Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Therapy in Holly Springs

OCD Counseling at Reframe Counseling Services, PLLC

The compulsions followed by obsessive-compulsive disorder sufferers leave the victim paralyzed in a world of thought after thought. Medication can help; however, people with OCD need to change their thinking habits to rid themselves of their compulsions. While there are many different therapies available to those who suffer from mental illness, not all of them are appropriate for the management of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Most therapists will recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to those who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder.

As a mental health professional, Reframe counseling services provide treatments for OCD that helps clients who struggle to maintain control over their automatic actions throughout the day.

How Do Therapists Treat OCD?

OCD therapy can consist of a number of different things. It often involves talking with a one-on-one counselor who has an arsenal of different therapies that may help reduce the symptoms often gone through by the person who holds the disorder. Talk therapy is the most common type of therapy performed in the United States and around the world. It may consist of talking about past traumas or the triggers that offset the individual. Some therapists think talk therapy consists of talking about their client's day. It's best to avoid ones that act like a friend instead of a therapist.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most popular option when it comes to reducing unwanted thoughts that bring about unwanted compulsions. It is a type of thought replacement therapy that helps replace irrational thoughts with ones that are more calming. CBT consists of a number of different therapies. Exposure and response prevention is the most common therapy performed on individuals who suffer from OCD.

The therapist performing ERP will help the patient identify the unwanted or obsessive thoughts and what creates them. They could be offset by an object or image. A certain situation could bring about an unwanted compulsion. A therapist will help their client avoid engaging in the action once their trigger is identified.

Some choose to engage in habit reversal training. This therapy involves the therapist pointing out to the individual that they are engaging in a compulsive behavior like pulling out hair or skin picking. It helps the client understand the connection between their unwanted thoughts and the compulsions that follow them. More importantly, they learn to identify when they are acting on their compulsions as it's often an automatic action.

How Can Therapy Help With OCD?

Therapists often recommend activities for their patients to do when they're outside of their office. Their lifestyle advice may span from healthy eating to going out for a jog every day. Some clients may find activities that help clear the mind to be beneficial. Picking up a coloring book and doodling may help relieve some of the strain felt by those who suffer from OCD.

Therapy often works best in combination with medication. A physician will most likely recommend an anti-depressant to someone who suffers from OCD. The most common anti-depressant is Prozac. It's also the oldest of its kind.

For OCD patients who do not have a lot of money, Prozac is the cheapest anti-depressant on the market. Luvox is another common choice as it is made specifically for OCD. Both medications for OCD include an extended-release form.

Why Getting Help Is Important?

Many patients choose to just engage in OCD therapy as medications can come with unwanted side effects like dry mouth, insomnia, and headaches. Medication is often necessary for the management of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

It's important for the patient to work with a physician in most cases. This is especially true if the OCD is moderate or severe. Those with mild OCD can often climb out of their condition with therapy alone.

OCD therapy is often challenging to undergo as many with obsessive-compulsive disorder are worried about being seen as insane. Individuals who suffer from OCD may find better luck with a therapist if they're open and honest about the thoughts that lead to their disorder.

Therapists understand that the thoughts leading to compulsions in OCD individuals are irrational but not insane. It is possible to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder, but it cannot be cured. You may want to talk with a psychiatrist before seeing a therapist. They understand the level of care needed.

Mental health problems can lead you to have anxiety which can manifest in a lot of physical ways. For instance, when you're reminded of what you're grieving about, you may face a panic attack. During a panic attack, your heart can beat faster, you can feel like fainting, and you can start to shake a little or a lot. Some people feel so anxious that they think their body is having a medical problem and that can be very scary to have happened when you're mentally not prepared for it.

Contact Reframe Counseling Services, PLLC

Now is the time to get grief counseling from Reframe Counseling Services. We will provide you with counseling so you can work through your grief in a way that benefits you. A professional will help you quite a bit more than trying to take on the issue by yourself.