Can I hear some examples of specific parts of ERP that has helped you? I've been doing talk therapy for a few years and the major issue I have with it is that I already have analyzed all of my problems from every angle, so I'm kind of just sitting there yapping about it for an hour. I need solutions and things that make me feel better.
ERP is exposure and response prevention therapy. Its more commonly called exposure therapy. It's designed to exposure you to your triggers in a safe way, get you used to them, and stop you from doing the compulsions associated with them. Some ERP stuff that has helped me is exposing myself to my thoughts by writing them out and forcing them all out onto paper, and delaying my compulsions. I'm not a expert, so take my advice with a grain of salt, but I would advise you to stop talk therapy. Talk therapy is useful to a lot of people, but it's generally considered bad for OCD. Seek an ERP psychologist, or a CBT psychologist that has expertise with OCD. If you see a psychiatrist, they will be able to tell you whats best for you and give you a good reference
Talk therapy is not helpful for OCD. Analyzing your thoughts and problems just makes the OCD cycle continue, it doesn't stop it or actually help you find relief. ERP is different. It's more action and behavioral based rather than talking and analyzing things. It's clinically proven to provide relief from OCD symptoms and the anxiety and distress that comes along with it. I did talk therapy for over a decade and still suffered. Once I did ERP, I felt significant relief in months. It's uncomfortable at times but it is freeing. It's so freeing and empowering! Happy to answer any questions you may have.
Talk therapy doesn't usually help. You need the ERP. There are also lost of good tips on the Patrick McGrath Wednesday night webinar on the NOCD page on YouTube. Or really any NOCD webinar can be helpful. Go ahead and check out some of the videos. In addition you can contact NOCD for a free 15 minute call to discuss further. They can offer more detail than I can here. https://www.treatmyocd.com/about-us/contact-us
I have found that ERP was more helpful for em than talk therapy. I have been through countless therapists and I never felt like it was helping. I struggle with Just Right OCD as well as many other subtypes. I can be triggered by anything from picking up a cup, accidentally bumping into something, etc. as if it doesn't feel "right," I become very anxious and engage in compulsions such as picking the cup up 4 times and the putting it down, or touching my arm to whatever I bumped into multiple times until it feels "right." In ERP therapy, my therapist, for example, would have me pick up a cup once, and then put it down without picking it up again. I would then have to sit with the anxiety until eventually it settles. My therapist was patient and understanding, and while ERP is frustrating and difficult, it is one of the best things I have ever done for my OCD and my mental health. I highly recommend giving it a try!!
Hi guys! I’m new to the community and I’ve recently received my OCD diagnosis (tho I’ve known about it since childhood). I’ve been somewhat spiraling lately as I wait for my first ERP session (hooray!) I was just wondering if any of you guys have received ERP for existential OCD and if it was successful? My existential OCD compulsions are more so mental and have been affecting me in the sense of dream/memory flashbacks and giving me a sort of “uncanny” feeling about everything around me. Any advice is appreciated! Thank you❤️
So you got to ask me anything… Now I’d like to ask you something! I’ve heard from Members that they were so scared coming to their first ERP session. They were terrified that I would think they were crazy, that I would tell them their worst fears were true. That I would confirm they are some form of a terrible person or have them hauled off to prison for their thoughts. I’ve also had Members share how they’re very scared to begin ERP treatment because they’ve researched enough to know it means facing the fear, without the compulsions that have kept them feeling safe (but not really safe) this entire time. They struggled to see how they could be capable of doing this, while simultaneously acknowledging that they did not want to live like this anymore. If you have had your first session, what were your thoughts before? Did you have any hesitations or fears going into it? How did it turn out? If you haven’t yet begun to work with an ERP specialist, what is holding you back?
I’m starting NOCD. I had several years of cbt as a child (well over 20 years ago) and I see a trauma therapist. But now I’ll be seeking further help for OCD and just really scared. CBT wasn’t helpful for me. How has ERP been helpful for you? Do you feel like you’ll finally get your life back? I’m consumed by my obsessions 😢 Would love others feedback if ERP helped you ❤️
Share your thoughts so the Community can respond
