Ways a therapist may co-compulse with a patient
Co-compulsing occurs when a therapist inadvertently reinforces or validates the patient's compulsive behaviors and reinforces the obsessive-compulsive cycle, rather than helping the patient challenge and overcome their compulsions. There are several ways a therapist may be inadvertently co-compulsing with a patient:
Validating compulsive behaviors: A therapist may validate a patient's compulsive behaviors by acknowledging the anxiety or distress they cause and accepting them as a necessary coping mechanism.
Avoiding confrontation: A therapist may avoid confrontation with a patient about their compulsive behaviors for fear of causing more anxiety or distress.
Participating in compulsive behaviors: A therapist may participate in a patient's compulsive behaviors, such as discussing philosophical dilemmas with Existential OCD, talking about pros and cos of a relationship with Relationship OCD, or helping a client to come out as gay in Sexual Orientation OCD, in order to show empathy and support. T
Reassuring the patient: A therapist may offer constant reassurance to the patient about their worries and concerns, which can reinforce the patient's compulsive behaviors and make it more difficult for the patient to challenge and overcome them.
It is important for therapists to be aware of these behaviors and to avoid reinforcing compulsive behaviors in their patients.
