More often than not, parents are warned how hard it is to treat cases of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). However, we’ve already established
in our previous episode that we shouldn’t lose hope because there are solutions.
We also briefly mentioned that the best approach parents should do to help their kids is Exposure and Response Prevention. So if you aren't treating yours or your kid's OCD with this therapy, you're wasting your time.
Let’s dismantle all these reasons commonly imposed upon us about how people with OCD won’t get better because we can, in fact, get better with OCD.
What is Exposure and Response Prevention?
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a type of psychotherapy that is specifically designed for people struggling and diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder. Although, it can also be used for phobias and anxiety.
As one of the most effective forms of treatment for OCD, it will help reduce your kid’s anxieties under the guidance of a therapist in order to manage your OCD symptoms.
Why talk therapy is a waste of time
Calming down the brain is important especially before coming in with therapy. OCD hijacks the brain, which then hijacks families. It’s a tyrant and it doesn't care about you. You just so irrationally can't get in there with rational thought.
That's why talk therapy is deemed to be a waste of time and money. Some people waste thousands of dollars for such treatment. Most importantly, they will waste hope, good feelings, and positivity.
The importance of a good intake
Therapists are very strategic specifically when it comes to teaching you to stretch and get those safe exposures. They might start with the little things that you are not even aware of.
As part of the process, you have to make a list of your intrusive thoughts, compulsions, or rituals that may be surprising to you. Once you get in there, you’re going to be able to find a nest of things.
A good intake is part of the process to better understand where these things are showing up. So we look for triggers throughout the therapeutic process to be able to teach our kids how to not give into their OCD.
Kids should be able to stand up for themselves, to be in charge of their OCD, and to test the boundaries. But what’s even more important is to teach parents not to accommodate it because without the right verbiage, you basically walk on landmines and you don't want to do that.
Around 30% of people drop out of therapy because they have to really push hard, and it’s going to be uncomfortable. In fact, many parents are worried and afraid about their kids and how their kids will be in distress. But actually, it’s only going to be momentary.
It all boils down to having the right tools and the right resources, reinforcing them, and having the right verbiage. In our BrainBehaviorResetTM Program, we have our own workbook where parents and kids do that. We test the boundaries and we expose them in a safe manner.
No matter where you are in your journey, we have resources to help you.
Links and Resources:
➡️ Join our FREE Natural Parenting Community to receive science-backed resources for your child and family. Join here.
➡️ Get help from Dr. Roseann and her team. Apply here.
➡️ “Is it ADHD or something else?” Take the quiz.
