Living with untreated obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be challenging. Compulsions and obsessions can consume a person’s life. If left unmanaged, OCD symptoms can also lead to co-occurring conditions such as substance use disorder (SUD). It can be difficult to cope with OCD symptoms, and seeking professional support is crucial for achieving an improved quality of life. Combining psychotherapy with holistic treatment modalities can provide the greatest benefits. However, people often wonder which treatments work best. Breaking down modern treatment modalities at Avalon Malibu for OCD can help people effectively overcome this condition.
What Is OCD?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), OCD can be defined as a mental health disorder where one experiences recurring thoughts or consistently performs repetitive rituals. Some people experience only obsessive thoughts or compulsive rituals, and some people have both obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessions are where an individual experiences repetitive urges, thoughts, or mental images. These thoughts may be unwanted, intrusive, and anxiety-provoking. On the other hand, rituals are typically done in response to a specific obsession. Compulsions are repetitive actions that can cause a person to feel temporary relief from anxiety.
The Negative Effects of OCD
It is a common misinterpretation that OCD is just a condition that gives individuals an urge to obsessively wash their hands and remain neat. However, OCD is a type of anxiety disorder that can cause obsessions to manifest as various compulsions. These symptoms can be severe and interfere with daily life. For example, fear of contamination may lead to repetitive handwashing, but other phobias may lead to different compulsions. Common compulsions include the following:
- Arranging items in a specific manner in fear of living in a mess
- Constantly checking the oven to alleviate fears of a house fire
- Counting compulsively as a reaction to the fear of losing a loved one
- Silently chanting prayers in fear of letting God down
The Importance of Seeking Modern Treatment Modalities for OCD
Unmanaged OCD symptoms can significantly affect a person’s lifestyle. Obsessions and compulsions can take up an individual’s precious time, which can be damaging to their lives. For example, thoughts and behaviors linked to OCD can impair one’s relationships, work performance, or academic progress.
This can jeopardize their future. For instance, consider what might happen when a person has a habit of missing dates with loved ones, work meetings, doctor appointments, and important events. The effects of OCD can leave an individual feeling overwhelmed and frustrated and affect others negatively as well.
People commonly misuse drugs or alcohol in hopes of coping with OCD symptoms. This can often lead to depression and worsened anxiety symptoms. Thus, seeking professional support that provides modern treatment modalities is crucial to gaining a balanced lifestyle.
The Value of Modern Treatment Modalities
Although certain medications can help reduce OCD symptoms, holistic treatment options can provide a safe and natural approach to care. Solely treating OCD with prescription drugs or holistic care alone may not be as effective. Combining both forms of care can enhance one’s treatment progress.
Holistic treatment methods can be complementary to other forms of care. This type of care also provides limited to no side effects, making it a safer option for those who are hesitant to move forward with professional care. The benefits of holistic care include the following:
- Reduced stress
- Improved self-care and sense of self-worth
- Increased resilience
- Decreased substance use
- Enhanced spiritual connection
- Improved treatment satisfaction
- Greater ability to face challenges
Moving Forward With Modern Treatment Modalities at Avalon Malibu for OCD
Finding a treatment center with a compassionate team of professionals that provides advanced treatment options can be tough. Knowing this, it can be helpful to take extra time to find a facility that will develop an individualized treatment plan. This is where a chosen specialist at a facility such as Avalon Malibu takes time to get to know the client personally to establish an effective path to wellness.
For example, a professional at Avalon Malibu will ask a series of questions to improve the person’s potential recovery outcome. Questions may be about the client’s trauma and medical history, strengths, weaknesses, and interests. These questions are asked to tailor services to a client’s specific needs. Depending on the severity of an individual’s condition, a specialist may suggest combining different treatment options to improve the efficacy of care.
Holistic care can be a great option. It is a whole-person approach that addresses an individual’s mind, body, and spiritual side for complete wellness. Holistic psychotherapy at Avalon Malibu can teach an individual new coping mechanisms, strategies, and skills to better manage everyday life with OCD. Some psychotherapies that are effective in helping clients overcome OCD include the following:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
- Couples therapy
- Experiential therapies
- Family therapy
Combining Unique Holistic Care Options With Psychotherapy at Avalon Malibu
Although individual or group therapy can be beneficial in helping someone overcome OCD, exploring unique holistic care methods can make treatment more enjoyable. Choosing a unique holistic care option can complement the psychotherapies offered by Avalon Malibu. Combining two different forms of care leads to an overall increase in one’s sense of motivation to recover from OCD and co-occurring conditions.
Everyone’s path to recovery may be different, and everyone deserves to heal fully. Having a variety of options usually leads to the greatest chances of long-term success. Unique holistic treatment methods that can be complementary to other forms of care at Avalon Malibu include the following:
- Yoga and meditation
- Art, music, and writing therapy
- Physical fitness and nutritional support
- Acupuncture and massage
- 12-Step alternatives
While traditional treatment modalities can address the outward signs and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and addiction, they often neglect the underlying social, mental, or emotional factors that drive maladaptive behaviors. At Avalon Malibu, we provide a range of holistic treatment options to help clients heal in a way that works for them. Some may find yoga more useful than attending a 12-Step meeting, while others might get more out of meditation or art therapy. If you believe that you or someone you care about is exhibiting signs of a mental health disorder like OCD, it is crucial to reach out to a professional mental health treatment center like Avalon Malibu. Call us at (844) 857-5992. for support.Â
