When a loved one is trapped in an endless cycle of obsessions and compulsions, it's a constant struggle for the whole family. It's only natural to try to accommodate the sufferer's behavor or help with rituals, even if that means turning everyone's lives upside down. Throwing a lifeline to spouses, parents, and others, renowned psychologist Jonathan Abramowitz reveals that, all too often, these well-meaning attempts make OCD worse--and strain relationships to the breaking point. But there is another way. By gently but firmly encouraging OCD sufferers to face their fears, family members can stop being controlled by the disorder, disentangle themselves from unhealthy patterns, and lay the foundations for change. Grounded in state-of-the-art knowledge about OCD treatment, the book includes step-by-step strategies for getting family life back on track, practical examples, sample dialogues, and downloadable practical tools.
Jonathan S. Abramowitz, PhD, ABPP, is Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, Research Professor of Psychiatry, and Director of the Anxiety and Stress Disorders Clinic at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Abramowitz conducts research on anxiety disorders and has published over 250 articles, book chapters, and books. He serves as Editor of the Journal of Obsessive–Compulsive and Related Disorders and is on the editorial boards of several other scientific journals. He is past president of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies and serves on the scientific and clinical advisory board of the International OCD Foundation. Dr. Abramowitz is a recipient of the Outstanding Contributions to Research Award from the Mayo Clinic Department of Psychiatry and Psychology and the David Shakow Early Career Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions to Clinical Psychology from Division 12 of the American Psychological Association. His books include The Family Guide to Getting Over OCD; Getting Over OCD, Second Edition; and The Stress Less Workbook (for general readers), and Exposure Therapy for Anxiety, Second Edition (for mental health professionals).
Introduction
I. Understanding OCD
1. What Is OCD?
2. How Does OCD Set Its Trap?
3. How Do Families Get Entangled in OCD?
4. Treatment That Can Help Your Relative—and Your Family
II. Preparing to Untangle Yourself from OCD
5. Laying a Foundation for Change
6. Learning the Facts About Anxiety, Obsessions, and Uncertainty
7. Learning to Communicate Effectively
III. Reducing OCD’s Influence Step by Step
8. Taking Stock of Your Situation
9. Preparing Your Loved One
10. Setting and Maintaining Expectations
11. Reducing Accommodation
12. Responding to Arguments, Threats, and Extreme Behavior
13. Staying on Track
IV. When Your Loved One Is Ready for Help
14. Finding the Right Treatment Program and Provider
15. Becoming an Effective Exposure Therapy Coach
Resources
Index
