Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

We all experience intrusive or unwanted thoughts or images that enter our minds occasionally. These thoughts seem really strange and we might even be fearful to admit we have them. For someone living with OCD, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, these unwanted, unexplained, and distressing thoughts or urges get stuck and continually play on a loop. OCD is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. It is not just being neat or washing your hands repeatedly.  The International OCD Foundation reports that on average, a client will wait 14-17 years to receive appropriate treatment from the onset of OCD symptoms. 

 

If you are living with OCD, you are experiencing many unique challenges as OCD likes to attach to the things we treasure most and attack our character. Individuals with OCD have obsessive thoughts that are often times disturbing and reoccurring. These unwanted and disturbing thoughts increase anxiety and, for many, compulsions seemingly help to minimize or reduce anxiety. What we know about OCD, however, is that compulsions only work to reduce the anxiety temporarily.

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There are many sub-types of OCD with some of the most common being: Harm, Contamination, Religious/Scrupulosity, Sexual orientation, Pedophilia, Suicidal, Somatic, Responsibility, or Pure OCD. 

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Common compulsions and rituals include: Avoidance, Checking, Hand washing, Excessive prayer, Counting, and Reassurance seeking. It's important to note that not all compulsions or rituals are external and visible. 

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Ciùin Counseling works with clients to fully understand their diagnosis, assists family members in understanding and supporting their loved one, and works to break the cycle of avoidance to create long-term relief for clients through evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). 

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