Does Group Therapy Work for OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety condition that causes uncontrollable and often disturbing thoughts called obsessions, as well as the need to perform certain rituals or behaviors frequently called, “compulsions.” Some people with OCD may suffer from just obsessions, while others may just suffer from compulsions. However, most OCD sufferers struggle with both obsessions and compulsions.

OCD is not monolith, rather it involves a wide range of OCD subtypes, such as hoarding OCD, reading OCD, exsitential OCD, contamination OCD, suicidal OCD, etc.It’s not uncommon for people with OCD to go years without getting the professional help they need. Left untreated, OCD can cause severe social isolation, debt, depression, poor self-esteem ad self-confidence, broken friendships and fractured relationships, chronic stress, anxiety, and even suicide. The good news is OCD treatments are available.

Group therapy is an effective method of treatment for many mental health issues, including OCD. OCD group therapy sessions can benefit people in a number of ways. Since group therapy allows people with similar problems to discuss their experiences openly, it’s a safe space for them to find support from others, who understand what they are going through. As such, group therapy members build trust and support networks that can continue past the group therapy session – something that traditional “talk therapy” alone cannot accomplish.

So, can group therapy work for OCD? Absolutely.

What Is the Goal of OCD Group Therapy?

The goal of any type of group therapy is threefold: to teach the people new skills, to help the people develop coping skills and strategies to help deal with symptoms, and to provide a “safe space” for people to process, and work through their emotions, surrounding their diagnoses.

In this way, group therapy is more than just weekly meetings with a therapist. Rather, group therapy sessions are a way for you to build relationships with people, who are going through similar experiences. OCD group therapy sessions are structured differently than individual therapy sessions. OCD group therapy involves more than just interactions between OCD sufferers.

OCD Group therapy interactions can help these individuals process their feelings and thoughts, which can be more challenging in one-on-one settings. It also allows the therapist to observe how OCD sufferers interact with each another, which can be a helpful tool in determining the issues that the therapist should focus on during individual sessions.

As such, OCD group therapy sessions are less about teaching a specific set of skills, and more about establishing a safe, open space for people to talk about their experiences with OCD.

How Does Group Therapy Help with OCD?

The goal of OCD group therapy is to create an environment in which people with OCD feel comfortable talking about their experiences. If you are seriously ill, you may be uncomfortable speaking about your condition in a one-on-one environment, hence OCD group therapy. These sessions can OCD sufferers learn about the condition, and receive the support they need to seek OCD treatment.

OCD group sessions can also help reduce stigmas, labels, and misconceptions about OCD. Group therapy can also help OCD sufferers develop healthier coping skills and strategies, which are important because many people with OCD try to ignore and suppress their symptoms, usually without success. Thus, identifying and acknowledging OCD can help you better manage it through treatment, medication, and self-care.

Benefits of Group Therapy for OCD

As mentioned above, one of the biggest benefits of OCD group therapy is the safe, supportive space it creates for people with condition. OCD group therapy allows people with the condition to discuss their experiences without judgment. This, into itself, can be therapeutic. OCD group therapy can also help with the social isolation that often accompanies a mental health condition.

People in group therapy have an opportunity to learn from each other, which is often more helpful than learning from a therapist. This is especially true for people with OCD, who may feel ashamed or guilty about their symptoms, and/or hesitant about talking about them with a therapist.

Listed below are other OCD group therapy benefits:

• Affordability – According to a 2012 study, cognitive-behavioral theray (CBT) group therapy for OCD is usually much more affordable for OCD sufferers and their OCD therapists. Traditional OCD therapy can be costly. If CBT group therapy is too expensive, you may be able to receive CBT group therapy for a lower fee. 
• Support – Many OCD sufferers experience extreme emotional distress from being isolated from others (due to their persistent OCD symptoms). OCD group therapy helps these individuals see that they are not alone, and that others are also struggling with similar challenges. Moreover, group members can help each other navigate and manage their OCD symptoms by providing valuable tips on how to live with the condition. 
• Encouragement & Motivation – Just like anything else in life, such as going to school, work, the gym, or even on dates when you do not want to, the same concept applies to seeking and continuing therapy when you are afraid to do it, or just do not want to do it. In other words, seeking OCD group therapy can be stressful and overwhelming for some people, especially when it occurs during one-on-one therapy sessions. 

Group therapy, on the other hand, can take some of the pressure off of the individual. Strength comes in numbers, so being in a group environment could actually empower you to share your journey with other OCD sufferers. You could even inspire other people to make positive changes in their lives.

Conversely, you could become encouraged and motivated by others. Sharing your personal OCD studies, along with what has worked and failed for you, when dealing with OCD, could be beneficial for you and others.

Limitations of Group Therapy for OCD

Although group therapy is an effective treatment method for many mental health issues, it may not be suitable for all OCD sufferers, depending on the severity of the symptoms. For example, group therapy may not be helpful for people with OCD, who are in the early stages of treatment, and trying to work through the denial, doubt, and shame and guilt that often accompany OCD.

Group therapy can also help a therapist accurately identify people, who emotionally, physically, and mentally are not “ready” for an OCD therapy in a group format. Keep in mind that you cannot make people attend OCD group therapy sessions, if they are “unavailable” or unwilling.

Thus, OCD group therapy sessions will not be benefical for people, who do not want to participate. Understand, however, that the more severe the OCD symptoms, the less likely group therapy will be helpful. Also, if you are experiencing severe OCD, and are in desperate need of OCD treatment, group therapy may not be helpful for you either. In this case, you may want to consider seeking individual therapy.

Getting the Most Out of OCD Group Therapy

OCD group therapy does not just involve sitting in a group, staying silent, and listening to others share their personal journeys with OCD. Rather, the purpose of OCD group therapy is to feel supported and glean new information, tips, and suggestions from people, who are going something similar to what you are going through. 

Group therapy is also designed to provide you with a “voice.” It is to empower you to speak your truth, regardless of what it is. Thus, the only way to get the most of OCD group therapy is to give it you all. 

Listed below are ways that you can most out of your OCD group therapy:

Use Your Voice

OCD group therapists work very hard to provide OCD sufferers with a “safe space” to share their personal experiences with OCD (i.e., OCD causes, symptoms, treatments, natural remedies, self-help tools, etc.). 

Keep in mind that some topics may be embarrassing or painful. It is also possible for some topics to be sensitive in nature. These areas may include romantic relationships, friendships, family dynamics, sexual activities, sexual orientaion (i.e., LGBT+), gender identity, finances, etc.

If talking about your OCD journey and/or other sensitive topics in front of others makes you uneasy, stressed, or anxious, you may be tempted to stay silent, listening to others share their personal journeys with OCD. Do not do that. As soon as you begin to feel more comfortable during group therapy, it is important to speak up or use your “voice.” 

There is no timeline as to when to speak up, but it is important to do so – when the time is right. At first, you will probably want to and need to sit back and listen. This will help you get the feel of OCD group therapy before you use your “voice.” But as you listen to other OCD sufferers share their experiences, you will likely feel more comfortable sharing yours. The best way to reap the benefits of OCD group therapy is to become an active group therapy member. 

Another benefit of being an active group therapy member is it allows you to receive valuable feedback from not just the therapist, but also other group members. This feedback will help you navigate the tricky road of managing your OCD symptoms.

Attend EVERY Therapy Session 

It is also very important to attend every OCD group therapy session. Sometimes, things come up where you may have to miss a session or two (i.e., due to illness, an injury, work obligations, etc.), and that is okay. However, it is important to regularly attend your group therapy sessions. Missing a therapy session can throw off other OCD sufferers. 

In other words, it can be disruptive to the other group members, if you pop in and out of the group from week to week. This can cause trust between group members to deteriorate over time. So, try to be consistent. It is also important to complete your weekly homework assignments, because this helps you learn and heal. 

It can also help you better manage your OCD symptoms – and get back into the social arena. Attending group therapy sessions can also show your commitment to your group members and the therapy process. Researchers have found that showing a commitment to something can be contagious. In other words, showing your dedication to something can inspire others to do the same. 

Be Open-Minded

For OCD group therapy to be successful, you will need to be open-minded. More specifically, you will need to be accepting of people, who are different than you, and who may do things differently than you. Also, keep in mind that you may not like or get along with everyone in the group, and that is normal. Just like co-workers, family members, or even strangers, not everyone gets along. 

Although, OCD group therapists try their best to ensure that everyone has a comfortable and cathartic experience, it is not always possible. There is a possibility that you may encounter someone with an abrasive personality. If someone in your group makes you feel uncomfortable, share your concerns with the therapist after the session. He or she can help you find an acceptable solution to your dilemma. 

Commit to the Therapy Process

Studies suggest that people, who are highly motivated to change, and who are willing to fully commit to the therapy process, have the best outcomes with therapy, including group therapy. Group therapy can motivate you to take chances in the hope that you can better manage your OCD symptoms.

Other OCD Treatments

The standard “go-to” treatment for OCD is exposure-response and commitment (ERP) therapy. ERP therapy is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Other therapies often used to treat OCD are acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), EMDR therapy, TMS therapy, DBT, hynotherapy/hypnosis, individual therapy, OCD group therapy, OCD CBT group therapy, addiction counseling, couples/marriage therapy, grief counseling, etc. 

When therapy alone is unsuccessful, it is common to prescribe medication. The standard “go-to” medication for OCD is SSRI antidepressants, like Prozac or Zoloft. However, other medications may be prescribed “off-label,” such as SNRIs, MAOIs, antipsychotics, trycyclic antidepresants, etc. When therapy alone does not work, it is considered treatment-resistant OCD. 

Natural remedies and self-help tools that can be added to almost any treatment plan are mindfulness meditation, CBD, lifestyle changes, like a healthy diet filled with vitamins and minerals (i.e., magnesium), plenty of exercise, and proper sleep, healthy coping skills and strategies, OCD books, support groups, forums, and podcasts, crystals, and online OCD treatment programs, like Impulse Therapy. 

With the right OCD help, you can effectively manage your symptoms and go on with your life without non-stop obsessions and/or compulsions.

Final Thoughts

OCD group therapy is a powerful tool that can help people better understand the condition, develop skills to manage their symptoms, and find support from others, who understand what they are going through. While OCD group therapy can be a helpful option for many people with OCD, it is important to understand that it may not be “suitable” for all OCD sufferers. However, OCD group therapy may be a viable option for people, who do not have time for individual therapy, as it provides many of the same benefits in a shorter time.

References

• Wroe, A., & Wise, C. (2012). Evaluation of an adapted cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) group programme for people with obsessive compulsive disorder: A case study. The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, 5. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259433340_Evaluation_of_an_adapted_cognitive_behavioural_therapy_CBT_group_programme_for_people_with_obsessive_compulsive_disorder_A_case_study
• Burlingame, G., & Jensen, J. (2017). Small group process and outcome research highlights: A 25-year perspective. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 67. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315924235_Small_Group_Process_and_Outcome_Research_Highlights_A_25-Year_Perspective
• Bourkha, B., Belfellah, Y., & Harkat, V. (2017). Commitment: A ‘contagious’ feeling between employees and customers in banking sector. Geopolitics Under Globalization, 1, 13-20. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324206308_Commitment_a_’contagious’_feeling_between_employees_and_customers_in_banking_sector 
• Schindler, A., Hiller, W., & Witthöft, M. (2013). What predicts outcome, response, and drop-out in CBT of depressive adults? A naturalistic study. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 41(3), 365–370. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1017/S1352465812001063
• Jónsson, H., & Hougaard, E. (2009). Group cognitive behavioural therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 119(2), 98–106. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0447.2008.01270.x