to your specific situation, and ensure it's being done in a way that lets you build confidence without overloading or reinforcing the compulsions. I won't be responding to messages on this thread anymore, but encourage you either to reach out to a specialist for guidance, or consider using these excellent resources to help you build a more safe and effective approach if therapy isn't in the cards for you right now. https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/pocd-symtoms-and-treatment https://iocdf.org/expert-opinions/expert-opinion-self-directed-erp/ https://iocdf.org/books/

@NOCD Therapist - Devon G. I'm interested in getting therapy with you do you treat this also and what is your availability

@Jessie- - That's awesome, Jessie! I'm glad to have inspired you! All NOCD therapists treat POCD and all other themes, and if ever you aren't confident or comfortable our Member Advocates can help you find solutions and a great fit. Please schedule a phone call with our intake team who can gather more information including your state or country, as therapists are licensed to practice in certain places and matches will depend on a few factors. I am confident that you will find an excellent therapist to work with if not me! I wish you the best.

Congrats on starting your journey, Becoming! I'm glad you were able to support your mom that one time before she passed. You already have practice doing ERP and ACT, just imagine how you might do with some professional guidance! Wow, it's been 22 weeks? I do this like a pro now. Every once in a while I'll get a heebie-jeebies moment where I breathe, encourage myself, and get it done.

@Devon Garza Your words are encouraging Devon. I’ve been away for a while. Because I wasn’t connecting to all of you I got distracted. When I was reading your messages, hopeful or somewhat sad, it was a reminder that I’m not alone and there’s help. I recently became discouraged about ERP because I’d seen some unsightly things on ads and commercials. I thought that would be awful to be exposed to that on purpose. My mind traveled back when a so called boyfriend had me to go into the snake house at the zoo. (He was to follow me in) Here I am standing in the middle of all of these snakes, huge snakes, alone! He wasn’t there supporting me. I never made it on the other side- I left through the entrance I came in. Freaking out and upset with him! I can’t imagine being exposed to something like that. Tell me it’s not that bad! Hoping to be whole…

@Becoming Whole - That's Exposure without Response Prevention, what your ex-boyfriend tried to do with you. That makes anxiety worse, because it caused you to bail and avoid and never go back. I am so sorry that happened. You probably would have been successful if someone had encouraged you, offered to do it first, shown you it was manageable even if it's scary, stood alongside you, and then at your comfort, stepped away and allowed you to be there alone *if* you wanted to. That's how ERP with an ERP therapist works - we create a hierarchy, approach it slowly, build your confidence and competence, and let you call the shots. I will say, you already proved you could stand in the middle of all those huge snakes and not die, so you did accomplish that part. Kudos to you. Maybe next time, you can get the actual helpful lesson which is you're powerful and can handle hard stuff. I really hope you're able to get ERP one day because I think you could kick some serious butt, and fulfill your username!

@Devon Garza Thank you for that, Devon- I hope so too. I realize it’s important to stay connected here because it’s encouraging. That’s the whole reason for joining this platform. Sometimes, we can be our worst enemy. I will go ahead and fill out the necessary forms and contact my health insurance. Thanks again🙏🏾😊

Hey Anony, I'm not sure I understand your question being in this thread about facing a fear of administering an injection - could you please clarify it for me?

@NOCD Therapist - Devon G. Is there erp for pocd thoughts you get during intimacy moments?

@Devon Garza It's a different situation. POCD related but I'm just struggling

@Anony1314 - I gotcha, I'm sorry you're struggling Anony. You might find it helpful to read some of the blog posts about this theme and how ERP can help with it. Here are some suggestions: https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/erp-is-effective-for-pocd https://www.treatmyocd.com/my-ocd-journey/pocd-recovery-is-possible

@Jessie- - There sure is, this is a common trigger that folks will work on with ERP if their OCD targets sexual themes. Find out more here: https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/erp-is-effective-for-pocd https://www.treatmyocd.com/my-ocd-journey/pocd-recovery-is-possible

@NOCD Therapist - Devon G. Is there erp for thoughts during intimacy?

@Devon Garza Could I send what I'm dealing with here?

@Anony1314 - Hi Anony, please see my reply to Jessie on this thread with some resources and steps for finding a great therapist or using legitimate resources for self-led work. I will set a loving boundary that I will not respond to any more specific messages or requests here on this thread unless they directly relate back to the initial post. Thank you for your understanding!

@Devon Garza I understand completely! Sorry for trying to seek something not regarding this post. I apologize