Overcoming OCD: A Client-Therapist Success Story
May 16th, 2009 |
A GoodTherapy.org News Update
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a condition fairly well known among mental health professionals and the psychologically-minded public at large. Yet as with so many things, there exist extreme departures from what we’d normally envision of a person afflicted with OCD –and the co-author of a recently released book on the subject is an excellent example. The man, who suffered from the disorder for most of his life, had developed extreme rituals that kept him from leaving his house or carrying out the vast majority of daily tasks; he became unable to bathe himself and spent hours each day carrying out elaborate counting and organizing rituals. That is, until he met the man who would help him triumph over his condition: his psychotherapist.
The two met after the afflicted man’s family called for help, and the psychotherapist, a renowned expert on OCD at the Harvard Medical School, drove three hours to meet and assess the man –and the mind– that would occupy his professional efforts for years to come. That initial meeting was difficult; the young man had developed strict rules for what actions could be taken in his home or around his person, yet psychologist and client were eventually able to find common ground.
The extraordinary tale of a syndrome so highly developed that it defied many professionals’ attempts to rein and the process of dismantling it to achieve the ultimate freedom for its victim is the subject of a new book, created by the client-therapist pair as well as a dedicated biographer. Highlighting the great expanses of what is possible when dedication and positive techniques are employed to dire psychological situations, the book is stirring up new conversation on the ability of therapy to not only enhance lives, but to save them. The book, Life in Rewind, is published by Harper-Collins
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12 comments so far
LIfe in Rewind seems like it will be a very interesting book. OCD seems to be a more serious problem then we all realize.
OCD seems to be a serious problem. more than we realize.
This sounds like it will be a very interesting book to read.
You can’t understand how OCD can take over the lives of not only those who suffer but from the family members who have to help them to deal with it as well. It is so frustrating because what seems rational to the rest of us seems foreign to the one with OCD>
I did a paper once for a college psychology class on OCD and only wish this book had been available then. Everything that I read at that time was so negative but this one sounds a little more upbeat and positive. It is things like this along with the work of a great psychotherapist which go a long way toward giving people hope for getting their lives back.
My uncle was diagnosed with OCD. His OCD was cleanliness. He would always be having a bath, washing his hands etc. He died a very old man without ever seeing a therapist for it. His family chose to ignore it as it didnt upset anyone.
Sounds good on paper but harder to do in real life
We do need more therapist willing to help individuals as these. You’re right Carlton, we don’t understand this condition unless we have been faced with it pray for those people who do need help get it.
OCD complicates daily living. It’s a blessing just being normal in every way. I know a colleague of mine who is struggling with OCD. Career opportunities definitely are not the same once people at work know about a mental condition that can be detrimental to business.
My dad was cured of OCD. Life before was hell for him and the family. I think what helps is understanding that they cannot help themselves. Family support is vital. It is also important for friends and colleagues to be educated about their condition.
Its nice’ to see so many people genuinely understand OCD. It’s very difficult in the real world for these kind of people who are termed mad by the “normal” ones.
This book sounds like a really interesting and eye-opening read. OCD is more common than many people realize, and can severely affect the lives of the people suffering, as well as their loved ones. I am working with A&E and their new show, Obsessed, that aims to raise awareness and understanding about OCD and similar disorders. We’d love your thoughts in the show. Thanks for the information on Life in Rewind.