I just watched a video in which an OCD therapist used the exposure of walking into a gas station bathroom, lights off, sitting down on the toilet without checking, using the bathroom & then leaving. He used this as an "overcorrection" exposure. I don't understand these types of assignments. I thought ERP was about facing YOUR obsessions & compulsions as they are, not going against what you set out to do/would usually do in the world. I keep thinking that because I had the intrusive thought "You need to smear soap all over your TV screen", that this now needs to be what I do for an exposure based on what the OCD therapist has people do for "overcorrection" Another intrusive thought I get is that I'm supposed to purposefully leave a lot of soap on myself every time I leave the bathroom, so now I need to actually treat that thought as reality?? ERP is super confusing. I just want to get on with being me, not turning into someone who always lives their life in "overcorrection".

Mike1234

Date posted: 5y

You’re doing a great job working on solutions. Sometimes when we focus so intensely on “not thinking” about something, we tend to think about it more. OCD will latch onto those thoughts and intensity them. You’ve linked the “TV with smearing soap” and the “Bathroom with leaving soap”. Work on changing the ocd story so that the TV is linked with watching movies and the Bathroom is linked with clean dry hands.

Estrid

Date posted: 5y

Like this?!

catattak

Date posted: 5y

This app has a tool that helps you determine some ERPs. Some of my results were confusing, but some made sense and I only do the ones that make sense to me.

Estrid

Date posted: 5y

No you are not supposed to live your life in overcorrection. That s only a step of the way. But its not always neccessary, depends on the individual. It can be a great tool for some people. How its going with your TV?

canigetawitness

Date posted: 5y

Hi Estrid. It's still really hard. Anytime I pass my living room, sit and watch the TV, I get intrusive, flashing images/unwanted urges of me going to get soap and smearing on my TV because I'm supposed to for ERP or "overcorrection". I have managed to watch some movies, but during those times I feel extremely anxious/guilty for not going to rub soap across the TV. Also, sometimes I even believe I have rubbed soap on my TV because the previous thoughts are so strong. It's all a mess. It's like I don't even know how to continue forward with what I WANT because it'd be going against ERP. I don't see a way out of this, but I keep trying to hold onto hope that somehow the storm will fade.

Estrid

Date posted: 5y

@canigetawitness Oh, it s hard? I understand. I have been in that loop many times. But we never give up. Wishing you strength and maybe some "light bulb moment"...

canigetawitness

Date posted: 5y

@Estrid Thanks, I'm trying not to give up. I'm very deep into my fears (which are actually blurred because it's hard even knowing what my fears actually are). Anyway, I hope you take care & thanks for the support :)

Estrid

Date posted: 5y

@canigetawitness Thanks. Take care.

canigetawitness

Date posted: 5y

Thanks, Mike. I think a core problem of mine is wondering what the solution is. It's like I'm not sure how to apply ERP to my symptoms for the life of me.

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