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OCD – Tips to help with OCD Part 5/6

Sherry-Lee Smith Child, Adolescent, Adult, Psychologist. Perth, WA

 

  • Postpone OCD rituals whenever you can – this will assist you in learning to sit with the anxiety
  • Remember that unpleasant feelings always reduce when given enough time
  • When you notice an obsessive thought arising, refocus your attention to something else
  • Write down obsessive thoughts or worries
  • Anticipate OCD urges– know your triggers and help yourself resist the compulsion by creating mental pictures or notes that remind you the compulsion is unnecessary (for example when you lock the door, make a mental picture of the locked door and say to yourself “the door is now locked”)
  • Try slowly cutting back on compulsive behaviour. If you check 10 times that the door is locked, try checking 8 times and then 6 etc.
  • Reduce your vulnerability to OCD by eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and enough sleep
  • Try not to isolate yourself
  • Make friends with your OCD – get to know your triggers, the more you can anticipate and identify OCD thoughts the more power you will have to manage your OCD
  • Practise relaxation techniques
  • Limit intake of alcohol and nicotine
  • Manage the stress in your life – OCD symptoms tend to get worse when you are under stress

Sherry-Lee Smith Psychologist Perth Home Page

Published by Sherry-Lee Smith Child, Adolescent, Adult, Psychologist. Perth, WA

Sherry-Lee Smith MAPS MAAP EMDRAA ISST CEDC Psychologist BA (Psych) Hons Registered; Perth Western Australia Sherry is a registered psychologist with 10 years experience working with adults, adolescents, and children. Sherry aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to increase their self-awareness and develop towards their full potential. Issues addressed include; depression and other mood disorders anxiety disorders (generalised anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety etc.) stress self-harm suicidal ideation self-esteem personal growth anger management drug and alcohol use grief and loss relationship difficulties and separation adolescent issues young adult issues eating disorders insomnia body image issues family of origin issues Sherry uses an integrated therapeutic approach to counselling and psychotherapy tailoring the intervention to meet the unique needs of the client. Approaches may include Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Psychodynamic approaches, Expressive Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy and Narrative Therapy. Sherry has experience working at an adolescent mental health services with adolescents and their families experiencing depression, self-harm and suicidal ideation. She has co-ordinated a drug and alcohol service for adolescents and adults experiencing difficulties related to their own or another’s drug and alcohol use and co-occurring mental health issues. Sherry has worked counselling children and adolescents who have experienced parental separation and family conflict. She has experience running groups related to drug and alcohol use, parenting, grief and loss, family and relationships, bullying and friendships, self-esteem, and parental separation. Sherry is fully registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). She is also an member of the Australian Psychological Society. Medicare rebates and private health fund rebates may apply. If you would like to book an appointment with Sherry or would like further information please contact her by phone or email. Phone: 042 135 1020 Email: smith.sherrylee@gmail.com Sherry-Lee Smith Mt Lawley Counselling Centre 13 Alvan Street Mt Lawley WA