On Demand: Exposure and Response Prevention for Pure Obsessional OCD-Exposure and Response Prevention for Pure Obsessional OCD

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Barry delivers an in-depth presentation on treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with a focus on pure obsessional OCD or &quot;pure O,&quot; where behavioral symptoms are more subtle and often internal. She outlines a multifaceted approach incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention (ERP), aiming to challenge and change a patient's relationship with their thoughts. This approach is complemented by elements of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which focuses on reducing cognitive and emotional attachment to OCD-related thoughts and improving tolerance of uncertainty. Dr. Barry emphasizes the importance of psychoeducation to help clients understand their unwanted thoughts and the negative reinforcement loops that sustain OCD. The talk details specific strategies like imaginal exposure exercises, the use of acceptance scripts, and mindfulness to help clients tolerate and diffuse distressing thoughts. Dr. Barry also answers questions regarding balancing thought monitoring and using age-appropriate strategies for children and adolescents, recommending several resources and worksheets for practitioners to use in treating OCD.

Keywords

obsessive-compulsive disorder

pure obsessional OCD

cognitive behavioral therapy

exposure and response prevention

acceptance and commitment therapy

psychoeducation

mindfulness

imaginal exposure exercises

tolerance of uncertainty