A Critical Psychological Investigation of OCD Group Therapy

Abstract

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a severe psychological problem with far-reaching consequences. Hence, there is a standing need for treatment which motivates for change. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in a Group setting (G-CBT) is widely used in the treatment of OCD. However, few studies have focused on the perspective of group participants. To remedy this, and to find ways to improve cur- rent praxis, in 2011 I conducted a critical psy- chological examination, as part of my thesis, in which I explored the views of adults who, because of OCD, had participated in G-CBT. The aim was to examine how oppositions related to G-CBT could further, respectively restrict, participants’ motivation for change.
In this article, 9 oppositions are identi- fied and analysed based on three qualitative interviews with adults suffering from OCD. Following this, I discuss which changes to implement in order to support participants in expanding their possibilities of action – e.g. it is suggested that participants should have influence on the therapeutic agenda, that suc- cess should be assigned to participants whereas failures should be shared, and that individual therapy should be offered as a supplement.
Finally, it is pointed out that more profound changes have to be made, e.g. in the labour marked, if people with OCD are to experience real improvements.