OCD Treatment, Themes & Compulsions
OCD BLOG SERIES: PART TWO
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) often presents in different ways, with themes and compulsions that can vary greatly. Understanding these patterns can help parents identify OCD and seek appropriate support.
Common OCD Themes
Contamination: Fear of getting sick or infecting others. This might include avoiding certain people or objects perceived as “contaminated.”
Harm or Danger: Obsessions about harming oneself or others.
Moral or Religious: Excessive concerns about sinning, lying, or being a “bad” person.
Symmetry/Perfection: Needing things to feel “just right,” such as aligning objects or repeating actions.
Common OCD Compulsions
Reassurance Seeking: Asking repeatedly for validation (“I’m clean, right?”).
Checking: Ensuring doors, locks, or appliances are secure.
Mental Review: Going over actions to ensure no mistakes or harm occurred.
Avoidance: Staying away from certain people, places, or situations.
Excessive Cleaning: Washing hands, cleaning objects, or throwing away items perceived as contaminated.
Counting or Repeating: Performing actions a specific number of times.
Treating OCD
At Play Therapy Connection, we integrate Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT) with evidence-based strategies like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to help children navigate OCD-related challenges. Play therapy itself is a form of exposure therapy, where children naturally encounter and work through fears, triggers, and avoidances in a safe, supportive environment. When these themes arise during play, therapists help children name their experiences, orient themselves, and develop regulation strategies to engage with challenges rather than avoid them.
Incorporating ERP within the Synergetic Play Therapy model, our practitioners collaborate with families to understand each child’s unique symptoms and compulsions. This partnership is crucial in tailoring exposure experiences that gently and effectively help children build resilience against OCD patterns. Through play, children gain the tools to face their fears, increase their tolerance for discomfort, and reshape their relationship with intrusive thoughts.
Parental Involvement
Parents play a crucial role in OCD treatment. Often, they unknowingly accommodate their child’s OCD by participating in or reinforcing compulsions. Education and involvement in therapy can help parents break this cycle and support their child’s progress.
We Can Help
OCD can impact the entire family, but it’s treatable. With the right support and strategies, children can learn to manage their symptoms and regain control over their lives. If you suspect your child might be struggling with OCD, reach out for professional help. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Fill out the contact sheet on the right or email info@playtherapyconnection.com.
Helpful Resources
Books:
Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD by Eli R. Lebowitz
Talking Back to OCD by John S. March
What To Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck by Dawn Huebner
Podcasts:
Websites: