Sexual OCD
Experiencing intrusive thoughts, mental images, or urges that are sexual in nature about friends, family members, coworkers, and other people that you don’t view in a sexual relationship can result in shame or guilt. You might question your beliefs and values, feeling like a dangerous or bad person. Sexual OCD is more common than you might realize and is highly treatable.
Is there something wrong with me?
To start – no, there is nothing wrong with you. Due to the stigma surrounding sexual obsessions, you may feel guilt or shame about the intrusive thoughts you’re experiencing. Like other forms of OCD, these thoughts do not align with your values or desires to act on them. Sexual OCD can affect people of all ages and you’re certainly not alone. Working with a therapist who specializes in OCD is the next step toward understanding these intrusive thoughts and freeing yourself from their impact.
Understanding the Obsessions and Compulsions of Sexual OCD
In OCD, obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, while compulsions are mental and psychical behaviors that provide temporary relief from these thoughts. In sexual OCD, obsessions may involve unwanted sexual thoughts about people who you don’t view in a sexual manner. Compulsions might include avoiding the person to prevent triggering these thoughts or repeatedly reassuring yourself that the thoughts are untrue.
How Can I Stop These Sexual Intrusive Thoughts?
Many people have overcome sexual OCD and have continued living healthy, happy lives and you can too. There is no shame in opening up to a therapist who specializes in sexual OCD treatment and understands what you’re going through.
Treatment for Sexual OCD offers relief from these intrusive thoughts through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These therapies enable you to manage symptoms, regain control, and achieve greater mental well-being, providing a path towards recovery.
