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Light On Anxiety Expert Perspectives: LOA in the News

Pedophiles, Rapists and Murderers…Oh My: How to Disengage from Harm OCD & Re-engage in Your Life

By Debra Kissen

Webinar By Debra Kissen, Ph.D, M.H.S.A, Clinical Director of Light On Anxiety  
& Ashley Kendall, Ph.D, Staff Therapist at Light On Anxiety 
Hosted by Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

Over the past few years, there has been increased awareness and understanding of OCD within the general public. The simplest definition of OCD is the frequent experience of intrusive thoughts and associated behaviors engaged in to decrease discomfort associated with these thoughts. 

One category of OCD which we frequently see at our treatment center that is less understood and sadly can be associated with tremendous emotional pain and suffering is Harm OCD. Harm OCD is no different from other forms of OCD in that one experiences frequent, uncomfortable intrusive thoughts and associated behaviors to decrease emotional discomfort and attempt to gain control over the thoughts. But what is unique (and so devastating ) about Harm OCD is that it strikes where it hurts most. Harm OCD goes after one’s values and sense of identity and injects thoughts that conflict with everything one holds most true and life enhancing about themselves. 

This webinar shares tips and tools to: identify if you may be dealing with Harm OCD; make sense of why Harm OCD picks such painful themes and content; take the power away from Harm OCD, and re-engage in your life now.

Read more! Light On Anxiety’s free Harm OCD eBook (Sections 1-5)

Read Dr. Kissen’s blog about Intrusive thought Harm OCD here. 
Learn more about our treatment for intrusive thought harm OCD.

Dr Debra Kissen is CEO of Light On Anxiety CBT Treatment Center Dr Kissen specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT...

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