Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
First Line, Gold Standard Treatment
Though there are many effective therapy treatments to date for a range of issues, CBT comes out as the most researched, most helpful for the widest range of problems, and can be highly personalized.
This triangle reflects no particular order or prioritization.
- A = Affect, or feelings and emotions
- B = Behavior, or actions
- C= Cognition, or thoughts and beliefs
CBT capitalizes on how each of these three domains have strong relationships to each other. The heart of the theory and practice is based on the knowledge that changing one or more of these domains leads to changes in the other. Another way of looking at it is that the more a person lines up their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors with reality, the more they achieve well-being, and many problems can be alleviated.
Exposure Therapy (ET and ERP)
Relevant Videos
Curated to get you started.
What is Exposure Therapy and How Do You Do It?
Exposure therapy can sound intense. What is it? How is it done? Why is it so effective? Justin K Hughes, MA, LPC explains simply an extremely effective FIRST LINE and “GOLD STANDARD” treatment for anxiety disorders and more.
The 4 Types of Exposure Therapy
Exploring the 4 Types of Exposure Therapy- In Vivo, Imaginal, Interoceptive, and Virtual Reality- Justin offers punctual clarity to the approach of how fears that are being treated can be accessed, whether situationally, in one’s thoughts/imagination, through sensations, or a combination.
"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure."
Specially Curated Resources
These are handpicked, referenced in ACTUAL therapy sessions.
(Sorry, I cannot accommodate outside requests to add to resources.)This page may contain affiliate links. This means that some links on this site will produce a small commission from affiliate sites. Read more
Distinguishing Information-Seeking and Reassurance Seeking
This helpful chart is an educational guide separating info-seeking from reassurance.
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Overcoming Unacceptable Thoughts (Houston OCD)
Check out this presentation by several notable clinicians on “overcoming unacceptable thoughts.”
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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….”
“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!”
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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.”
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.”
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…”
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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.”
View >From My Blog
Related posts from my blog
The Thought Is Not the Desire: Why Confusing Intrusion with Temptation Hurts People
Too many people carry silent shame about intrusive thoughts—assuming that because an unsettling or taboo thought popped into their heads, it reflects a hidden, dark desire. It’s long been known that people throughout history have had unwanted, out-of-character thoughts, including Margery Kempe, Martin Luther, St. Ignatius of Loyola, and Winston Churchill. But the reality: the […]
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The CBT Model of Scrupulosity
Scrupulosity is now the term we use for obsessions of a religious or moral nature in OCD. We can also call it “seeing sin where there is none” (Nelson et al., 2006). The CBT Model of the OCD Cycle (maintenance of OCD) looks like this: Check out the introductory article here: “What is OCD & […]
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Do Not Fear—Guest Article
A prominent, misguided teaching is that the presence of fear constitutes a major problem. As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist and Christian who cares deeply about mental and spiritual health, I have come to believe that one of the most important starting points for overcoming fear-based problems is the following truth: Thoughts are thoughts Feelings are […]
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Baptism & OCD: Why I Decided to Get (Re)Baptized When I was 25—Guest Article
Baptism for those with OCD quickly becomes a deeply challenging consideration. Rachael Kelley’s brilliant article reveals how it seemed that “good Christians” are 100% certain. Living with OCD drives this craving deeper. Her story is one of suffering and courage, stepping into the water—not because the doubts were gone, but because she realized she didn’t have […]
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The Faith and OCD Truth Guide: Answers to the Questions OCD Won’t Leave Alone
Out Now! The Faith and OCD Truth Guide is a clinical resource that answers questions about OCD and Christian faith. The ebook answers 19 common questions, focusing on misconceptions, emphasizing that the disorder is a treatable condition rather than a lack of devotion or a moral failing. Furthermore, it points out the opportunities of faith […]
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Finally! A Roadmap for Christians with OCD (Big Reveal)
Dear friends, It’s really happening. For the last six years, I’ve been trying to “practice what I preach”—but it wasn’t easy. While writing The Christian’s Guide to Overcoming OCD, I faced some of the same “what-ifs” my clients do. What if I misrepresent God? What if I’m not good enough? What if this fails? I […]
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