Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where individuals experience frequent, distressing thoughts called obsessions and feel driven to perform certain routines or behaviours known as compulsions to manage the anxiety these thoughts bring. Although these behaviours may seem to ease discomfort briefly, they usually reinforce fear and make symptoms worse over time

1. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for OCD
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES UNDERSTANDING THE PURPOSE,
PROCESS & PROGRESS

2. What is
OCD?
Obsessions: Unwanted,
intrusive thoughts that
cause distress
Compulsions: Repetitive
behaviours performed
to reduce anxiety
Common themes:
Contamination, harm,
symmetry, checking

3. How OCD
Affects
Life
• Disrupts daily activities
• Impacts relationships and
work/study
• Leads to exhaustion and
avoidance behaviours

4. Introduction
to CBT
• It is Structured, goal-
oriented therapy.
• It Focuses on present
thoughts, feelings, and
behaviours.
• It supports recovery in
different types of mental
health issues.

5. Why CBT
for OCD?
• Helps break the obsession-compulsion
cycle andTargets unhelpful thought
patterns.
• Builds coping and problem-solving skills
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy helps
individuals interrupt the cycle between
obsessive thoughts and compulsive
behaviours. It focuses on identifying and
challenging unhelpful thinking patterns
that fuel anxiety and distress. Through
this process, individuals develop
practical problem-solving skills that
support long-term recovery and
emotional resilience.

6. The CBT
Model
In OCD, intrusive thoughts often trigger
intense emotional responses, which then
lead to repetitive behaviours aimed at
reducing distress. These patterns are usually
maintained by, unhelpful beliefs that make
the thoughts seem threatening. Cognitive
Behavioural Therapy works to break this cycle
by helping individuals understand the
connection between their thoughts, feelings,
and actions, and by guiding them to
challenge and change these beliefs in a
healthier way.

7. What is
ERP?
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
is a key part of CBT for OCD. It involves
gradually facing situations or thoughts
that cause anxiety without performing the
usual compulsive behaviours. Over time,
this repeated exposure helps reduce fear
and teaches the individual that they can
tolerate distress without relying on rituals
for relief.

8. How ERP Works
Start small with
manageable
fears
1
Build tolerance
to anxiety
2
Reinforce that
feared
outcomes don't
happen
3

9. Goals of
CBT in OCD
Reduce the power of obsessions
Reduce
Stop compulsive behaviours
Stop
Restore everyday functioning
Restore
Boost confidence and self-trust
Boost
Prevent future relapses
Prevent
Promote independence and resilience
Promote

10. CBT Objectives Overview
Understand
Understand OCD and how it
works
Identify
Identify personal triggers
Challenge
Challenge irrational beliefs

11. Therapeutic Steps in CBT
STEP-BY-STEP FEAR
HIERARCHY
PRACTICE EXPOSURES
REGULARLY
REFLECT ON LEARNING
AFTER EACH EXPOSURE

12. Case Study: Rohan’s OCD
Rohan experienced distressing intrusive thoughts related to harming
others, even though he never acted on them. Out of fear, he began
avoiding sharp objects and distanced himself from people. This
pattern of avoidance significantly disrupted his everyday life, making
it difficult for him to function normally in social and academic
settings.

13. Rohan’s Recovery through CBT
Through therapy, Rohan came to understand that having a
disturbing thought doesn’t mean he will act on it. With the help of
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), he gradually confronted
his fears without avoiding them. Over time, this approach helped
him rebuild his confidence and return to a more balanced and
functional daily life.

14. Support During CBT
Including trusted family members or friends in the recovery journey
can be highly beneficial. When loved ones understand how the
therapy works, it not only helps reduce stigma but also creates a
more supportive environment. Their encouragement can strengthen
the individual’s motivation and commitment to the therapeutic
process.

15. Tips for CBT Success
• Start early
• Stay committed to therapy
• Trust the process and your therapist

16. Common Challenges in CBT
During the early stages of therapy, it’s common for anxiety levels to
temporarily increase as individuals begin facing their fears. Under
stress, old habits of avoidance might resurface. However, occasional
setbacks or relapses are a natural part of the recovery process and
can be managed with continued support and consistent practice of
therapeutic strategies.

17. Benefits of CBT for OCD
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy helps lower levels of fear and
anxiety associated with OCD. As individuals progress in
treatment, they often experience a significant improvement in
their overall well-being and daily functioning. Most importantly,
CBT equips them with the tools and confidence needed to
handle their symptoms independently, fostering long-term
resilience and self-management.

18. Thank You Emotion of Life invites you to share your thoughts, your
experiences and questions.