Every therapist I’ve tried for OCD has felt dehumanizing and judgy, as if I’m the threat not my OCD. I’m still looking for a good therapist. Have you ever had a bad therapy experience?
I’m sorry you’re going through this. I had the same thing happen to me when I was only 10 years old, put off therapy until I was 15. Now I’m 18, and have a great therapist who is very supportive and kind. There are always good people who will listen, even if others don’t, you can’t let them discourage you from recovering. Good luck finding a good therapist, I hope you find them soon and can recover.
@ghostballZ420 Thank you, I’m so sorry I’m not the only ones who’s experienced that, it first happened when I was around 11, The difference is now I know I’m not the problem. :))
@rosecarman You worded it great, I wish when we were all kids we were actually diagnosed instead of mistreated. But at least now that we are older we can understand this disorder more and have this community as well :)
@ghostballZ420 I know, what I would do to give that little kid a hug. That’s why I wrote a book about it so that maybe somebody else will know there not the problem. :)
Have you switched between a few what do you suffer with?
@Jessie- Well, when I didn’t know what OCD was back in adolescence I saw a “Christian counselor” (which I have no problem with the Christian part) but I told her about my OCD intrusive thoughts and she just made me feel bad. About a month and half ago I realized what I have is OCD, so I set up an appointment with a new therapist who says she “specializes” in OCD. Even though later I found out she wasn’t certified in ERP and I get she was asking the required questions but she really shouldn’t talk to a person with OCD in the manner she did. So I’m still looking for a therapist.
Thank you for sharing your experience. It takes courage to keep searching for help after feeling misunderstood and judged by previous therapists. It's crucial to work with someone who understands that OCD is the challenge, not you. Finding a therapist trained specifically in OCD treatment can make a significant difference. Help is here at NOCD and we can assist you in finding outside help if needed too. Also here are some helpful resources: https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/how-to-find-an-ocd-therapist/ https://www.treatmyocd.com/what-is-ocd/common-fears/how-can-i-stop-overthinking-after-i-was-cheated-on-a-therapists-advice https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/3-green-flags-to-look-for-in-an-ocd-therapist/
I feel really scared and worried that the therapist I find on NOCD might not be effective, and instead of getting better, I might end up feeling worse. I’m afraid that if I don’t feel any progress, I’ll want to switch therapists, but my mom might get impatient with me. I worry that she’ll lose faith in therapy, stop paying for it, and think it’s a waste of time and money. I know therapy takes time and it’s not a quick fix, but I’m scared that things won’t go the way I hope. What if I don’t connect with the therapist? What if they don’t understand my OCD as well as I need them to? I’ve already been struggling so much, and the thought of going through another disappointment is exhausting. I’m only 14, and I feel stuck because I can’t manage this on my own. I need help, but I also need my mom to stay patient and supportive through this process. I’m scared that if things don’t improve fast enough, she’ll give up on paying for therapy. I don’t know what to do, and it’s making me feel really anxious. I just want to get better, but what if nothing works out?
OCD is so much more than just being 'neat' or 'organized'—it’s relentless, exhausting, and often deeply misunderstood. The intrusive thoughts, the compulsions, the anxiety—it can feel like a never-ending cycle that others just don’t seem to get. Many of us have had experiences where even therapists didn’t fully grasp the depth of our struggles. I myself faced difficulty being misdiagnosed and my talk therapist not understanding the full extent of what I was going through until I found NOCD. So many prior therapists wrote off my symptoms as general anxiety, not realizing it was actually OCD all along. If you could sit down with a therapist who truly wanted to understand, what do you wish they knew about OCD?
I find while doing exposures, rarely does my anxiety lessen. It usually amps up and stays that way for the remainder of the day. I could be having a fairly decent day, but dutifully do my exposures and then the rest of my day is anxiety filled. I guess that’s just how it is now? Also, I’m wondering if my therapist even believes I have OCD. I totally understand my therapist cannot provide reassurance. But it’s to the point it seems my therapist acts like I actually did the thing I fear. I feel so isolated.
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