Re: Dr. Chansky -- REPLY to golightning2010

April 16, 2012

Hello,

I think that you are really on track, but I'm puzzled why the Therapist is

stuck. The content is right there. Does she know OCD? This is exactly what needs

to happen-- playing with the religious doubt (in a respectful way-- respectful

of your religion and your family, not respectful of OCD). I would discuss with

the therapist and if she isn't experienced with this, you will need to find

another therapist. Meanwhile, talking to a chaplain who understands OCD can be a

great experience. If the person does not understand OCD then it can make things

worse, so maybe that's what your older daughter is concerned about. Just ask

about his experience with OCD- if the answers sound good to you, then could be

very helpful. Remember the issue is the doubt. Religion is not the problem, it's

OCD making her feel like she needs certainty (about her faith, her beliefs,

proof of her religion etc).

Best to you,

Tamar Chansky

>

> My 17 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with Religous OCD. Your book

was recommended by her pscyhologist which I've read. She has had six sessions,

and is on Cipralex. Her psych just told her that she (the Dr.) was 'stuck'. She

does not want to broach religous discussion with her at all. At first I thought

ok but now wonder how she can effectively treat her with CBT if she doesn't

explore/address her religous fears directly. My daughter says it is the crux of

her distress and at home we've tried to talk her through her fears in effort to

satisfy her insatiable questions. My daughter wants to talk to a school chaplain

or minister but I am very reticent. My older daughter who had professional

therapy for OCD (non-religous)thinks this is a bad idea - and thus far is the

only one who has been able to engage her effectively in addressing her religous

questions. I'm not sure what to do. Any suggestions please? Thanks very much...

>

April 17, 2012

Hello Dr. Chanksy,

I really appreciate your reply. I will be seeing therapist today to find out her

issues and will advise that I chatted with you online. Her issue is she says she

does not want to get into religous discussions - maybe partly because I don't

believe she is Christian and maybe partly because she thinks it indulges the OCD

and would rather focus on teaching strategies to recognize and deal with

unwanted thoughts. She did work in our metro-wide Youth Mental Health program

which was focused on anxiety disorders in 16 to 18 year olds, and advised she

dealt with range of OCD cases - not sure scrupe was one though. Sorry...are you

suggesting she/we need to 'play with the religous doubt'? Not sure exactly what

this means - I will ask her if she does. Thanks...I will chat with the chaplain

to ascertain if she's knowledgeable about OCD.

This is such a challenge - finding definitive answers and certainty about

religion - really it can't be about that as really no one has them - that's what

a leap of faith is about - but I can't tell my daughter that. I've only been

able to read your book as an e-book - I'm going to buy the hard copy too as I do

miss being able to highlight sections to pass off to my daughter, husband and

myself...

Thanx again,

> >

> > My 17 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with Religous OCD. Your book