Being Me with OCD by Alison Dotson

Author:Alison Dotson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ocd, obsessive compulsive disorder
Publisher: Free Spirit Publishing
Published: 2013-10-15T16:00:00+00:00

“I DON’T WANT TO GO TO THERAPY”

I was visiting my parents one weekend and my mom and I went on a walk through our neighborhood, something we have always enjoyed doing together, even in the dead of winter.

As we were walking along a dark, rural road, a car approached us from behind. We moved out of the way a bit, and then my mom unexpectedly pushed me into the ditch as the car passed by! I was understandably shocked and a little annoyed. Who does that? Apparently my mom, that’s who.

“I’m sorry!” she said. “I just panicked.”

My mom had pushed me into the ditch to keep me out of harm’s way—her maternal instinct had kicked in.

So what does this have to do with treatment for OCD? As much as you want to get better, you might not want to go to treatment. Or maybe you’re willing to see a therapist once or twice but you’re appalled at a doctor’s or parent’s suggestion that you start a long-term program or even check into a residential program. The adults in your life might be trying—metaphorically, of course—to push you into a ditch to make sure you aren’t hit by a car.

If your parent or another adult in your life is urging you to do something you’re not comfortable with, ask yourself why. Most likely it’s because that person has your best interest at heart. Your parent—or counselor, sibling, or other family member—is pushing you to challenge yourself so you can get better. If you’re not sure, ask another adult you trust for a second opinion. Most important of all, look inside yourself. Are you avoiding therapy because it’s scary, or because you really don’t think it will help? Is your parent pushing you because she or he wants to see you improve?

Even if you end up hating the therapy you undergo or it isn’t as effective as hoped, don’t give up on treatment. It isn’t one-size-fits-all. Everyone is different. Try to keep an open mind when you meet with your therapist. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, or to be honest about how you feel about the suggestions the therapist gives you. Also, for therapy to work, you have to feel comfortable with your counselor. It’s okay to ask if you can see a different therapist, but think about your reasons for doing so.

If you are worried about your first appointment or two, by all means, have a loved one join you. Peter went to an appointment with me to better understand what I was going through—you could have a parent or another relative join you. Not all parents will understand, but you need to get help and should seek it out where you can. There may come a time in intensive treatment when you have to go it alone (with the therapist, of course), but having this support in the beginning can build a solid foundation for success.

*Adapted from “How to Choose a Behavior Therapist” by Michael Jenike, M.D. Used with permission.

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