Overcoming OCD: The Role of Therapy in Breaking the Cycle

Living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can easily feel overwhelming. It’s really more than just wanting things a certain way or checking on something again and again. There are lots of myths surrounding OCD behaviour.


Being unaware can make life harder for a difficult individual – not just for the person experiencing it, but also for those around them. You might feel frustrated by your own actions, and your loved ones may not understand what you’re actually going through.


If this sounds familiar, help is available. Working with a caring OCD therapist in Calgary can make a world of difference. A skilled therapist can help you identify and understand your symptoms, and together, you can develop strategies to regain control of your life.

We’ll be exploring why seeking help from a therapist is essential, along with the symptoms of OCD and knowing when it’s time to reach out for professional support.

What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition that causes repetitive, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and behaviours (compulsions).

These obsessions and compulsions can consume hours of a person’s day. And this is what makes it so difficult to focus on anything else. OCD is a serious condition that can impact every area of life.
For people with OCD, daily routines often revolve around trying to reduce the anxiety caused by these intrusive thoughts. The constant cycle of obsessions and compulsions can feel exhausting, frustrating, and isolating.

Recognizing the Signs of OCD

If you’ve ever wondered whether you or a loved one might have OCD, knowing what the signs are is the first step. As we’ve mentioned, OCD manifests in two key ways: obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessions are the unwanted, intrusive thoughts or fears, while the repetitive actions done to reduce anxiety caused by these thoughts are the compulsions.

Common obsessions include:

● Fear of Contamination: Worrying about germs, dirt, or illnesses and feeling compelled to avoid anything perceived as “unclean.”
● Intrusive Thoughts About Harm: Disturbing images or thoughts of accidentally or intentionally hurting yourself or others.
● Need for Symmetry or Exactness: Feeling unsettled if things aren’t perfectly aligned or arranged.
Some examples of compulsions are:
● Excessive Cleaning or Washing: Spending hours cleaning or washing hands to feel “safe” from germs.
● Repeated Checking: Checking doors, appliances, or documents multiple times to make sure that they’re secure or correct.
● Ritualistic Counting or Organizing: Repeating certain numbers or arranging items in a specific way to reduce discomfort.

OCD behaviours often go beyond just typical habits and become disruptive to everyday life. It’s why around 90% of people with OCD also experience another mental health condition, anxiety being the most frequent2.

Being aware of these symptoms is crucial in seeking help and understanding the broader context of someone’s struggles.

Why It’s Important to Seek Therapy for OCD

Around one in five Canadians experience a mental illness every year3.3 It’s important to know that you’re not alone. Therapy provides a supportive space where you can address your struggles and learn to manage them effectively.

Here are reasons why you should look into therapy for OCD:

● Break the Cycle: OCD is not the same for everyone. Therapists can help you understand how your OCD operates and guide you in breaking free from its hold.
● Learn Proven Techniques: Evidence-based approaches like Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) are highly successful at reducing OCD symptoms.
● Improve Your Quality of Life: Considering therapy can lead to taking back control of your time, energy, and relationships.
● Gain Personalized Support: A therapist can tailor your treatment plan to fit your unique needs, ensuring that you’re able to receive the best possible care.

Seeking therapy is an investment in yourself. Psychologists and therapists can all be part of your self-care plan, offering tools and strategies to build a healthier, more balanced life.

How a Therapist Can Help Individuals Manage OCD

When left untreated, OCD symptoms can worsen over time. Fortunately, a therapist can help break this cycle and empower you to gain control of your mental health.

Here’s how a therapist can help manage OCD:

● Provide Accurate Diagnosis: A therapist can identify OCD and rule out other conditions, making sure you receive the right treatment.
● Teach Cognitive-Behavioural Techniques: CBT, particularly ERP, lets you confront your fears and reduce compulsive behaviours.
● Offer Mindfulness-Based Strategies: Mindfulness techniques like focusing on your breath teach you to accept intrusive thoughts without reacting to them, reducing their power over you.
● Create a Supportive Space: Therapy offers a safe environment to explore your feelings without judgment or pressure.
● Build Coping Skills for Everyday Life: A therapist equips you with practical tools to handle stress, manage triggers, and maintain progress.

While therapy is considered a cornerstone of OCD treatment, additional support like family counselling, peer support groups, and healthy lifestyle habits can complement therapy so you stay on track.

Overcoming OCD: Specialized Counselling Services in Calgary

Living with OCD can feel like an uphill battle, but taking the time to understand its symptoms and knowing when it’s time to seek help is a great starting point.

With the right support, it’s possible to reduce the hold on intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours, allowing you to live life more fully.

At Supporting Wellness, we offer specialized therapy services designed to help you overcome OCD and regain your peace of mind. Contact us and take the next big step toward overcoming OCD today.

References:

  1. Breaking Down OCD Myths: Dispelling Misconceptions and Stigma
    https://iocdf.org/blog/2023/08/18/breaking-down-ocd-myths-dispelling-misconceptions-and-stigma/
  2. Obsessive-compulsive disorder: How prevalent is it?
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-common-is-ocd
  3. Canadians short on access to care for mental health and substance use
    https://www.cihi.ca/en/taking-the-pulse-a-snapshot-of-canadian-health-care-2023/canadians-short-on-access-to-care-for