Using Gold Star treatment strategies for OCD and Anxiety conditions- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)/ ERP and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). 

Obsessions and Compulsions

Obsessions are repeated, persistent and unwanted thoughts, urges or images that are intrusive and cause distress or anxiety. You might try to ignore them or get rid of them by performing a compulsive behavior or mental ritual. These obsessions typically intrude when you’re trying to do other things.

Obsessions often have themes to them, such as:

Contamination, Responsibility for harm, Religion and Morality, Sex, Doubting and having difficulty tolerating uncertainty,  Order and symmetry, Aggressive or horrific thoughts about losing control and harming yourself or others, Unwanted thoughts, and others.

Compulsions are repetitive behaviours that you feel driven to perform to cope with the anxiety. These repetitive behaviours and/or mental acts are meant to reduce anxiety related to your obsessions or to prevent something bad from happening. However, engaging in the compulsions brings no pleasure and may offer only a temporary relief from anxiety.

As with obsessions, compulsions typically have themes, such as:

• • Washing and cleaning

  • Checking

  • Counting

  • Orderliness

  • Following a strict routine

  • Demanding reassurance

• What you will learn:

  • Education about the nature of OCD and how it is maintained

  • Gradual exposure to feared situations or obsessions-ERP

  • Learning strategies for preventing compulsions aimed at reducing avoidance and safety behaviours

  • Cognitive strategies for dealing with obsessions-Non- engaging with what OCD wants

  • Weekly/daily practice strategies learned in treatment to complete

 

Anxiety treatment:

Anxiety can operate with social context, perfectionistic behaviours, health concerns, generalized worry, stress, or stand alone with panic/agoraphobia.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a treatment that examines the relationship between beliefs, thoughts, feelings and behaviours. CBT identifies thoughts as thoughts only (rather than facts that we believe to be true) and challenges them. The CBT process recognizes what thoughts are limiting us and substitutes more constructive beliefs leading to changes in mood and behaviour. CBT has been empirically proven to be an effective treatment for change. It is goal orientated, present and uses a structured format for success. Weekly/daily practice strategies learned in treatment to complete.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and commitment therapy stems from traditional cognitive behavioural therapy. Clients learn to stop avoiding and struggling with their inner thoughts, emotions and, instead, accept that these feelings/ thoughts to certain situations can exist and do not have to prevent us from moving forward in life.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy involves a different approach to thoughts that involve dropping the struggle to control or change them. It utilizes principles of mindful attention, acceptance, values and committed action.  ACT and CBT can work together to help with rebuilding core beliefs that contribute to anxiety.

Additional options for treating anxiety

I always recommend a doctors check up. Things like stress, thyroid, hormonal, and vitamin deficiencies can affect how the body functions. A balanced diet and avoiding processed foods/sugar/caffeine can be helpful for overall mood improvement. Exercising on a regular basis has also been shown to assist in mood issues and anxiety. Additional therapies or activities that may be helpful to the nervous system include nature walks, massage, yoga, acupuncture and relaxation.

There are several supplements that may have some calming effects for the nervous system and there are medications for OCD and anxiety. If you want to consider medication consult with your doctor.

OCD is no longer classified as an anxiety disorder but has high levels of anxiety associated with it.