Choosing A Therapist
Because it’s important to find a therapist who has the proper cognitive behavior therapy training, skills and experience—and with whom your loved one feels comfortable—it’s worthwhile to interview a potential therapist. Here are some questions to ask a therapist before committing to treatment:
- Are you trained to use cognitive behavior therapy to treat OCD?
- Where did you obtain your training?
- How many clients with OCD have you successfully treated?
- Are you ever willing to leave the office for treatment sessions?
- Will you conduct therapy sessions by telephone, if necessary?
- Are you licensed to practice in this state?
- What techniques do you use to treat this specific form of OCD? Hint: you want them to mention Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
Avoid a treatment provider who:
- Claims that the main technique for managing OCD is relaxation or talk therapy
- Believes that OCD is caused by childhood trauma, toilet training, self-esteem issues or family dynamics
- Blames parents or one’s upbringing for OCD
- Seems guarded or angry at questions about treatment techniques
- Claims that medication alone is a treatment for OCD
During therapy, your loved one will have to discuss uncomfortable fears and behaviors and be willing to take on exercises the therapist prescribes. Finding a therapist who is right for your loved one is critical to your success in overcoming OCD. The therapist will also be able to help a spouse or family member learn how to best respond to OCD behavior, so that the whole family can be a team that works hard to gain control over OCD.
If you live in the Chicago area, you can contact OCD Chicago to discuss therapy options for OCD. Or, to find a therapist outside the Chicago area, contact the national Obsessive Compulsive Foundation. You can view therapist listings on their web site.