Thematic Experiences of CBT Struggle for Individuals with OCD

Abstract

Despite the popularity of cognitive-behavioral therapy treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder, many people who have OCD have reported that they were unsatisfied or did not benefit from the treatment. Research has shown that schema therapy could be a possible avenue for these patients, but further insight into its ability to treat CBT non-responders is needed. An embedded mixed-methods study design was utilized to survey 30 participants with OCD and investigate their experiences with CBT. The analysis determined that most participants experienced a fear of failure, a sense of vulnerability, and a sense of helplessness, all of which overlapped with the most frequently elevated EMS.