Behavior Therapy

Behavior therapy works directly on maladaptive behaviors.  These behavior changes can then be the catalyst for equally meaningful changes in feelings and attitude.  Specific methods include exposure and response prevention for OCD and habit reversal training for hair pulling among other habit disorders.  Below is a description of our OCD program.

We begin by educating the patient about the particular dynamics of OCD. Learning about the illness makes it more predictable and less overwhelming.  The participation of family members is actively encouraged. Treatment includes techniques to help significant others remain supportive without unwittingly reinforcing the disorder. Appropriate candidates for treatment possess a high degree of motivation and must be willing to actively participate in their own treatment.

Finally, it is important to remember that thousands have successfully used these methods and that with time and patience most sufferers can manage their own OCD.

Behavior therapy involves learning active and concrete strategies for managing fear and controlling compulsive behaviors. Components of treatment include:

• Recognizing triggers of OCD
• Training in anxiety management
• Methods for decreasing rituals
• Assisted exposure to feared objects or activity
• Procedures for managing intrusive thoughts

Additional outpatient programs include:

• intensive exposure therapy programs
• group therapy
• family and spouse participation