Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Counselling
Obsessive compulsive disorder consists of two components: obsessions and compulsions. People may experience obsessions, compulsions, or both. In any situation, this can cause severe distress and interference with daily functioning.
Obsessions are unwanted and repetitive thoughts, urges, or images that one feels they cannot get rid of, and which cause a lot of anxiety (such as fear of getting others sick). These obsessive thoughts can be uncomfortable.
Compulsions are actions meant to reduce anxiety caused by obsessions. Compulsions may be behaviours like washing, cleaning, or ordering things a certain way (such as continually counting things in one’s mind). Some people describe it as feeling like they have to do something until it feels as if it’s ‘enough’ or ‘right’. Compulsions is the behavior that is used to cope with obsessions. Someone who experiences OCD may experience distress if they are unable to or do not act out the compulsion.
If you have OCD, you probably recognize that your obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours are irrational—but even so, you feel unable to resist them and break free.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is shown to be one of the most effective treatments for people with OCD. This type of therapy helps teach the individual how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours work together. It also teaches techniques to manage stress and relaxation strategies.
Another important therapy process for OCD is called exposure and response prevention. This helps to learn new ways to look at obsessions and compulsions. This procedure is a gradual way of seeing that you do have control in a situation you fear you may not. Over time, anxiety will decrease with increased exposure to obsessions. The goal is to resist the urge to complete a compulsive behaviour, in order to eventually not feel the need to do so.
Your first session involves initial assessment of your well being and a thorough intake of your personal history and background. Subsequent therapy sessions are 50 minutes in length, and are unique to each individual treatment plan.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Counselling in Mississauga
Obsessive compulsive disorder counselling services offered at Balanced Mind and Wellness Inc. include: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and exposure and response prevention.
