First therapy appointment and so proud of my son!

[Guest guest]

Our son (8 years old, just diagnosed with OCD) had his first therapy appointment

today with the psychologist (PhD) we found who sees lots of OCD kids. He does

CBT with E/RP. We were there for the appointment too (my husband and I met with

the psychologist yesterday to go over background and the treatment plan and

really liked him). Preston was very nervous before it, but within 10 mins the

doctor had him completely relaxed. He's kind of a goofy, funny guy and Preston

REALLY liked him. He opened right up and was honest with him about all his OCD

behaviors. The doctor explained OCD and " false alarms " (worries) OCD sends his

brain telling him to do things, etc. Preston seemed to truly get it. The first

" homework " assignment he gave Preston was to eat something kind of sticky and

then wait at least 30 mins before washing his hands (Preston washes his hands an

average of about 50-70 times a day right now). Right after his appointment he

went home (my husband is a stay-at-home dad so he's with him all summer, which

is great) and told dad he wanted to do his homework. He ate a peach and then

waited an ENTIRE HOUR to wash his hands. My husband said he was so proud of

himself. I am SO PROUD of him too! I know its a baby step, but it feels huge

right now. Last night we spent 2 hours trying to put " clean " sheets on his bed.

Took 6 different sheets and about 5 complete meltdowns before getting him to

bed. And then he woke up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom,

touched something on accident he thought wasn't clean and we had another

completely meltdown for an hour while he was trying to " get clean. " I was

really down and exhausted waking up this morning. So a good first therapy

appointment and successful " homework " today is bringing everyone's spirits up!!

I am so hopeful that this therapy might actually work. I know we have a long

road, but right now I'm just holding on to small victories.

-Kim