The Family Guide to Getting Over OCD, Reclaim Your Life and Help Your Loved One

by Jonathan S. Abramowitz When a loved one has OCD, it's a constant struggle. It hurts to see your spouse so anxious or your teen spending so much time alone. You've tried logic, reassurance, even accommodating endless rituals—but, too often, these well-meaning attempts actually make OCD worse. Psychologist Jonathan Abramowitz has worked with countless families affected by OCD, and he understands the strain. He also knows you can turn things around. Grounded in state-of-the-art treatment research, this compassionate guide helps you change your own behavior to support your loved one's recovery. By gently but firmly encouraging the person you care about to face their fears, you can stop being controlled by the disorder, disentangle yourself from unhealthy patterns, and see your whole family grow more confident and hopeful. Vivid stories, dos and don'ts, and practical tools (which you can download and print for repeated use) help you follow the step-by-step strategies in this life-changing book. Table of Contents Introduction I. Understanding OCD 1. What Is OCD? 2. How Does OCD Set Its Trap? 3. How Do Families Get Entangled in OCD? sample 4. Treatment That Can Help Your Relative—and Your Family II. Preparing to Untangle Yourself from OCD 5. Why Your Loved One May Refuse Treatment—and What You Can Do 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