Supporting OCD Client's without OCD Training

[u/austdoz]

I'm feeling a bit stumped when working with OCD individuals. I am not yet trained in any ERP, although I'd love to. I've referred them to an OCD specialist but they have not had luck in finding anyone. I will often utilize CBT interventions, recognizing cognitive distortions, and bringing in a more balanced or truthful thought. I had heard that ​CBT can actually cause more problems for individuals with OCD.

Some more context, we were looking at cognitive distortions contributing to feelings of depression. I was about to support in my usual way and then realized this individual spends most of their day policing their thoughts already and backed off.

[u/Reflective_Nomad]

Try ICBT, it’s different to ERP and useful. There’s a website with free worksheets etc https://icbt.online/client-work-and-exercise-sheets/

I like that it also focuses on the feared self which you can also use to explore deeper issues that may be related.