please help, am always triggered by sexual words that i see or images and then i cant stop ruminating on whether or not i like it or not when i know that i dont, and then i cant make any sense of what i do and dont like and have to do compulsions to get rid of these thoughts. Just having trouble realizing that im not my thoughts not only eith this issie but all of my OCD in general. ive given in to every one of my compulsions for the last 4 months and cant seek to shake this. Anything helps, Thanks

Ah! I’m with you on this! For my ERP, I picked a word that triggered me horribly. I had to say it in front of my therapist. Thought I would die. Eventually, I said it and then it became a little easier. Then I had to master saying it while looking in my therapists eyes. Thought I would die again, but pretty soon it just sounded so silly. She taught me its just a word, and we are the ones giving that word meaning. I listened to the word on repeat in jokes (Dave Cahpel). Then, I had to write the word over and over again. Then, I had to practice saying it in front of my spouse. Then use it in a joke ..... my friends thought it was hilarious which helped ease the tension with the ERP. Now, it’s just sooooo much easier to hear it and say it. I know I am the one who gives the word meaning. As far as liking some of the content, I also had the same feelings. My response prevention phrase was often, “I may or may not like this”. ERP For this was one of the first things I had to conquer, and I can say that if you stick with it, and have self compassion.... you can do this. I’ve also learned that sometimes self punishment or allowing yourself to dwell on those negative emotions is a compulsion. Best of luck to you!

cant really disagree with that lol, thanks

Perhaps learning how to bring some type of humor into the ERP would help you a bit? Perhaps saying the word in a weird accent, or helium voice, or sho knows. Get creative. You can kick OCD’s butt. Just remember that although you may feel like you are failing, you are not giving up, and that’s a WIN!

Also, you should check out the book “Everyday Mindfulness for OCD” by Hershfield and Nicely. It is a fantastic book that helps teach mindfulness ton strengthen the part of the brain which helps us resist the urge to give in to our compulsion. It teaches us how to acknowledge the thought, and then let it pass while redirecting our minds. It gives some great insights.

Have you made use of the SOS feature yet ☺? Click on "Tools" at the bottom of your screen.