When the Student is Ready
by James Callner, MA, AFOCD President. James Callner is an award winning writer, filmmaker and speaker on mental illness. Excerpt from James Callner’s up coming book on OCD: “It’s a Matter of Trust – Spiritual Prescriptions for OCD”. (Note: Use of the word...LIKE our FB Page
Turn your negatives into positives by taking the risk to face your fears. That’s how we teach our brains we are stronger, braver more courageous than we think. We truly are.
1 month ago
Self-talk
Any qualified therapist will teach you about "self-talk". Why is it so important to have some kind of dialog with yourself when you are struggling with OCD symptoms? Well, before I answer that from my own perspective, let me ask you a question. Have you ever had a positive or nurturing obsession and/or compulsion caused by OCD? My answer is, never. Obsessions that have led me to compulsions have always been negative in some way. In my experience with recovery, self-talk is countering the negativity that OCD delivers. Even if you don't fully believe the words you are saying to yourself, your subconscious will still follow your lead. Examples: OCD says; you are going to panic right now. You counter with self-talk, I've been here before and I handled it, so go ahead and bring it on. OCD says; You may harm someone with that thought. You counter with self-talk; Nice try OCD, but that's not who I am. I have higher values than your bizarre obsessions. OCD says; you have to wash your hands or you will be contaminated. You counter with self-talk; I don't have to do anything you say because I'm in control here, not you! When OCD nags me with negativity or challenges, my own self-talk always leads me to these words - " yeah, yeah, yeah, heard it before but I ain't going down that road today." Now you tell me which feels more like recovery, self-talk or OCD babble? I choose positive, nurturing, encouraging self-talk. Takes practice but really works. JC <3
1 month ago
