Common OCD Fears
Common OCD Fears That Might Keep Me Out Of Therapy:
Finding the right treatment for my mental health can be a difficult task. Between finding the right treatment or the right therapist, it can be an overwhelming task on top of everything else. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often a misdiagnosed and mistreated mental health disorder. Whether it is symptoms of OCD, resources or supports available, getting started with therapy is never an easy decision. The choice to start therapy and embark on a path of self growth and change takes courage and bravery. Fortunately for OCD and OCD related disorders, an effective and evidence based treatment is available with Exposure and response prevention (ERP). While an evidence based treatment is available, there a some factors that might prevent someone with OCD from starting therapy.
What If I Don’t Really Have OCD?
OCD is often called the “Doubting Disorder”. The very nature of the intrusive thoughts and obsessions leads to doubts. With ongoing doubts that will latch onto anything that it can, a common thought arises on if I even have OCD. Doubts may arise if what I am struggling with is even OCD. Is it something worse? Is something else wrong with me? Am I using OCD as an excuse? Rumination and worry, which done so easily can lead to the doubts of whether it is OCD or not. This is a very common fear which could threaten therapy, but it can be overcome.
What If I Will Be Judged By My Obsessions/Compulsions:
Judgements unfortunately are a common occurrence in life, judgements based on things that I might not have any control over in my life. Judgements and stigmas in society surround mental health and therapy. Fears of judgements can lead to isolation and withdrawing from others. Certain sub-types of OCD with more taboo natures such as Pedophilic OCD (POCD) or Harm OCD can particularly lead to fear of judgements and isolation. Common thoughts may arise such as “Am I crazy” or ‘Dangerous” or “Weird”. These thoughts can prevent someone from seeking the help that they need. Mental health and OCD can be difficult for people to understand which reinforces those fears of judgements. Like doubts of having OCD, fears about judgements of thoughts can be overcome. With the right specialized treatment, you can make effective changes in addressing these fears and doubts.
What if the ERP treatment doesn’t work for me?
It is not uncommon with OCD to think that my fears or obsessions are only unique to me and that I am the only person in the world to deal with these things. It is important to realize when thoughts like this occur how OCD looks to trick you and get you back into the cycle of compulsions. OCD will throw what ever doubts or thoughts just to see what sticks and gets you to react. Often at times traditional talk therapy has not been effective for OCD treatment. I have seen many individuals who have spoken about years in talk therapy without seeing positive change. I understand that can burn someone of therapy and make them hesitant. By working with an OCD specialist, we can look to challenge those fears and use an evidence based practice that proves to be the most effective treatment for OCD. It is never too late to get the help that you deserve.
What if OCD therapy makes me feel worse?
One of the scariest things about ERP is the short term distress from the exposures we engage in. But short term is the goal, to deal with short term distress to yield the long term relief. I always like to say that if you are already suffering from OCD, lets suffer a little more during ERP to get that long lasting relief. Being trained in ERP, I can assist you in navigating through exposures with keeping a focus on the evidence based practices that prove that make it such an effective treatment. I will offer my expertise, guidance and insight into OCD and OCD treatment to help you become your own OCD therapist. We will work collaboratively, developing a treatment plan that you agree with and emphasizes gradual change and exposure. I know stepping into therapy and challenging OCD can be a big step outside of your comfort zone. Taking the first step is often the hardest part but through ERP, you are able to get back in the drivers seat and live the life you want to live.
As a licensed mental health therapist trained in ERP, I will assist you through the exposures and how to implement effective response prevention measures. If you feel that OCD has had a negative impact on your life, you might consider counseling and ERP to learn how to handle it more effectively. Please feel free to reach out for a free consultation, where we can discuss impacts of OCD and benefits of counseling/ERP.
