Is anyone on here a Christian and struggles with doing ERP?

For me personally, fear is the problem. Once I let go of fear (all fear), God and love come rushing in.

Me too Im a Christian! I always think that God doesnt want us to suffer so he probably wants me to resist the stupid thoughts... That helps sometimes

I find it hard but usefull.. Maybe talking to a priest about what is ok in your erp hierarchy to expose yourself to before starting..

http://ocdandchristianity.com Here's a website I find very useful. It's often been so confusing having my relationship with God something that has been targeted by OCD, but it's something that's so worth it when you stick with it, I feel my trust in God has grown so much. When going about treating it, I think it can help that it's not u thinking the thoughts, but OCD and God sees that and so He understands.

Christian here. I have a hard time, but I try to hold on to Jesus's promises because I know for a fact that nothing in the bible is a lie. OCD is the perfect weapon for the enemy to use against us. Lean on the word.

Hi, I always thought God was gonna just gonna one day “poof” take this away ....and there have been times when I waved my fist saying “I thought you’re a healer!”....To be honest I got mad at God....Only to realize that God doesn’t put this on us and most certainly hasn’t given us OCD....It’s just called life!!! ......I have realized that through my journey when I felt like I couldn’t go another day with this , he was the one carrying me through it to help me see another day ....In this world we will have tribulations but be of good cheer He has overcome the world .....Life is hard and OCD sucks but he is faithful and will give you the strength you need to endure and little by little will give you the victory ....it may not happen over night, but it will happen ! Stay strong and just take one day at a time ! Jesus does love us and cares about everything we go through ....OCD is our Goliath but he will provide the sling and stone to knock down our giants ..... we need to look Goliath (OCD) in the face and not run !!! Even though at times we want to run as fast as we can from it .

I agree with Breeze, finding Christian therapist sounds to me like the best option..if you can find such therapist of course. I am not doing deliberate exposures if i am not thinking they are good in christian perspective, not saying that is good or bad way to do, just sharing my experience. but what helps me is that not fighting thoughts does not mean that i agree with content of that thought. I just let brain to do it job, to think and give us ideas. Hope that makes sense.

I was a christian my whole life but during my first year in therapy I found out that my christian point of view is damaging me so much. Because of that I decided to not be a christian anymore. This isn't really an answer to your question but I thought I'd throw my two cents into this thread.

If they dont know about ERP you could try to explain them (without overloading them with information) if you find that helpful. I try to keep in mind that a priest is not necessarily an expert on my disorder and they try to help best as they can, but they are not therapists. But they might be able to help you with putting things in perspective or talking stuff through or whatever you want to talk about. even just hearing from someone or reminding yourself that God loves you and doesnt want you to suffer can help I found. Also I found that praying helps me. Like I try to resist the compulsion and when I feel anxious because of it, İ try to remind myself that God is so much bigger than any compulsion or thought. So I talk about that with God. I guess its just important to avoid the prayer becoming a compulsion instead of whatever Im trying to avoid. I dont know if that makes sense.

Thanks for your replies everyone. Jessica how does it affect your ERP therapy if you’re doing any?

Another Christian here!

How do you find ERP therapy?

It’s so hard because no pastor I’ve talked to has heard of ERP and even has a limited understanding of OCD

Thanks guys. Yeah the concern is more “speaking things out” and “allowing the thought to purposely come into mind” and not “resist temptation / the devil.” It’s POCD so I’m like why would God want me to declare that. I’m a sexual abuse survivor so I find it very triggering as well, and wonder if it’s better to address the abuse first or just do hardcore ERP. I think it’s more the “moral” of thinking it is the same as doing it and allowing temptation deliberately etc.

Thanks Breeze yeah I’ve been desperately looking! My current therapist is great but not Christian.

Oh I can see why you find it difficult. If you find speaking with a priest helpful maybe you can find someone you can explain OCD and ERP to and talk about your concerns. Or of course a Christian terapist would be great, or just generally someone whos assessment of religious topics you trust?

Wow thanks everyone for your understanding ❤️

Also i think that not having anxiety about something does not mean that we are enjoying either. I think that we confuse that when we have ocd. But i understand your pain.

I had this once. It's called Scrupulosity. Totally got over it. I am still a Christian (agnostic). ERP fixed it. Remember OCD targets what you care and are afraid of most.

Christian, here!!

That's a good way to think about it @jananas

I know it hard to be religious person and to fight ocd but i believe there is a way. Hold on!

Yeah I think if your are unsure about ERP I think Tina5's suggestion is really good

What’s your concern with ERP and Christianity? Is it the topics you’re exposing yourself to?

Of course the thoughts are unwanted but my fear is by allowing the anxiety to go it feels like I am “accepting and enjoying the thoughts / temptation “ am I just accepting the fear is real? “living with uncertainty” when Christ wants us to be confident in our identity?

That makes sense. I see what you’re saying. I wonder if you can find a Christian therapist. I’ve seen people advertise themselves like that.

Pauls, I suffer from moral Ocd and what you said, to me, seems like moral Ocd.

I don’t really do much. I probably should