Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often thought of as a biological problem. The treatment for OCD is usually some form of Exposure with Response Prevention. This treatment involves hours of exposure for hours the OCD sufferer to the anxiety the person has been trying to avoid. This approach is, to say the least, challenging and difficult.
ImTT views OCD in a completely different way. ImTT views OCD behaviors as behaviors whose purpose is to avoid painful or fearful feelings. “If I count to 10 three times, I’ll be safe.” This is the magical thinking of a child which is often when OCD begins. ImTT frees the person suffering from OCD by identifying the painful or fearful image and gently releasing it. Once the underlying problematic image has been released, the person automatically stops doing the OCD behavior. No behavioral management or difficult homework is required. ImTT treatment has four advantages to traditional treatment: 1. Because the treatment is gentle, treatment compliance is good. People generally look forward to treatment because they feel better afterward. 2. The treatment is effective: the previously intensely needed OCD behaviors stop being performed when they are no longer necessary to avoid anxiety. The behaviors do not have to be managed or controlled. 3. In addition to the OCD behaviors, other issues, linked with the OCD, are often resolved as well. 4. There is a tremendous sense of freedom as their lives no longer revolve around behavioral rituals.