Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often referred to as the “doubting disorder” because it is characterized by pervasive feelings of uncertainty. To better understand OCD, it’s useful to examine the terms “obsession” and “compulsion” as they relate to the disorder. Dr. Jeffrey M. Schwartz, a leading expert in OCD treatment, defines obsessions as “intrusive, unwelcome, distressing thoughts and mental images.”1 These thoughts are sticky and unpleasant. Schwartz further explains that compulsions are “behaviors that people with OCD perform in a vain attempt to exorcise the fears and anxieties caused by their obsessions.”2 Together, these obsessions and compulsions create an endless cycle of anxiety-inducing thoughts and ritualistic responses that reinforce the anxious thoughts.
For a more developed approach to counseling OCD, check out my article Better Biblical Counseling for OCD
Landmines in OCD
The purpose of this article is not to fully explain what good counseling for OCD entails. Instead, it aims to caution against two unhelpful tactics often used by those with OCD in response to intrusive thoughts—and sometimes even encouraged by counselors. These two tactics are: (1) Avoidance and (2) Reassurance.
Because avoidance and reassurance seeking can be so detrimental in the battle against OCD, I
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