Frequently Asked Questions About OCD Groups

A: This is the question that we get asked the most. Of course, it seems scary to potentially get others’ sticky thoughts. But listening to others’ themes and implementing strategies to not engage them is one of the most important benefits of the group.

You are exposed to potential new themes every day. When you listen to the news, watch TV, talk to friends, go to the movies, and read books or blogs, you are at risk of hearing something scary that may turn into an obsession. The only way to avoid it is not to be exposed to any external information. And even in that case, your imagination will still “helpfully” deliver some scary themes.

This is a skill that will be useful in everyday life. We don’t get “trigger warnings” in life and learning how to stay calm and present despite being triggered by someone else’s thoughts is an amazing skill to have.

OCD recovery means living life the way you want to live it as opposed to obeying OCD’s admonishments about the dangers of potential themes.

A: In the group we discourage spending time on discussing obsessions. Instead, the group members discuss which strategies worked for them, share their wins, and support one another in their progress toward OCD recovery.

A: One of OCD’s most underrated tricks is claiming that your specific theme is different and untreatable. It’s always a fun discussion in the group where almost every participant wishes they had someone else’s theme as it always seems easier and more treatable.

An OCD group is usually the best place to experientially learn that the content of the theme doesn’t matter in terms of treatment, and that this concern is very common and keeps people from engaging in treatment. Once you realize that your specific theme isn’t special and doesn’t require special treatment, you will be on your way towards recovery.

A: This is a very common concern. Many people feel that others will judge their obsessions, rituals, or both. They are afraid that their obsessions and compulsions may be perceived as weird, shameful, appalling, and even shocking.

Fear of judgement often brings about feelings of loneliness and isolation.

But the group participants are all in the same OCD boat. They are the ones who are going through a similar struggle and thus, create a safe, accepting, non-judgemental environment that is so important for recovery.

A: It is impossible to predict which OCD themes will be discussed in the next group but so far, we have never had a group without at least a few participants with either pOCD, harm OCD, existential OCD, ROCD, HOCD/SO-OCD, Real Event OCD, or similar OCD themes. If anybody can understand and relate, it’s people with OCD!

Additionally, it is not necessary to disclose the OCD theme or it’s details. The group’s goal is to learn the strategies to implement in your daily life to overcome OCD and not to discuss obsessions and compulsions. Having said that, sharing the taboo theme and hearing others relate and discuss similar obsessions can be incredibly healing and reassuring. You will realize that you are not alone and that despite what OCD had you believe, others are incredibly understanding and supportive.

A: Individual therapy is very important and we recommend that the group participants see an individual therapist too whenever possible. But the group provides a treatment experience that individual therapy just can’t deliver.

It is difficult to become an observer of your own OCD as the very nature of this disorder is that it keeps you entangled with your obsessions. But it is easy to observe others’ OCD processes and see what needs to be done to overcome obsessional doubt and compulsions.

Being in a group also creates a sense of community that is unconditionally supportive without judgement. It is difficult for others without OCD to really, truly understand what you are struggling with. But people with OCD get it! Many OCD groups participants continue to support one another for years after the group ends.

If finances are an issue, the group is a great alternative option to individual therapy to have a much lower-cost treatment of less than $43 per full hour.

For people who choose to combine individual and group therapy while being mindful of their budget, we recommend spreading individual sessions to less frequent appointments for the duration of the group. If you currently attend weekly sessions, you can switch to bi-weekly appointments while having a lower cost, but more intensive therapy for the duration of the group.

A: It is a very rewarding experience to observe how OCD sufferers can really understand each other and relate to one another in spite of the age differences. We’ve had participants range in ages and yet, they all find a common language and a common goal of OCD recovery. The community that gets built from this goal is incredibly supportive and often lasts long after the group ends.

A: One of the advantages of the group is to be able to observe other OCD sufferers in various stages of their treatment. Seeing people whose OCD is well-managed and is not affecting their life as much anymore provides a lot of hope for those who are just starting the treatment.

And seeing people who are starting their recovery journey is a good reminder to treatment veterans to continue practicing strategies learned in therapy to avoid going back to compulsing. Also, talking about strategies that were effective helps refresh and consolidate the knowledge and, thus, reinforce the recovery/maintenance stage of treatment.

A: We provide psychoeducation about a wide variety of OCD related topics, including ERP and ACT.

This group is also set up as a treatment group, meaning we practice exposures at alternating sessions. This provides members the opportunity to practice difficult tasks in the supportive environment of the group. Knowing that others are doing difficult exposures makes members more likely to participate and to show progress in their treatment. It is also a good place to practice how to handle anxiety provoking situations in a safe space, with a facilitator that will help guide you through the emotions.