Hi everyone. Any advice on how to help a teen with severe OCD, a teen that absolutely does NOT want to participate in therapy and continues to say “I like my life the way it is.” “You are just trying to change me.” Keep in mind, she does not eat anything at our home, does not touch anything certain people have touched, has special clothes for riding in the car, sitting in bed, and being out in the house, will not ride in the family car, will not touch people-any people, will not touch school books so she is falling behind in school. She more or less spends her entire day in her room. She used to be so social and fun and adventurous. During therapy she is sassy and defiant, completely different than her normal self. I have tried everything and can use all the help I can get. Thank you in advance!

Is she in therapy now?

Do not reassure her Don't change house rules to accommodate behavior If they don't ride in family car what do they ride in? Sounds like they need to ride in the family cat. Tough but compassionate love If they don't eat at home what and how do they get food? Make a rule on how much time can be spent in room. Just because their a teen and just because they have OCD it doesn't mean they don't have rules. What has therapist suggested? If no suggestions... or progress change therapist.

this used to be me. i would find out the reason she doesn’t like therapy first. it could be the actual therapist that’s aggravating her or maybe she feels like it won’t help.

You should try to show that you are for them, not against them. Maybe you could bring up how you see that OCD is affecting their life. And of course try to be kind and loving about it. Do you have OCD yourself? If so, let them know you know what it's like. If not, try to get educated on OCD if you haven't yet. NOCD has a few good articles on their website. And of course there are other good articles and videos to learn from. Knowing about OCD might also help you with showing how you are for them. Remind them that you are not trying to change them -- their OCD doesn't define them and they will be the same person in the end, but hopefully more free to choose what they want to do. Even if they for some reason want some sort of routine, it shouldn't get in the way of their life and you don't want them to feel forced into a routine, which OCD does. Also, you could suggest to them to use the community section of the NOCD app or join a support group for those with OCD on social media, but only if they wish to -- if they get upset about doing whatever is bothering them, they can talk about it there. Plus, I think it would help them overall to talk to others with OCD. And let them know they should be the one in charge of their therapy -- they know what is OCD in their lives and what should change, and they should be the ones taking back control of their lives.