Managing OCD with CBT For Dummies, Portable Edition

Are you suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? You're not alone. Whether you've tried countless treatments or are seeking help for the first time, this expert, accessible guide is your beacon of hope for breaking the chains of this crippling disorder. Managing OCD with CBT For Dummies uses mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to eradicate OCD from your day-to-day life. Through clear and sensitive direction, you'll find out how to identify and correct negative thought patterns, confront your problems with positive solutions and recognise the power of cognitive thinking.

Once a term only used by psychologists and counselors, CBT is now in common use and has become the preferred treatment method for a variety of psychological issues, including anxiety and depression, self-esteem, eating disorders, addiction, and many others. If you're planning on trying it on its own or in conjunction with other types of therapies, you'll be heartened to know that a staggering 75% of people with OCD are significantly helped by CBT?which is why it remains the treatment of choice for tackling the disorder by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

• Demonstrates how CBT encourages new thinking patterns to combat destructive thought tendencies
• Explains the causes and symptoms of OCD
• Shows you how to use CBT to modify everyday thoughts and behaviours with the aim of positively influencing your emotions
• Illustrates the importance of facing your fears and offers positive strategies on exposure therapy

There's no need to let OCD continue to control your life. This how-to guide helps you break down the negative patterns that have been keeping you hostage?and allows you to build a positive future free of the hold of OCD.

Introduction 1

Part I: Understanding OCD 5

Chapter 1: All about OCD 7

Chapter 2: Introducing CBT for OCD 15

Part II: Thinking about Thoughts 27

Chapter 3: Thinking about Your Thoughts 29

Chapter 4: Exploring Beliefs and Meanings 37

Chapter 5: Mental Responses 45

Part III: Actively Attacking Your OCD 63

Chapter 6: Exploring Exposure and Response Prevention 65

Chapter 7: Designing Your Own Exposure and Response Prevention Exercises 75

Chapter 8: Beating OCD One Day at a Time 93

Part IV: Move Over OCD – Putting Yourself in Charge 103

Chapter 9: Reclaiming Your Life from OCD 105

Chapter 10: Building a Brighter Future 111

Part V: The Part of Tens 117

Chapter 11: Ten Tips for Family and Friends of a Person with OCD 119

Chapter 12: Ten Things You Need More of to Help Fight Your OCD 129

Chapter 13: Ten Traps to Avoid in Recovering from OCD 137

Index 141

Katie d'Ath is a CBT therapist with a special interest in treating OCD. She has a private practice in Central London. Rob Willson is a CBT therapist and author in private practice in North London. He has been helping people overcome OCD for over 20 years.