I’m trying to find treatment for obsessive thoughts that actually helps instead of just making me feel like I’m managing symptoms on the surface. I’ve tried talking about the thoughts in regular therapy, but I usually end up explaining them over and over without getting much relief.
The hardest part is the loop. I know some of my fears aren’t realistic, but knowing that doesn’t stop the urge to check, seek reassurance, or mentally review everything. Medication has helped a little with anxiety, though the obsessive side still breaks through when I’m stressed.
I’m looking into a therapist who uses ERP, but I’m nervous about starting because even imagining exposure makes me feel overwhelmed. Has ERP made a noticeable difference for anyone?
1 Like
The mental reviewing was the part that kept me stuck too. I thought I was solving something, but I was really feeding the loop and needing more certainty each time.
ERP did make a difference for me, but it wasn’t like jumping straight into the worst fear. A good therapist started with smaller triggers and helped me practice not checking or asking for reassurance, while letting the anxiety rise and fall on its own. It was uncomfortable, but having a plan made it feel less overwhelming.
I’d ask any therapist how they pace exposures and whether they include mental rituals, not just visible checking. That made a big difference for me.
1 Like
The distinction between feeling uncomfortable and being unprepared really matters. Starting with smaller triggers sounds much more manageable than being thrown into the worst fear right away.
I hadn’t thought as much about asking specifically whether mental rituals are included. The reviewing can look invisible from the outside, so I’ll definitely bring that up when talking to therapists. A clear plan would make starting ERP feel less intimidating.