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CBT | How To Help a Child With OCD At Home

Dec 2

 

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If you’re the parent of a child with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you know this condition affects more than just your child. It affects the entire family and requires a solid understanding of OCD.

If you’re wondering how to help a child with OCD at home, we can help. Keep reading for helpful strategies to support your loved one further.

How To Help a Child With OCD At Home

If you’re the parent of a child with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you know this condition affects more than just your child. It affects the entire family and requires a solid understanding of OCD.

If you’re wondering how to help a child with OCD at home, we can help. Keep reading for helpful strategies to support your loved one further.

1. Understand What Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Is

Understanding how to best help your child begins with familiarizing yourself with OCD.

This mental health condition involves uncontrollable repeating thoughts and behaviours commonly referred to as obsessions, compulsions, or rituals.

For instance, a child may tap their bedside table three times before bed. They believe something will happen if they don’t do this. If your child has been diagnosed with OCD or are showing signs, there are ways to help them at home.

2. Recognize “Small” Improvements

If your child has made progress, acknowledge it regardless of how minor it may appear. Perhaps they’ve managed to stop repeating specific phrases as often, or they no longer have to tap their bedside table before going to sleep.

These “small” improvements are quite significant and need to be acknowledged. It will encourage your child to keep trying and let them know their hard work is being noticed.

 

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3. Keep Your Family Routine “Normal”

Often, families try to help their loved ones in a way that makes family routines feel abnormal.

For example, to avoid a tantrum, a parent may allow their child’s contamination fear to dictate who comes over or prohibit their other family members from bringing friends over. Although this avoids a meltdown, it also creates animosity and resentment. Your child may believe they have control and that you’ll cave into any other OCD demands in the future.

You can break this cycle by keeping your family routine “normal.” This means negotiating and setting limits with your loved one. It may be challenging initially, but remember that it’s in your child’s best interest.

Speaking with a heath care professional is advised to learn how to set a healthy family routine that will support your loved one. They’ll be able to help determine the cause of the OCD and ways to support your child further.

4. Consider Creating a Family Contract

The main purpose of a family contract is to get all family members to agree to a realistic plan for managing OCD symptoms. This includes your child with OCD; you want them to be present at this meeting.

Creating goals together reduces conflict, preserves the household, and further supports the child with OCD. It’s essential that all goals are clear and agreed upon by all family members.

Assisting Your Child With OCD: Final Thoughts

With these tips in mind, you’ll be the best parent you can be. Understand that you and your child don’t have to go through this alone. Professional help will help both of you successfully navigate these stressful waters.

Teams like Access CBT can provide the therapy and assistance that you need. Get in touch today!

OCD & CBT

Cognitive behavioural therapy is an effective treatment for OCD disorders. This type of therapy teaches you how to modify the negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to your condition. It also helps you develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Access CBT offer CBT treatment for all types of depressive and anxiety disorder issues with in-person depression CBT Counselling in Liverpool or Online Support

The NHS UK also offers a number of support groups and advice for those suffering from OCD disorders.

 

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