If you are one of the many people who suffer from OCD, you know that intrusive thoughts and impulses can be a major source of distress. Since these thoughts can be difficult to control and can cause a great deal of anxiety. However, impulse therapy is a treatment option that may help you overcome these thoughts and impulses. So in this blog post, we will explore impulse therapy in detail and discuss why it may be a good option for you.
Contents
Understanding Impulse Therapy
Impulse Therapy is a type of exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. It was developed specifically for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Theory Behind Impulse Therapy
The theory behind this therapy is that by learning to tolerate the anxiety associated with their obsessions, people with OCD will eventually habituate to the anxiety and no longer feel the need to engage in compulsions.
Thus, the goal of this therapy is to help people with OCD become less sensitive to their anxiety-provoking thoughts and impulses. So that they can eventually learn to tolerate them without engaging in compulsive behaviors.
History and Development
Impulse therapy was developed in the early 1990s by Dr. Edna Foa, a world-renowned expert on OCD and anxiety disorders. She developed the treatment specifically for people with OCD who were struggling to overcome their obsessions and compulsions.
Overcoming OCD With Impulse Therapy
This therapy is an effective treatment for OCD. As with any treatment, there is no guarantee that it will work for everyone. However, many people with OCD have found relief from their symptoms through impulse therapy.
Types of OCD That It Treats
This therapy is effective in treating a variety of different types of OCD. For instance:
- Hoarding behaviors
- Mental compulsions
- Checking compulsions
- Excessive reassurance seeking
- Contamination obsessions and washing compulsions
How It Can Help Treat OCD
This therapy can help treat OCD by:
- Decreasing the need for compulsions
- Reducing the frequency and intensity of obsessions
- Helping you to tolerate anxiety-provoking thoughts and impulses without engaging in compulsive behaviors
What To Expect In The Session
During an impulse therapy session, you will be asked to:
- Identify your obsessions and compulsions
- Describe the compulsions that you face in detail
- Rate the intensity of your anxiety on a scale of 0-100
- Expose yourself to your obsessions without engaging in compulsions
Techniques Used In Impulse Therapy For OCD
There are a variety of different techniques that may be used in impulse therapy for OCD. For instance:
- Gradual exposure: This technique involves gradually exposing yourself to your anxiety-provoking thoughts and impulses without engaging in compulsions.
- Systematic desensitization: This technique involves gradually exposing yourself to your obsessions, starting with the least anxiety-provoking thoughts and working up to the most anxiety-provoking thoughts.
- In vivo exposure: This technique involves exposure to real-life situations that trigger your obsessions. For example, if you are afraid of contamination, you may be asked to touch doorknobs or shake hands with someone.
- Imaginal exposure: This technique involves exposure to your obsessions through imagination. You will be asked to imagine the anxiety-provoking situation in as much detail as possible.
- Flooding: This involves exposing the person to the feared object or situation all at once, without any gradual buildup. The therapist will stay with the person while they experience the intense anxiety and help them to ride it out until it starts to lessen. This method is not used as often as systematic desensitization because it can be quite overwhelming for the person.
Evaluating Impulse Therapy For OCD
Impulse therapy is an effective treatment for OCD. Moreover, in a large-scale study, over two-thirds of people with OCD who underwent impulse therapy showed significant improvement in their symptoms.
Benefits of Impulse Therapy
Some of the benefits of this therapy include:
- Does not require medication
- It is a highly effective treatment for OCD
- You can complete it in a relatively short period (usually 12-16 sessions)
Limitations, And Criticism
While impulse therapy is a highly effective treatment for OCD, it does have some limitations. For instance:
- It requires a high level of motivation and commitment from the individual
- It can be difficult to find a qualified therapist who specializes in this treatment modality
Why Consider It
If you are seeking an effective treatment for OCD that does not require medication, this therapy may be a good option for you.
Finding An Impulse Therapist For OCD
If you have an interest in finding an impulse therapist for OCD, there are a few things to keep in mind.
How To Get Started
To eventually find a qualified therapist, you can start by:
- Asking your doctor for a referral, or
- By searching online for therapists who specialize in treating OCD.
Once you have found a therapist, you will need to schedule an initial consultation. During this consultation, the therapist will assess your symptoms and determine whether impulse therapy is right for you.
What To Look Out For
When searching for an impulse therapist for OCD, it is important to look out for certain things. For instance:
- First, make sure to find a therapist who has experience and qualifications to treat OCD.
- Second, be sure to ask about the therapist’s success rate in treating OCD with impulse therapy.
- Finally, make sure to ask about the therapist’s fees and whether they accept your insurance.
Red Flags To Avoid
When searching for an impulse therapist for OCD, there are a few red flags to look out for. For instance:
- First, be wary of therapists who guarantee results.
- Second, be sure to avoid therapists who use a “one size fits all” approach to treatment.
- Finally, be sure to ask about the therapist’s qualifications and experience in treating OCD with impulse therapy.
How Much Does It Cost
The cost of impulse therapy for OCD can vary depending on the therapist’s fees and whether you have insurance. However, the average cost of impulse therapy is between $50 and $200 per session.
How Mantra Care Can Help You
If you’re searching for an affordable, convenient, and effective treatment for OCD, consider Mantra Care. Mantra Care is a leading provider of online mental health services. We offer a variety of evidence-based treatments, including impulse therapy, that can be completed from the comfort of your own home.
To get started with Mantra Care, simply sign up for a free account. Once you create an account, you will be able to schedule a consultation with one of our qualified therapists.
Conclusion
If you are seeking an effective treatment for OCD, impulse therapy may be a good option for you. This therapy is an effective treatment for OCD, and it takes a relatively short period to complete the course. However, it is important to find a qualified therapist who has experience in treating OCD with impulse therapy.
If you are looking for affordable Online OCD Counseling MantraCare can help: Book a trial OCD therapy session
