OCD IN RELATIONSHIPS

STRENGTHENING RELATIONSHIPS
AFFECTED BY OCD

In a relationship where one partner has Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), both individuals may encounter unique challenges. Understanding and addressing these issues is essential to maintain a healthy and supportive partnership.

At our practice, we offer specialized counseling to help couples effectively manage OCD in their relationships through tailored strategies and techniques. Our therapists will guide couples in skillfully addressing OCD challenges while fostering deeper connections.

Common Relationship Challenges with OCD:

Excessive reassurance seeking and "confessing"

Problems with intimacy and physical closeness

Daily life struggles due to compulsions

Communication issues

Mistrust, conflict, isolation due to symptoms

Misinterpreting the Condition

Decreased emotional connection

Effective Treatment for OCD in Relationships

At our practice, we provide evidence-based couples therapy utilizing therapeutic modalities proven effective for OCD and relationship challenges:

Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT)

EFT fosters the creation of a secure bond between partners. It helps individuals become more aware of their emotional experiences and better communicate their emotional needs and longings. Couples can recognize their negative patterns and, as the treatment progresses, create more positive experiences, leading to more meaningful conversations.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

In a relationship where one partner has Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), both individuals may encounter unique challenges. However, they can work together as a team while practicing skillful strategies. At times, a partner can help or be involved in exposure exercises, whether during therapy sessions or at home. The goal is to help the couple stay connected while facing OCD struggles, thereby fostering values-based and fulfilling relationships.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT focuses on cultivating psychological flexibility. It helps individuals develop a different relationship with difficult thoughts, make room for unpleasant feelings, and learn new ways to interact with them. Our ACT-trained therapists will assist individuals in identifying their values in romantic relationships and learning how to make values-based choices, moving towards more fulfilling relationships.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns developed early in life through empirically supported interventions. They learn new coping strategies, such as identifying distorted thinking, modifying beliefs, relating to others differently, and changing behaviors. Clients often maintain their improvement after therapy by using these self-help skills. Studies show CBT is as effective as medication for depression, anxiety, obsessions, and other fears, providing patients with lifelong skills.