http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/tags/cbt It's Time to Act. OCD Action provides support and information for people affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Mon, 21 May 2012 15:07:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/search.php http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/is-it-normal-if#post-65397 Fri, 16 Mar 2012 23:02:06 +0000 wannabefree 65397@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi slog, I've still got my catheter, it gives me a bit of grief sometimes, but I'm coping with it... I'm hoping to have it taken out soon, cos I'm fed up with it. It has done its' job now, I'm sure. I've had my olanzapine upped to 7.5mg at night, which is good, but my appetite has gone wild! Still, that's better than no appetite at all, which has happened in the past. I'm trying to write, but it is difficult, but I'm getting nearer all the time to doing CBT. I'm more or less okay with the waiting, cos I'm a little scared of it to be honest... I'm sure it will be okay when the time comes...<br /> Wannabe </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/is-it-normal-if#post-65376 Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:13:02 +0000 slogsweep 65376@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Mike, yes that's how I'm going to use this. I've set a target of reading two newspapers a week and reading online news every day. </p> <p>Thanks for your kind words Wannabe, how are you? I'll try not to rush things don't worry, </p> <p>Slog </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/is-it-normal-if#post-65362 Thu, 15 Mar 2012 22:24:51 +0000 wannabefree 65362@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi everyone, Hi Slog, it is good to hear from you again. I think you are probably feeling fragile now you've experienced having the therapist there to talk to, and now it has stopped for a while... It is good to use things as exposure, but maybe in smaller steps. It shouldn't do any harm using the newspaper, but if all they print is negative stuff, you could end up on a downer... I stopped reading newspapers a long time ago for the same reason. Even the TV mags are desperate! Be good to yourself... You've done amazing things in therapy, that can be built on and give you strength for the future... Continue using the techniques you've been using in CBT, and do your exposure in small amounts. You've come a hell of a long way, in a very short time... Well Done! &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:-)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; <br /> Wannabe </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/is-it-normal-if#post-65361 Thu, 15 Mar 2012 20:57:00 +0000 Mike 65361@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>It sounds like reading those newspaper articles would be a great way for you to do exposure. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/is-it-normal-if#post-65355 Thu, 15 Mar 2012 19:21:23 +0000 slogsweep 65355@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Thank you Trudy, that's such a wonderfully written post. Very calming. </p> <p>Another development down this end, I'm submitting my story to a website hosted by Student Depression. They want case studies to convince vulnerable people in similar positions to myself to seek counseling through their university. I'm sadly not eligible as a final year for their interviewee job, where I would go around universities and interview people who are having trouble, but I tried to apply.</p> <p>How are you doing Trudy?</p> <p>Slog </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/is-it-normal-if#post-65346 Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:33:49 +0000 truddles 65346@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>It's called being human. Everyone regardless of whether they have OCD or not encounter situations that spook them. But it's how you react to and deal with the situation that counts and hopefully the CBT will have helped you with that.</p> <p>As you've probably discovered in CBT the more you're exposed to these situations the easier it becomes to reduce the anxiety. But occasionally like everyone we do get caught out. BUT think how far you've progressed since you joined this forum - you wouldn't have reacted at well to the situation you've mentioned in your post a couple of months ago. </p> <p>It is an anxious time finishing with your therapist and finding you've no longer got them to confide in each week, but you've now got us on the forum to help and support you so you're not completely alone.</p> <p>Just see it for what it is a minor blip on the road to recovery &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:-)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/is-it-normal-if#post-65344 Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:45:32 +0000 slogsweep 65344@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Even after you feel much better and have completed a course of CBT (making real progress) that news articles can still really spook you if you're having an off or vulnerable day?</p> <p>I opened today's local paper (which normally has the most innoffensive non-news possible. Last week's front page was about a footpath being too steep.) to find a spate of sex offenders, paedophiles and violent attackers. I get a horrible rush of anxiety that's like having a shot in the arm and it just has such a downing effect on me. </p> <p>Was I just caught off guard or something? Can things trip you up after CBT? Maybe I'm feeling anxious because I no longer have a therapist I trust who I can confide in every week or couple of weeks? </p> <p>Thanks everyone. I have been keeping a mostly silent eye on the forum recently and it's great to watch people make such good progress. </p> <p>Slog </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/cognitive-behaviour-therapy#post-65048 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:07:58 +0000 truddles 65048@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>CBT varies as it's supposed to be tailored to the individuals needs and that means taking into account other medical conditions that could cause problems.</p> <p>With regards to CBT therapists, Professor Paul Salkovskis said in his presentation at the 2010 OCD Action Conference:</p> <p>"Ask what qualifications / experience they have but<br /> Don't be impressed by titles<br /> Ask about specific experience with your problem<br /> Ask about their supervision</p> <p>Trainees aren't necessarily a problem as they are<br /> Less likely to be dogmatic<br /> More likely to be "up to date"<br /> More likely to be enthusiastic<br /> More likely to have supervision "</p> <p>For more information on CBT see the following in the <a href="http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/support-info/resources/">Resource Centre</a>:<br /> <strong>Making CBT Work</strong> a presentation to download by Professor Paul Salkovskis<br /> <a href="http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/files/2011/02/What-Is-Cognitive-Behavioural-Therapy.pdf">What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?</a><br /> <a href="http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/support-info/files/2011/02/CBT-checklist.pdf">CBT Checklist</a></p> <p>CBT can initially be stressful but as you progress the stress should slowly subside. You need to develop a good working relationship with your therapist so that you are able to work with them. CBT should be a collaboration between the therapist and the patient, they are there to guide, encourage and motivate you to help you to regain your life. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/cognitive-behaviour-therapy#post-65045 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:04:18 +0000 jason1972 65045@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Has anyone on here had Cogetive Behaviour Therapy for their OCD? If yes how do they find it and what types of it can you get and is the therapy experience such as a senior Psychiatrist or senior Psychogist? I would prefer a senior rather than a trainee or a nurse or begginer as more experience they can help you better and they are more patient. Is CBT stressful?</p> <p>Regards Jason </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/any-tips-for-starting-cbt#post-63569 Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:24:23 +0000 truddles 63569@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Well done &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_biggrin.gif&quot; title=&quot;:D&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; I'm pleased to hear that you have an understanding therapist it makes all the difference. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/any-tips-for-starting-cbt#post-63558 Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:27:21 +0000 wannabefree 63558@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Well done Slog on that appointment! &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:-)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; Good stuff, keep us posted on how it is going. Thank you for sharing.<br /> Wannabe </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/any-tips-for-starting-cbt#post-63551 Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:02:56 +0000 slogsweep 63551@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi everyone, today I ran through various traumas and OCD phases from the past. It was a sort of evaluation again. My therapist seems really nice and understanding and I feel much better for going. I have a full course of CBT coming, so pleased. </p> <p>Thank you all again, </p> <p>Slog </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/any-tips-for-starting-cbt#post-63534 Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:26:19 +0000 slogsweep 63534@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Well, I'm off on my way to my first appointment, bit nervous but not too bad. Thanks again everybody, </p> <p>Slog &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:-)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/any-tips-for-starting-cbt#post-63514 Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:06:11 +0000 truddles 63514@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>If done correctly the cognitive side of CBT is just as hard as ERP just in a different way and is just as important. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/any-tips-for-starting-cbt#post-63512 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:53:29 +0000 Mike 63512@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>The cognitive therapy is easy. It's the ERP that's hard. It takes discipline and mental toughness. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/any-tips-for-starting-cbt#post-63511 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:47:51 +0000 tibjoe 63511@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hey slog </p> <p>I see where your coming from, I wasnt a bad footballer a few years ago, im not saying i would of been in the premier league or anything like that lol but it was something i would of liked to have kept going though i decided to stop it due to OCD and anxiety. I did air cadets for a while aswell and never really enjoyed trips out cause of anxiety:/ Same with what you said with birthdays and christmas, and its only started to impact on exams now.</p> <p>Joe </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/any-tips-for-starting-cbt#post-63510 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:28:51 +0000 slogsweep 63510@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hello Wannabe, thanks &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:-)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; . How are you? </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/any-tips-for-starting-cbt#post-63506 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:03:43 +0000 wannabefree 63506@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Slog, I feel that way a lot. OCD wrecked my careers, and wrecks a lot of my hobbies too... It isn't a nice thing to go through. It is good that you are getting the help at a young age, it will make the years ahead a lot easier to cope with. It is good that you are doing a bit to help lift your self esteem too. &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:-)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; <br /> Wannabe </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/any-tips-for-starting-cbt#post-63501 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:09:57 +0000 slogsweep 63501@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Thank you all for your kind replies and concern, this site and it's members truly are fantastic. </p> <p>Swan I haven't got many expectations. From the outset I've maintained a realistic outlook on CBT and put in my application that I don't expect a full magical cure, I just want to live life again with a manageable amount of OCD. I hope your viewpoint comes true though. I said the other day if there were two envelopes on the table, one with a cheque for tens of millions of pounds and the other one with a magic "cure OCD completely" pill I'd take the pill every single time. I genuinely mean that 100%.</p> <p>Joe I use games as an escape too. I don't like online play though, too many people. I play a lot of Nintendo both old and new, as their games don't resemble reality in any way, it's like total escapism for me. </p> <p>Thank you Trudy for the link and your advice. It means a lot to know what I'm going to be doing as I was really worried about that. I was worried they might chuck me into the deep end, like to shock me into improvement. </p> <p>I'll let you all know how it goes tomorrow evening. I've started dressing nicely again and I'm getting a haircut tomorrow, I guess these are little steps to restoring self esteem. Also I took a train today and I didn't sit in the same seat as I always tend to. I don't mean to go all "memememe" but I felt I should write this down, </p> <p>Does this make sense to anyone? That OCD targets what matters to you most at a particular time? Like I've had relationship OCD before when that became uncertain (happy now thankfully), HOCD when it was the ultimate insult in school, ROCD when some family members died between the ages of 8-12, OCD destroyed my cricket, I was a decent cricketer but OCD turned me into a nervous wreck. It ruins important events like exams, Christmas, birthdays etc. Does anyone else feel this way or has heard of anyone else like this? </p> <p>Thank you all, dearly, </p> <p>Slog </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/any-tips-for-starting-cbt#post-63497 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:38:24 +0000 truddles 63497@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi,</p> <p>It's perfectly natural to be apprehensive, but there's really nothing to worry about. It's not a test and they certainly won't be judging you. As AlwaysWearingFlorals said the first session will mainly be you filling in questionnaires and being asked about your obsessions and compulsions. It's also a chance for both you and the therapist to get to know each other.</p> <p>It helps to take a brief list of your obsessions and compulsions with you and also make a note of any questions that you have.<br /> Before you go for your first session take a look at the following -<a href="http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/files/2011/02/CBT-checklist.pdf">CBT Checklist</a> It lists what good CBT should and shouldn't include and will help you to get the most out of your CBT sessions.<br /> <blockquote>how am I supposed to get better if I've no idea what life is like without OCD?</blockquote> Slowly but surely with the CBT you'll find out what life is like without OCD, it will come naturally as the obsessions and compulsions fade. But don't worry about it or it will become an obsession. </p> <p>Do let us all know how you get on won't you? </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/any-tips-for-starting-cbt#post-63496 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:53:51 +0000 swan 63496@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi,<br /> I start another bout of cbt on Monday Im apprehensive like you and part of me thinks Ive got to high expextations but I know my spell at Royal Bethlem really helped. Hope it goes well for you </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/any-tips-for-starting-cbt#post-63495 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:17:37 +0000 alwayswearingflorals 63495@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hey,</p> <p>I've just started CBT as well, and like you I have also suffered from OCD for as long as I can remember. My therapist started by asking me to fill in a couple of forms describing the things I was anxious about, and the compulsions I had, and also to write a couple of activities or things that are important to me that my OCD makes difficult. I think it was easier to start off in this way rather than describing verbally how I was feeling/what I had been doing in regards to my OCD, as like you I was very nervous - I was on the verge of tears for most of my session - partially through talking about the OCD and partially out of a sense of relief that maybe I was taking the first step to getting better. That kind of introduction to my personal OCD took up most of the session. </p> <p>I really hope it goes ok for you! </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/any-tips-for-starting-cbt#post-63494 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:20:10 +0000 tibjoe 63494@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hey slogsweep</p> <p>I dont think a lot of us with OCD know whats its like to be 100% mentally healthy you've just got to take it one step at a time and realise any small victories you gain from having CBT i think then as these small steps forward begin to build up feeling better will only come naturally. Then again i think a lot of us have been OCD free even if its only for 10 minutes, for instance when i go on a game on my ps3 im completely engrossed in the game OCD seems non existent and its a great feeling. It may only be minor and is not a long term solution but shows OCD doesnt control me 24/7, though i dont know if you feel the same way?</p> <p>Good luck by the way</p> <p>Joe </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/any-tips-for-starting-cbt#post-63493 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:36:21 +0000 slogsweep 63493@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi everyone, </p> <p>Tomorrow I start CBT, well either tomorrow or Friday and I'm a bundle of nerves. I have false memory OCD and have done since I was about 10, along with bouts of HOCD, checking OCD, cleaning OCD and I managed to recollect an early ROCD experience. Any OCD that can be put into an acronym I've probably had at some point,</p> <p>The thing is, how am I supposed to get better if I've no idea what life is like without OCD? I don't know what it is to be 100% mentally healthy?</p> <p>I also have very little idea on the things I'll be asked which is worrying me somewhat. Well, everything worries me, that's why I'm in this mess!</p> <p>I hope you're all doing ok, thanks for any help or reading, </p> <p>Slog </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/really-need-help#post-62823 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:53:12 +0000 Mike 62823@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Omanem,</p> <p>Since you already recognize that your fears are irrational, I don't think cognitive therapy will help you. In fact, it may make it worse, since it offers ritualization and reassurance as the solution. Telling yourself over and over again that your fears are unfounded, that there is no evidence that you did anything bad, and analyzing the events of the night, will probably only serve as compulsions that will prevent you from overcoming this.</p> <p>ERP therapy is likely your best bet for overcoming this fear. You need to accept the possibility that you did something bad, and move on with your life. ERP can train your mind to do this, so that you will react to the uncertainty about this situation the same way you would react to the uncertainty about any other situation.</p> <p>-Mike </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/really-need-help#post-62792 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:03:06 +0000 njbu 62792@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Fantastic post. Your synopsis of how to cope for life is spot on and exactly what I needed to articulate - thankyou.</p> <p>I will say though that whilst I agree Pure O is same as normal OCD in every way it is 'perceived' by the sufferer as harder to control and articulate, so for example the range and type of ruminations/negating practises are not generally homogenous in that there probably exists some quirks (albeit I still agree that the is no doubt generic boundaries such as counting, repeating a number of times, re-playing the thought and so fourth). </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/david-veales-lecture-at-the-ocd-conference-what-is-good-cbt#post-62516 Sat, 31 Dec 2011 22:55:41 +0000 wannabefree 62516@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Good point, there Trudy... I did find that some slides didn't make sense, re the graphs, but the gist was there, but I will also check out the cbt checklist prior to my own CBT, hopefully starting soon... Thank you for sharing the link... &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:-)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; <br /> Wannabe </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/first-cbt-appointment#post-62514 Sat, 31 Dec 2011 22:52:38 +0000 wannabefree 62514@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi there. alwayswearingflorals, welcome to the forums, I agree with both Mike and Trudy above... &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:-)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; Your therapy will be challenging, interesting, and hopefully Fun! &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:-)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; <br /> Wannabe </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/first-cbt-appointment#post-62510 Sat, 31 Dec 2011 22:43:41 +0000 truddles 62510@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Can I suggest that prior to your CBT appointment you read the following <a href="http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/files/2011/02/CBT-checklist.pdf">CBT Checklist</a> It's a guide to what good CBT should and shouldn't include. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/david-veales-lecture-at-the-ocd-conference-what-is-good-cbt#post-62505 Sat, 31 Dec 2011 22:37:30 +0000 truddles 62505@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>The following <a href="http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/files/2011/02/CBT-checklist.pdf">CBT Checklist</a> will be of more help as the some of what is on the above presentation isn't clear unless you actually attended the presentation </p>