ABSTRACT
This treatment approach is based on Salkovskis’ (1985) cognitive model of OCD, but modified in order to work with young people and families. This model proposes that in individuals with OCD the normal phenomena of intrusive thoughts are misinterpreted as meaningful and seen as an indication that they might be responsible for harm to themselves or others unless they take preventative action. As a result, the individual attempts to suppress and neutralise the thought through compulsions, avoidance, seeking reassurance or by attempting to get rid of the thought. The aim of these neutralising behaviours is to reduce perceived responsibility. However, they actually make further intrusive thoughts more meaningful and more likely to occur, evoke more discomfort and lead to further neutralising. The key components of therapy are:
• carrying out an individualised formulation • psychoeducation • establishing goals • developing an alternative way of making sense of the problem • testing this out through behavioural experiments • relapse prevention.
