Therapist Robert Fox shares his journey with OCD and the transformative impact of Internal Family Systems therapy. Topics include shame-driven symptoms, unburdening anger and fear, emotions fueling compulsions, navigating intrusive thoughts, and connecting obsessions with inner exiles in therapy.
Understanding OCD behaviors as protective mechanisms for underlying shame and fear through IFS therapy.
Importance of addressing shame and intrusive thoughts in OCD treatment for making connections and achieving healing.
Deep dives
Robert Fox's Journey with OCD and IFS Therapy
Robert Fox, a therapist diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder at age 21, underwent 23 years of cognitive behavioral therapy before discovering Internal Family Systems therapy, which helped him understand his behaviors as a means of managing shame and fear. Through IFS, he achieved a 95% reduction in symptoms, realizing the purpose behind his compulsions. His journey highlights the transformative impact of IFS therapy on individuals struggling with OCD.
Shame and Intrusions in OCD
Robert Fox discusses the role of shame in OCD, distinguishing shame as feeling 'I am bad' rather than guilt for actions. He also delves into intrusive thoughts mimicking parental judgments, impacting individuals with OCD. Reflecting on his own experiences, Robert emphasizes the importance of addressing shame and intrusive thoughts through therapy and techniques like EMDR to help clients make connections and find healing.
Hope and Compassionate Treatment for OCD
Robert Fox shares a message of hope for those dealing with OCD, emphasizing the importance of finding a compassionate therapist and a safe therapeutic environment. He emphasizes the ongoing nature of healing from OCD, acknowledging that while there may not be a definitive cure, effective treatments like Internal Family Systems therapy can significantly improve symptoms and offer a path to healing and recovery.
Robert Fox, a therapist in Woburn, Massachusetts, also wishes more people knew about IFS. Diagnosed with obsessive- compulsive disorder at age 21 after a lifetime of unusual compulsions, Robert spent 23 years receiving the standard care: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure response prevention (ERP).
Neither had much effect, especially ERP, which involved repeatedly exposing himself to things he was anxious about in the hopes of gradually habituating to them. “When you think about it, it’s a very painful method of therapy,” he says.
Robert discovered IFS in 2008. Before, he had always been encouraged to think of his compulsions as meaningless pathologies. Now, for the first time, they began making sense to him as the behavior of protectors who were trying to manage the underlying shame and fear of exiles.
( Inside the Revolutionary Treatment That Could Change Psychotherapy Forever- July 21,2020. Elemental)
https://ifs-institute.com/news-events/news/inside-revolutionary-treatment-could-change-psychotherapy-forever?fbclid=IwAR22YRA54fyeqBbMxMgj9KC6pZvl_fsYO_TJLaO8z82scMs7gS-xqnMa0ek
For more info about Robert Fox please visit: https://www.jobstresssolutions.com
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