Don’t Be That Parent
Managing OCD: A Guide for Parents and Loved Ones
In this episode, Erin, a licensed clinical mental health counselor and OCD specialist, talks about what Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is, with a particular focus on how to help someone you love when they suffer from OCD. She talks about the importance of recognizing and avoiding harmful parenting habits that could reinforce the OCD cycle. Parents are advised not to feed into their child's compulsions or allow avoidance behavior. Erin emphasizes the necessity of seeking help from an OCD specialist for the most effective treatment.
As part of the discussion, she also explains how to decode the qualifications of various health professionals. Towards the end, Erin provides information about an OCD workbook she has created to help people start therapy effectively and reduce the number of needed sessions.
00:00 Introduction to OCD and Partnership with NoCD
00:16 Understanding Relationship OCD
00:36 Challenges of Parenting a Child with OCD
01:10 Meet Erin: OCD Specialist and Mental Health Counselor
01:33 How to Help Your Loved One with OCD
03:33 Understanding the Role of an OCD Specialist
03:51 The Importance of Seeing an OCD Specialist
06:03 Understanding Different Mental Health Credentials
12:17 The Role of Medication in OCD Treatment
19:43 How to Support a Loved One with OCD
20:43 Pre-Therapy Workbook for OCD
26:07 Tips for Parents of Children with OCD
39:48 Conclusion and Future Topics
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Relationship OCD Episode 4 - What to say as the partner and what to do if you are single
Information Seeking versus Reassurance Seeking
What if you are single? Are you caught up in OCD compulsions to get a partner?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can manifest in various ways, and one theme that some individuals experience is the compulsion to find a romantic partner. These compulsions are driven by obsessive thoughts and anxieties related to being single. It's important to note that seeking a romantic partner is a normal desire, but when it becomes obsessive and interferes with daily life, it may be indicative of OCD. Here are examples of compulsions related to finding a romantic partner:
1. Constant Dating App Checking:
- Obsessive Thought: "I must find a partner to be happy and complete."
- Compulsion: Excessive checking of dating apps, swiping, and responding to messages to alleviate anxiety about being single.
2. Reassurance-Seeking Conversations:
- Obsessive Thought: "I need someone to reassure me that I am lovable."
- Compulsion: Seeking constant reassurance from friends, family, or even strangers about one's attractiveness or desirability.
3. Compulsive Socializing:
- Obsessive Thought: "I must be in a relationship to be socially accepted."
- Compulsion: Attending every social event with the sole purpose of meeting potential romantic partners, even when it causes discomfort.
4. Endless Comparisons:
- Obsessive Thought: "Everyone around me is in a relationship; I need to catch up."
- Compulsion: Constantly comparing oneself to others, analyzing their relationships, and feeling pressured to find a partner quickly.
5. Intrusive Relationship Imaginations:
- Obsessive Thought: "If I imagine the perfect relationship, it will happen."
- Compulsion: Spending excessive time daydreaming or visualizing a perfect romantic relationship as a way to relieve anxiety about being single.
6. Counting or Rituals for "Luck":
- Obsessive Thought: "I need to perform a specific action to increase my chances of finding a partner."
- Compulsion: Engaging in counting rituals or performing specific actions with the belief that it will bring good luck in finding a romantic partner.
7. Excessive Self-Improvement:
- Obsessive Thought: "I must become perfect to attract a partner."
- Compulsion: Engaging in extreme self-improvement behaviors, such as excessive exercise, dieting, or cosmetic procedures, to alleviate anxiety about being single.
It's essential for individuals experiencing these compulsions to seek support from mental health professionals who can provide guidance and therapeutic interventions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) are commonly used approaches to help individuals manage and overcome OCD-related challenges.
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