Comments on: OCD and Mental Checking

By: Anxious M

Anxious M — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 03:05:42 +0000

I agree with Tom – the concept of choice has helped me quite a bit in battling my OCD and anxiety problems. I fully understand that I can’t control the world but when I emphasize my power over my own choices in life, I feel a little bit better about myself.

By: amumbancy

amumbancy — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:03:04 +0000

Cool story, I did not thought this would be so great when I read the link!

By: ocdla

ocdla — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:22:31 +0000

Tom,

Thank you for your insightful comment. I agree with your connecting this approach with Glasser’s “Choice Theory”. There are often overlaps in between various psychological theories.

From a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) perspective, “I choose to do it, but I don’t have to do it” is an example of cognitive restructuring. Our approach melds traditional CBT with mindfulness-based concepts found in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and other “third wave” treatment modalities.

By: Tom Cannon

Tom Cannon — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:40:14 +0000

This article is helpful in identifying the steps needed to begin changing behavior. An equally interesting and effective approach, I have found, is outlined in William Glasser’s “choice theory”, where we begin to see our behaviors in a different light (”I choose to do it” over “I have to do it.”) When we begin to make the unintentional more intentional, it changes the way we think about our behavior. I tell OCD people to first think of times when circumstances dictate that they were unable to do the obsessional act they feel compelled to do (this shows them in fact that they don’t have to do it), and then as they become more aware of their behavior to intentionally do the act or thought even if it is not compelling. As our awareness of the thoughts and acts moves towards concurrent and preemtptive, we ask clients to decide whether they want to choose the tendency to check. The goals is not so much to stop the tendency but the change the way we view it. And as that view changes, the tendency, as I have seen it, begins to alter the way that client’s see their obsessions and compulsions–as choices rather than requirements. But it doesn’t work for everyone, so I am thankful to have the above information to help with this often troubling and difficult disorder.

By: John Scott

John Scott — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:07:33 +0000

The information and research here on OCD is of value and appreciated. This was one simple idea on OCD, that for some, might be of help. Art is way of quieting the mind, relieving it of obsessiveness, gaining self-esteem. When you can disappear 3 hours into an artwork, even if it is amateurish, it helps you to refocus and is balancing. For some, it can be an essential self help skill to learn. Turning off the television also is of necessity for some with OCD. TV and movies, can wind one up like a top, bring back memories that are better left dormant, and even the news can have this effect on some. Reading is better for the mind than watching TV or movies (movies, that is entertainment or action movies, as oppossed to documentaries, or educational movies), especially as a way of life, that is daily or weekly.

Hope this idea finds root or acceptance among those working with those with OCD. Thanks.