Resources

Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

“NA is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for
whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering
addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean.”

Smart Recovery

“Self-Management And Recovery Training (SMART) is a global community of mutual-support groups. At meetings, participants help one another resolve problems with any addiction (to drugs or alcohol or to activities such as gambling or over-eating). “

Celebrate Recovery (CR)

“Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12 step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind.  Celebrate Recovery is a safe place to find community and freedom from the issues that are controlling our life.”

Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA)

“A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so they may overcome their sexual addiction and help others recover from sexual addiction or dependency.”

Sex Addicts Anonymous Primary Purpose

12 step fellowship for sex addiction utilizing the format for AA in their studies and step work.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

“Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem.”

“Addiction” documentary (HBO)

“Assembled by some of the nation’s top documentary filmmakers, and consisting of nine segments that focus on case studies and cutting-edge treatments that challenge traditional beliefs about addiction, this film features insights from experts on trends and treatments in the ongoing battle against drug and alcohol abuse.”

Children and Teens (DrugFree)

“From tips on preventing substance use to guidance on managing recovery from addiction, we have the information and resources you need at every step of the way.”

Addiction Science (NIDA)

“NIDA is the lead federal agency supporting scientific research on drug use and its consequences.”

Pornography Religious Resources (Porn Help)

“Resources provided by religious organizations and denominations to help their adherents apply religious principles to quitting pornography, including through guided prayer, study, and faith-based counseling.”

Expert Interviews (The Institute for Addiction Study)

“Memo to Self is a film about Recovery Management: organizing addiction treatment and recovery support services so people with addiction can get ready for recovery, get into recovery, get through early recovery, and get what they need to thrive in long-term recovery.”  Here are excerpts from the film.

Sex Addiction- Education and Help (IITAP)

“Should you seek help?  Curious if you may have an issue with sex addiction, including pornography?”

Gambling Addiction (HelpGuide)

“Whether you bet on sports, scratch cards, roulette, poker, or slots—in a casino, at the track, or online—a gambling problem can strain your relationships, interfere with work, and lead to financial disaster.”

American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)

The premier organization of Addiction Medicine professionals.

The Brain Disease Model of Addiction (Hazelden)

“Advances in neuroscience and imaging technology have rapidly evolved our understanding of addiction and demonstrated a great deal of support for what is often referred to as the brain disease model of addiction.”

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Workbook: A Comprehensive CBT Guide for Coping with Uncertainty, Worry, and Fear

“Based in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), this book provides real, proven-effective solutions. Written by three renowned anxiety experts, the book offers practical exercises and strategies to help soothe your worst worries, fears, and panic. The book focuses on what most often leads you to worry―the fear of uncertainty. In a nutshell, people with GAD worry as a way of mentally planning and preparing for any outcome that life throws their way. With this book, you’ll learn to stop seeing uncertainty as threatening―which will in turn, reduce your anxiety and instill a sense of calm.  If you’re ready to stop letting your worries get the better of you, this easy-to-use workbook will help you―one step at a time.”

Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World

“Does the uncertainty and chaos of life keep you up at night? Is irrational anxiety your constant companion? Let God help you win the war on worry and receive the lasting peace of Christ. We all encounter anxiety, but we don’t have to let worry and fear control our lives. Anxious for Nothing, from New York Times bestselling author, Max Lucado, provides a roadmap for battling with and healing from anxiety.”

Interoceptive Exposure Handout (U of Michigan Medicine)

“Internal cue exposure means that the trigger for our anxiety is internal, or inside our bodies. This type of exposure is
used most often for people that struggle with Panic Disorder. Anyone who has had a panic attack knows how
uncomfortable it is; this is the “fight or flight” response at its worst!”  This handout helps you understand how to counter through Interoceptive Exposure.

Association For Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)

“The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies is a multidisciplinary organization committed to the enhancement of health and well-being by advancing the scientific understanding, assessment, prevention, and treatment of human problems through the global application of behavioral, cognitive, and biological evidence-based principles.”

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

“ADAA is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through education, practice, and research.”

Social Anxiety Coping Strategies (McGill University)

This excellent overview of effective supports for Social Anxiety provides tangible exercises.

“Most people feel shy because they worry about other’s perceptions of them. However, if this worry becomes persistent and disrupts daily life, leading to the use of drugs or alcohol to facilitate their social skills, or turning down opportunities that require public speaking, they are exhibiting signs of social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety is described as a pervasive fear of social situations in which an individual might be subjected to humiliation or scrutiny.”

Jonathan Abramowitz’s site

His name is eponymous with OCD and Anxiety Research.  He offers great free resources on his site.

Stopping the Noise In Your Head (Dr. Reid Wilson)

“Dr. Reid Wilson proposes a groundbreaking, paradoxical approach to overcoming anxiety, worry, OCD, panic, and phobias by moving away from comfort, confidence, and security and willingly moving toward uncertainty, distress and discomfort.”

“May” or “May Not” Exposure Scripting (Shala Nicely)

“…MOMN statements, which are a type of exposure scripting, can be used with any type of OCD content…because OCD is not about the content!”

AT Parenting Community (Anxious Toddlers)

“My name is Natasha Daniels and I am a child therapist who specializes in anxiety & OCD. I have devoted my career to helping families raise children with these struggles.”

Facing Your Fears: Exposure (Anxiety BC)

“An important step in managing anxiety involves facing feared situations, places or
objects. It is normal to want to avoid the things you fear. However, avoidance prevents
you from learning that the things you fear are not as dangerous as you think.”

Exposure and Desensitization (U of Mich)

“We spoke about sensitization in the section “Anxiety Fuel.” Now we’ll talk
about desensitization, which means we work to make our anxiety alarm less
sensitive, so it doesn’t go off as often or as loudly.”

Distinguishing Information-Seeking and Reassurance Seeking

This helpful chart is an educational guide separating info-seeking from reassurance.

Cognitive Defusion (The Washington Center for Cognitive Therapy)

“CDef (originally called cognitive distancing by the founder of cognitive therapy, Dr. Aaron Beck) is a process where —  under certain circumstances — we choose a different relationship with the stream of thought that flows through our heads.”

Cognitive Defusion (ACBS)

“Purpose: See thoughts as what they are, not as what they say they are.  Method: Expand attention to thinking and experiencing as an ongoing behavioral process, not a causal, ontological result.”

Association For Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)

“The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies is a multidisciplinary organization committed to the enhancement of health and well-being by advancing the scientific understanding, assessment, prevention, and treatment of human problems through the global application of behavioral, cognitive, and biological evidence-based principles.”

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

“ADAA is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through education, practice, and research.”

Kids and OCD: The Parents’ Role in Treatment (Child Mind Institute)

“By doing what comes naturally to a parent, you are inadvertently accommodating the disorder, and allowing it to take over your child’s life.”

AT Parenting Community (Anxious Toddlers)

“My name is Natasha Daniels and I am a child therapist who specializes in anxiety & OCD. I have devoted my career to helping families raise children with these struggles.”

Anxiety Canada

Information and plans based on CBT for Anxiety- for children and adults.

Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World

“Does the uncertainty and chaos of life keep you up at night? Is irrational anxiety your constant companion? Let God help you win the war on worry and receive the lasting peace of Christ. We all encounter anxiety, but we don’t have to let worry and fear control our lives. Anxious for Nothing, from New York Times bestselling author, Max Lucado, provides a roadmap for battling with and healing from anxiety.”

OCD: Freedom for the Obsessive-Compulsive (Resources for Changing Lives) by Mike Emlet

This very basic overview offers some perspective on the larger lens of seeing Christ while suffering with OCD, along with short references to treatments at large.  My caution is that it does not offer very practical guidance, but it is an important booklet presenting some initial ideas on the bigger picture of Christian faith.

Can Christianity Cure ObsessiveCompulsive Disorder?: A Psychiatrist Explores the Role of Faith in Treatment by Ian Osborn, MD

“Obsessive compulsive disorder (O.C.D.) is a relentless condition, the primary symptom being the occurrence of terrifying ideas, images, and urges that jump into a person’s mind and return again and again, despite the individual’s attempt to remove them. Christians who suffer from O.C.D. may grapple with additional guilt, as the undesired thoughts are frequently of a spiritual nature. Yet people may be surprised to learn that some of the greatest leaders in Christian history also struggled with this malady. What did they experience? How did they cope? Were they able to overcome these tormenting, often violent, obsessions? Where did God fit into the picture? Ian Osborn shares the personal accounts of Martin Luther, John Bunyan, and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, as well as his own story, in exploring how faith and science work together to address this complex issue.”

Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS)

This site is the support organization for Christian counselors committed to rigorous study and integration of science and Christianity.  The link specifically is a therapist finder tool.

American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC)

The website of the AACC, “We are committed to assisting Christian counselors, the entire “community of care,” licensed professionals, pastors, and lay church members with little or no formal training.”  Has a counselor finder tool.

Religious and Moral Scrupulosity in Christians (ACCFS)

Dr. Ted Witzig talks on this important topic: “Scrupulosity is a subtype of OCD where religious and moral matters become entwined in the obsessive-compulsive cycle. People suffering with this disorder worry that they have sinned or done something immoral, even when they have not.”

OCD and the Death of the Christian (Desiring God)

This article helps explore the faith component involving trust in God while having OCD.  While it does not provide resources as to treatment, it offers some important considerations underscoring the bigger picture of seeking God while having a debilitating disorder.

Coping Statements For Christians With OCD and Scrupulosity (ACCFS)

A list and downloadable sheet on statements when in deep uncertainty.

Scrupulosity: Blackmailed by OCD in the Name of God (Beyond OCD)

“OCD sufferers, on the other hand, dramatically overreact to perceived failures. They ‘see sin where there is none.'”

OCD & Scrupulosity for Christians (ACCFS)

Blog articles from Dr. Ted Witzig on OCD & Scrupulosity in Christians.

Celebrate Recovery (CR)

“Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12 step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind.  Celebrate Recovery is a safe place to find community and freedom from the issues that are controlling our life.”

Social Anxiety Coping Strategies (McGill University)

This excellent overview of effective supports for Social Anxiety provides tangible exercises.

“Most people feel shy because they worry about other’s perceptions of them. However, if this worry becomes persistent and disrupts daily life, leading to the use of drugs or alcohol to facilitate their social skills, or turning down opportunities that require public speaking, they are exhibiting signs of social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety is described as a pervasive fear of social situations in which an individual might be subjected to humiliation or scrutiny.”

Exposure BINGO!

You read that right! Learn to face fears and make it…interesting and fun!

Relapse Prevention in OCD (Shala Nicely)

“As you go into recovery from OCD, it’s good to keep in mind that relapse
prevention is a process, and living how we want to live requires some
maintenance….”

Exposure and Desensitization (U of Mich)

“We spoke about sensitization in the section “Anxiety Fuel.” Now we’ll talk
about desensitization, which means we work to make our anxiety alarm less
sensitive, so it doesn’t go off as often or as loudly.”

Distinguishing Information-Seeking and Reassurance Seeking

This helpful chart is an educational guide separating info-seeking from reassurance.

Cognitive Defusion (The Washington Center for Cognitive Therapy)

“CDef (originally called cognitive distancing by the founder of cognitive therapy, Dr. Aaron Beck) is a process where —  under certain circumstances — we choose a different relationship with the stream of thought that flows through our heads.”

Cognitive Defusion (ACBS)

“Purpose: See thoughts as what they are, not as what they say they are.  Method: Expand attention to thinking and experiencing as an ongoing behavioral process, not a causal, ontological result.”

Association For Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)

“The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies is a multidisciplinary organization committed to the enhancement of health and well-being by advancing the scientific understanding, assessment, prevention, and treatment of human problems through the global application of behavioral, cognitive, and biological evidence-based principles.”

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

“ADAA is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through education, practice, and research.”

Social Anxiety Coping Strategies (McGill University)

This excellent overview of effective supports for Social Anxiety provides tangible exercises.

“Most people feel shy because they worry about other’s perceptions of them. However, if this worry becomes persistent and disrupts daily life, leading to the use of drugs or alcohol to facilitate their social skills, or turning down opportunities that require public speaking, they are exhibiting signs of social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety is described as a pervasive fear of social situations in which an individual might be subjected to humiliation or scrutiny.”

Jonathan Abramowitz’s site

His name is eponymous with OCD and Anxiety Research.  He offers great free resources on his site.

Exposure BINGO!

You read that right! Learn to face fears and make it…interesting and fun!

Stopping the Noise In Your Head (Dr. Reid Wilson)

“Dr. Reid Wilson proposes a groundbreaking, paradoxical approach to overcoming anxiety, worry, OCD, panic, and phobias by moving away from comfort, confidence, and security and willingly moving toward uncertainty, distress and discomfort.”

“May” or “May Not” Exposure Scripting (Shala Nicely)

“…MOMN statements, which are a type of exposure scripting, can be used with any type of OCD content…because OCD is not about the content!”

Relapse Prevention in OCD (Shala Nicely)

“As you go into recovery from OCD, it’s good to keep in mind that relapse
prevention is a process, and living how we want to live requires some
maintenance….”

Exposure and Desensitization (U of Mich)

“We spoke about sensitization in the section “Anxiety Fuel.” Now we’ll talk
about desensitization, which means we work to make our anxiety alarm less
sensitive, so it doesn’t go off as often or as loudly.”

Distinguishing Information-Seeking and Reassurance Seeking

This helpful chart is an educational guide separating info-seeking from reassurance.

Cognitive Defusion (The Washington Center for Cognitive Therapy)

“CDef (originally called cognitive distancing by the founder of cognitive therapy, Dr. Aaron Beck) is a process where —  under certain circumstances — we choose a different relationship with the stream of thought that flows through our heads.”

Cognitive Defusion (ACBS)

“Purpose: See thoughts as what they are, not as what they say they are.  Method: Expand attention to thinking and experiencing as an ongoing behavioral process, not a causal, ontological result.”

7 Metaphors for Cognitive Defusion (Steven Handel)

“‘Cognitive defusion’ describes the process of accepting your thoughts while at the same time distancing yourself and not clinging to them.​​​​​​​ Here are 7 great metaphors that illustrate this concept perfectly.”

Overcoming Unacceptable Thoughts (Houston OCD)

Check out this presentation by several notable clinicians on “overcoming unacceptable thoughts.”

Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Personalized Recovery Program for Living with Uncertainty, Updated Edition by Jonathan Grayson PhD

“Nearly six million Americans suffer from the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, which can manifest itself in many ways: paralyzing fear of contamination; unmanageable “checking” rituals; excessive concern with order, symmetry, and counting; and others.  Freedom from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder provides Dr. Jonathan Grayson’s revolutionary and compassionate program for finally breaking the cycle of overwhelming fear and endless rituals….”

Interoceptive Exposure Handout (U of Michigan Medicine)

“Internal cue exposure means that the trigger for our anxiety is internal, or inside our bodies. This type of exposure is
used most often for people that struggle with Panic Disorder. Anyone who has had a panic attack knows how
uncomfortable it is; this is the “fight or flight” response at its worst!”  This handout helps you understand how to counter through Interoceptive Exposure.

Association For Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)

“The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies is a multidisciplinary organization committed to the enhancement of health and well-being by advancing the scientific understanding, assessment, prevention, and treatment of human problems through the global application of behavioral, cognitive, and biological evidence-based principles.”

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

“ADAA is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through education, practice, and research.”

Core Fear Conceptualization (Dr. Michael Greenberg)

Dr. Michael Greenberg offers a great overview of the role of a core fear in the treatment of OCD.  Central to CBT, such conceptualization has many practical applications, such as tightening treatment planning and strengthening outcomes.  Jump to his core fear worksheet here or click on the blog link below.

The Anatomy of ERP for OCD (Shala Nicely)

“So how exactly do I approach ERP (exposure and response prevention therapy) for OCD? I share the anatomy of ERP for OCD below, but before we get started, let me define the difference between proactive and reactive ERP.”

What Is ERP? (Shala Nicely)

“Let’s say that you are deathly afraid of bridges. Big bridges, little bridges, bridges in between….you want nothing to do with them. You see them and you just freeze up. You say to yourself, “I didn’t want to go to what’s on the other side of the bridge anyway. I’ll just stay here.” And so you stay there. And unfortunately, you end up staying afraid.

But why?

Because when we avoid what we’re afraid of, it stays this big, scary thing.”

Jonathan Abramowitz’s site

His name is eponymous with OCD and Anxiety Research.  He offers great free resources on his site.

Exposure BINGO!

You read that right! Learn to face fears and make it…interesting and fun!

Stopping the Noise In Your Head (Dr. Reid Wilson)

“Dr. Reid Wilson proposes a groundbreaking, paradoxical approach to overcoming anxiety, worry, OCD, panic, and phobias by moving away from comfort, confidence, and security and willingly moving toward uncertainty, distress and discomfort.”

“May” or “May Not” Exposure Scripting (Shala Nicely)

“…MOMN statements, which are a type of exposure scripting, can be used with any type of OCD content…because OCD is not about the content!”

Facing Your Fears: Exposure (Anxiety BC)

“An important step in managing anxiety involves facing feared situations, places or
objects. It is normal to want to avoid the things you fear. However, avoidance prevents
you from learning that the things you fear are not as dangerous as you think.”

Exposure and Desensitization (U of Mich)

“We spoke about sensitization in the section “Anxiety Fuel.” Now we’ll talk
about desensitization, which means we work to make our anxiety alarm less
sensitive, so it doesn’t go off as often or as loudly.”

Key Research Articles on Imaginal Exposure (Science Direct)

“Imaginal exposure refers to patients intentionally confronting specific memories….in their imaginations either by verbally describing … or by writing a description…”

Association For Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)

“The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies is a multidisciplinary organization committed to the enhancement of health and well-being by advancing the scientific understanding, assessment, prevention, and treatment of human problems through the global application of behavioral, cognitive, and biological evidence-based principles.”

Kids and OCD: The Parents’ Role in Treatment (Child Mind Institute)

“By doing what comes naturally to a parent, you are inadvertently accommodating the disorder, and allowing it to take over your child’s life.”

Celebrate Recovery (CR)

“Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12 step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind.  Celebrate Recovery is a safe place to find community and freedom from the issues that are controlling our life.”

Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS)

This site is the support organization for Christian counselors committed to rigorous study and integration of science and Christianity.  The link specifically is a therapist finder tool.

American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC)

The website of the AACC, “We are committed to assisting Christian counselors, the entire “community of care,” licensed professionals, pastors, and lay church members with little or no formal training.”  Has a counselor finder tool.

Association For Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)

“The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies is a multidisciplinary organization committed to the enhancement of health and well-being by advancing the scientific understanding, assessment, prevention, and treatment of human problems through the global application of behavioral, cognitive, and biological evidence-based principles.”

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

“ADAA is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through education, practice, and research.”

Cognitive Defusion (The Washington Center for Cognitive Therapy)

“CDef (originally called cognitive distancing by the founder of cognitive therapy, Dr. Aaron Beck) is a process where —  under certain circumstances — we choose a different relationship with the stream of thought that flows through our heads.”

Cognitive Defusion (ACBS)

“Purpose: See thoughts as what they are, not as what they say they are.  Method: Expand attention to thinking and experiencing as an ongoing behavioral process, not a causal, ontological result.”

7 Metaphors for Cognitive Defusion (Steven Handel)

“‘Cognitive defusion’ describes the process of accepting your thoughts while at the same time distancing yourself and not clinging to them.​​​​​​​ Here are 7 great metaphors that illustrate this concept perfectly.”

Celebrate Recovery (CR)

“Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12 step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind.  Celebrate Recovery is a safe place to find community and freedom from the issues that are controlling our life.”

The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD: A Guide to Overcoming Obsessions and Compulsions Using Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

“If you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you might have an irrational fear of being contaminated by germs, or obsessively double-check things. You may even feel like a prisoner, trapped with your intrusive thoughts. And while OCD can have a devastating impact on your life, getting real help can be a challenge.”

An OCD Exposure Coloring Book: Coloring Exposures for Sexual, Harming, Relationship, Religious, and Scrupulous Intrusive Thoughts

“This coloring book is dedicated to the many individuals diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. This diagnosis is often misunderstood; the general population believing OCD is all about being ‘clean and tidy.’ I hope this is one more resource that corrects that misconception. Obsessions can include a variety of debilitating and stressful themes including sexual, harming, relationship, religious, and scrupulous thoughts, to name a few.”

An OCD Exposure Coloring Book: Volume 2

“Volume 2 of An OCD Exposure Coloring Book has been developed and created due to the overwhelming and positive response to the first book. In addition to over 20 exposure coloring pages, a list of exposure ideas has been included this time around so you know the different possibilities of how this book can be utilized in your treatment process.”

OCD Workbook: Your Guide to Breaking Free from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (A New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook)

“If you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), chances are that your persistent obsessive thoughts and time-consuming compulsions keep you from enjoying life to the fullest. But when you are in the habit of avoiding the things you fear, the idea of facing them head-on can feel frightening and overwhelming. This book can help.”

Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World

“Does the uncertainty and chaos of life keep you up at night? Is irrational anxiety your constant companion? Let God help you win the war on worry and receive the lasting peace of Christ. We all encounter anxiety, but we don’t have to let worry and fear control our lives. Anxious for Nothing, from New York Times bestselling author, Max Lucado, provides a roadmap for battling with and healing from anxiety.”

OCD: Freedom for the Obsessive-Compulsive (Resources for Changing Lives) by Mike Emlet

This very basic overview offers some perspective on the larger lens of seeing Christ while suffering with OCD, along with short references to treatments at large.  My caution is that it does not offer very practical guidance, but it is an important booklet presenting some initial ideas on the bigger picture of Christian faith.

Can Christianity Cure ObsessiveCompulsive Disorder?: A Psychiatrist Explores the Role of Faith in Treatment by Ian Osborn, MD

“Obsessive compulsive disorder (O.C.D.) is a relentless condition, the primary symptom being the occurrence of terrifying ideas, images, and urges that jump into a person’s mind and return again and again, despite the individual’s attempt to remove them. Christians who suffer from O.C.D. may grapple with additional guilt, as the undesired thoughts are frequently of a spiritual nature. Yet people may be surprised to learn that some of the greatest leaders in Christian history also struggled with this malady. What did they experience? How did they cope? Were they able to overcome these tormenting, often violent, obsessions? Where did God fit into the picture? Ian Osborn shares the personal accounts of Martin Luther, John Bunyan, and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, as well as his own story, in exploring how faith and science work together to address this complex issue.”

Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Personalized Recovery Program for Living with Uncertainty, Updated Edition by Jonathan Grayson PhD

“Nearly six million Americans suffer from the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, which can manifest itself in many ways: paralyzing fear of contamination; unmanageable “checking” rituals; excessive concern with order, symmetry, and counting; and others.  Freedom from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder provides Dr. Jonathan Grayson’s revolutionary and compassionate program for finally breaking the cycle of overwhelming fear and endless rituals….”

Interoceptive Exposure Handout (U of Michigan Medicine)

“Internal cue exposure means that the trigger for our anxiety is internal, or inside our bodies. This type of exposure is
used most often for people that struggle with Panic Disorder. Anyone who has had a panic attack knows how
uncomfortable it is; this is the “fight or flight” response at its worst!”  This handout helps you understand how to counter through Interoceptive Exposure.

Association For Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)

“The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies is a multidisciplinary organization committed to the enhancement of health and well-being by advancing the scientific understanding, assessment, prevention, and treatment of human problems through the global application of behavioral, cognitive, and biological evidence-based principles.”

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

“ADAA is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through education, practice, and research.”

Core Fear Conceptualization (Dr. Michael Greenberg)

Dr. Michael Greenberg offers a great overview of the role of a core fear in the treatment of OCD.  Central to CBT, such conceptualization has many practical applications, such as tightening treatment planning and strengthening outcomes.  Jump to his core fear worksheet here or click on the blog link below.

The Anatomy of ERP for OCD (Shala Nicely)

“So how exactly do I approach ERP (exposure and response prevention therapy) for OCD? I share the anatomy of ERP for OCD below, but before we get started, let me define the difference between proactive and reactive ERP.”

What Is ERP? (Shala Nicely)

“Let’s say that you are deathly afraid of bridges. Big bridges, little bridges, bridges in between….you want nothing to do with them. You see them and you just freeze up. You say to yourself, “I didn’t want to go to what’s on the other side of the bridge anyway. I’ll just stay here.” And so you stay there. And unfortunately, you end up staying afraid.

But why?

Because when we avoid what we’re afraid of, it stays this big, scary thing.”

Jonathan Abramowitz’s site

His name is eponymous with OCD and Anxiety Research.  He offers great free resources on his site.

Interoceptive Exposure Handout (U of Michigan Medicine)

“Internal cue exposure means that the trigger for our anxiety is internal, or inside our bodies. This type of exposure is
used most often for people that struggle with Panic Disorder. Anyone who has had a panic attack knows how
uncomfortable it is; this is the “fight or flight” response at its worst!”  This handout helps you understand how to counter through Interoceptive Exposure.

Association For Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)

“The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies is a multidisciplinary organization committed to the enhancement of health and well-being by advancing the scientific understanding, assessment, prevention, and treatment of human problems through the global application of behavioral, cognitive, and biological evidence-based principles.”

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

“ADAA is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through education, practice, and research.”

Interoceptive Exposure Handout (U of Michigan Medicine)

“Internal cue exposure means that the trigger for our anxiety is internal, or inside our bodies. This type of exposure is
used most often for people that struggle with Panic Disorder. Anyone who has had a panic attack knows how
uncomfortable it is; this is the “fight or flight” response at its worst!”  This handout helps you understand how to counter through Interoceptive Exposure.

Association For Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)

“The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies is a multidisciplinary organization committed to the enhancement of health and well-being by advancing the scientific understanding, assessment, prevention, and treatment of human problems through the global application of behavioral, cognitive, and biological evidence-based principles.”

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

“ADAA is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through education, practice, and research.”

Key Research Articles on Imaginal Exposure (Science Direct)

“Imaginal exposure refers to patients intentionally confronting specific memories….in their imaginations either by verbally describing … or by writing a description…”

Association For Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)

“The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies is a multidisciplinary organization committed to the enhancement of health and well-being by advancing the scientific understanding, assessment, prevention, and treatment of human problems through the global application of behavioral, cognitive, and biological evidence-based principles.”

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

“ADAA is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through education, practice, and research.”

Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

“NA is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for
whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering
addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean.”

Smart Recovery

“Self-Management And Recovery Training (SMART) is a global community of mutual-support groups. At meetings, participants help one another resolve problems with any addiction (to drugs or alcohol or to activities such as gambling or over-eating). “

Celebrate Recovery (CR)

“Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12 step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind.  Celebrate Recovery is a safe place to find community and freedom from the issues that are controlling our life.”

Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA)

“A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so they may overcome their sexual addiction and help others recover from sexual addiction or dependency.”

Sex Addicts Anonymous Primary Purpose

12 step fellowship for sex addiction utilizing the format for AA in their studies and step work.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

“Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem.”

Association For Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)

“The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies is a multidisciplinary organization committed to the enhancement of health and well-being by advancing the scientific understanding, assessment, prevention, and treatment of human problems through the global application of behavioral, cognitive, and biological evidence-based principles.”

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

“ADAA is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through education, practice, and research.”

Social Anxiety Coping Strategies (McGill University)

This excellent overview of effective supports for Social Anxiety provides tangible exercises.

“Most people feel shy because they worry about other’s perceptions of them. However, if this worry becomes persistent and disrupts daily life, leading to the use of drugs or alcohol to facilitate their social skills, or turning down opportunities that require public speaking, they are exhibiting signs of social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety is described as a pervasive fear of social situations in which an individual might be subjected to humiliation or scrutiny.”

Association For Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)

“The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies is a multidisciplinary organization committed to the enhancement of health and well-being by advancing the scientific understanding, assessment, prevention, and treatment of human problems through the global application of behavioral, cognitive, and biological evidence-based principles.”

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

“ADAA is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through education, practice, and research.”

Kids and OCD: The Parents’ Role in Treatment (Child Mind Institute)

“By doing what comes naturally to a parent, you are inadvertently accommodating the disorder, and allowing it to take over your child’s life.”

AT Parenting Community (Anxious Toddlers)

“My name is Natasha Daniels and I am a child therapist who specializes in anxiety & OCD. I have devoted my career to helping families raise children with these struggles.”

Anxiety Canada

Information and plans based on CBT for Anxiety- for children and adults.

Celebrate Recovery (CR)

“Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12 step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind.  Celebrate Recovery is a safe place to find community and freedom from the issues that are controlling our life.”