If you’ve recently started OCD therapy or are thinking about it, you might be curious about what happens during a session. It’s essential to approach this process with a proactive mindset because therapy involves effort not only during the sessions but also between them. Let’s break down what you can expect and how it typically works.
What is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder that impacts people differently. Those with OCD often experience intrusive thoughts, feelings, or urges that cause distress. To relieve this discomfort, they may develop rituals or compulsions. However, these behaviors only offer short-term relief, and over time, they might feel overwhelmed and begin to believe their obsessions are real.
What Is OCD Therapy?
OCD therapy usually consists of a combination of medication and psychological treatments. Two widely used psychological approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP).
Typically, individuals might start with one of these methods, focusing on the approach they find most effective, and may discontinue the other once progress stabilizes.
When you attend therapy sessions, key areas of focus often include:
– Learning about OCD and understanding how it works (psychoeducation).
– Identifying your specific symptoms and triggers.
– Practicing anxiety management techniques like deep breathing or relaxation exercises.
– Changing the thought patterns that lead to compulsive behaviors.
What Happens in an OCD Therapy Session?
OCD therapy sessions usually run for about 50 minutes and are broken down into several parts. Here’s what you can typically expect:
– First 10 Minutes: The session starts with a quick discussion of your symptoms. The therapist might ask you questions to better understand your experience, such as what situations make you feel anxious, how you usually respond, and how successful your coping mechanisms are.
– Next 15 Minutes: During this part, you’ll learn more about OCD and how therapy helps manage it. The therapist may explain the treatment approach and share examples of techniques that work for others.
– Following 5 Minutes: You’ll practice basic anxiety-relief strategies, such as deep breathing or relaxation exercises, to help you manage stress more effectively.
– Final 20-25 Minutes: The focus here is active learning and practice. The therapist will guide you through CBT or ERP techniques, instruct you on how to challenge harmful thought patterns, and assign homework to continue your progress between sessions.
What Should You Expect Overall?
At the start of therapy, expect to spend time understanding how OCD manifests in your life. Your therapist will help you identify specific symptoms and triggers while explaining how the treatment process addresses these challenges. You’ll also be introduced to techniques designed to reduce anxiety, including relaxation training or breathing exercises.
This time is valuable for building your skills and confidence. The therapist will eventually shift the focus to practicing these methods. Through guided exercises and at-home assignments, you’ll learn to challenge obsessive thoughts and manage compulsive behaviors more effectively.
While therapy requires effort and commitment, its structured approach is designed to give you the tools to make lasting improvements in managing OCD.
