ABSTRACT
The first part of this chapter addresses the sensitive issue of terminating therapy for OCD. The therapist should begin to prepare the patient for the end of treatment before the final therapy session. This involves a review of the patient's progress as well as deciding on whether additional follow-up sessions will be scheduled. The second part describes a brief follow-up program for patients who complete the active phase of therapy, yet remain at risk for significant relapse. This program consists of several interventions, including the didactic presentation of information about anxiety, a discussion about the issue of lapse versus relapse, additional cognitive interventions, planning for self-controlled ERP, and arranging for the continued involvement of a support person.
