Free Yourself from OCD
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is often misrepresented in media and our vernacular as fastidiousness or a behavior-specific condition. While many people with OCD do experience behavioral compulsions based on obsessive thoughts, they are not always present. Often, it is the intrusive thoughts themselves, from which a compulsion may emerge in an attempt to emotionally regulate, that people report to be the most distressing part of this disorder. It’s an exhausting and isolating condition, and it’s vitally important to feel educated and empowered when dealing with it.
While the current gold standard for OCD treatment is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), there are methods which may be helpful for individuals who would like to start their treatment journey with more familiar strategies to help them build confidence before embarking on ERP. For example, if you have already been working through other concerns with your therapist using a CBT or ACT approach, it may feel more natural and effective to tackle OCD tendencies that way as well. If that feels like something you’d prefer, a great book to pick up would be Free Yourself from OCD: CBT-Based Strategies to Manage Intrusive Thoughts and Compulsive Behaviors by Jonah Lakin, PsyD.
In addition to being an informative and accessible read, what I appreciate most about this book is the fact that Lakin doesn’t shy away from openly discussing the types of intrusive thoughts common to OCD. Readers may find this quite comforting, as often folks with these kinds of intrusive thoughts feel deep shame and self-hatred due to their occurrence. Lakin presents these thoughts in a compassionate but also straightforward manner that will help the reader come to the realization that these thoughts are not indicative of who they are; rather, they tend to be connected to a core value or experience that is the polar opposite of the intrusive thought. Bear in mind that the inclusion of such graphic examples makes this book geared toward adults rather than teens, although parents and caregivers can use their best judgement when deciding whether or not to give this book to a family member who may benefit from it.
You can find Free Yourself from OCD in print and e-book at these retailers:
Morning Light doesn’t receive compensation for sharing book recommendations, nor do we receive a commission if you choose to buy the book. We just love them and think some of our clients may find them useful!