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| brain exercises for ocd: Rewire Your OCD Brain Catherine M. Pittman, William H. Youngs, 2021-06-01 Rewire the brain processes that cause obsessions and compulsions—and take back your life! If you’ve ever wondered why you seem to get trapped in an endless cycle of obsessive, compulsive thoughts, you don’t have to wonder anymore. Grounded in cutting-edge neuroscience and evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Rewire Your OCD Brain will show you how and why your brain gets stuck in a loop of obsessive thinking, uncertainty, and worry; and offers the tools you need to short-circuit this response and get your symptoms under control—for good. Written by clinical psychologist Catherine Pittman and clinical neuropsychologist William Youngs, this groundbreaking book will show how neurological functions in your brain lead to obsessions, compulsions, and anxiety. You’ll also find tons of proven-effective coping strategies to help you manage your worst symptoms—including relaxation, exercise, healthy sleep habits, cognitive restructuring, cognitive defusion, distraction, and mindfulness. The brain is powerful, and the more you work to change the way you respond to obsessive thoughts, the more resilient you’ll become. If you’re ready to rewire the brain processes that lie at the root of your obsessive thoughts, this book has everything you need to get started today. |
| brain exercises for ocd: What to Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck Dawn Huebner, 2021-07-15 A Gold NAPPA (National Parenting Publications Awards) winner Moonbeam Children’s Book Award for Activity Books (Silver) Did you know that people have brain sorters that keep their brains from getting cluttered with unnecessary thoughts? Sometimes these brain sorters get mixed up, though, and brains get clogged with thoughts that really bother kids. If that has happened to you, if it's hard for you to feel safe or sure of yourself because certain thoughts have gotten stuck, this book is for you. What To Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck guides children and their parents through the cognitive-behavioral techniques used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder. This interactive self-help book turns kids into super-sleuths who can recognize and more appropriately respond to OCD's tricks. With engaging examples, activities, and step-by-step instructions, it helps children master the skills needed to break free from OCD's sticky thoughts and urges, and live happier lives. This What-to-Do Guide is the complete resource for educating, motivating, and empowering children to work toward change. This book is part of the Magination Press What-to-Do Guides for Kids® series and includes an “Introduction to Parents and Caregivers.” What-to-Guides for Kids® are interactive self-help books designed to guide 6–12 year olds and their parents through the cognitive-behavioral techniques most often used in the treatment of various psychological concerns. Engaging, encouraging, and easy to follow, these books educate, motivate, and empower children to work towards change. |
| brain exercises for ocd: The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD Jon Hershfield, Tom Corboy, 2020-12-01 If you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you might have an irrational fear of being contaminated by germs, or obsessively double-check things. You may even feel like a prisoner, trapped with your intrusive thoughts. And while OCD can have a devastating impact on your life, getting real help can be a challenge. Combining mindfulness practices with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD offers practical and accessible tools for managing the unwanted thoughts and compulsive urges that are associated with OCD. With this workbook, you will develop present-moment awareness, learn to challenge your own distorted thinking, and stop treating thoughts as threats and feelings as facts. This fully revised and updated second edition also includes new meditations, information, and chapters on emotional and mental contamination, existential obsessions, false memories, and more. If you’re ready to take back your life back from OCD—and start living with more joy in the moment—this workbook has everything you need to get started right away. |
| brain exercises for ocd: Brain Lock Jeffrey M. Schwartz, 2016-12-06 The definitive classic that has helped more than 400,000 people defeat obsessive-compulsive behavior, with all-new material from the author An estimated 5 million Americans suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and live diminished lives in which they are compelled to obsess about something or to repeat a similar task over and over. Traditionally, OCD has been treated with Prozac or similar drugs. The problem with medication, aside from its cost, is that 30 percent of people treated don't respond to it, and when the pills stop, the symptoms invariably return. In Brain Lock, Jeffrey M. Schwartz, M.D., presents a simple four-step method for overcoming OCD that is so effective, it's now used in academic treatment centers throughout the world. Proven by brain-imaging tests to actually alter the brain's chemistry, this method doesn't rely on psychopharmaceuticals. Instead, patients use cognitive self-therapy and behavior modification to develop new patterns of response to their obsessions. In essence, they use the mind to fix the brain. Using the real-life stories of actual patients, Brain Lock explains this revolutionary method and provides readers with the inspiration and tools to free themselves from their psychic prisons and regain control of their lives. |
| brain exercises for ocd: Free from OCD Timothy A. Sisemore, 2010-08-01 You may not know anyone else who suffers from repetitive “stuck” thoughts and compulsive rituals, but plenty of other teens experience symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): the need to repeatedly wash their hands, check to make sure everything’s okay, count possessions, put things in order, or even repeat thoughts over and over. Rituals like these may calm you down when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, but you know all too well that the relief is temporary and you’ll have to repeat the ritual when you start feeling uneasy again. This cycle can make you feel trapped, but also may seem impossible or even frightening to break. Free from OCD offers forty easy cognitive behavioral exercises to help you move past your symptoms and live freely and flexibly, without fear. You’ll finally be able to stop compulsive thoughts in their tracks and keep them from coming back. This book helps you learn to: •Notice when thoughts are based in reality and when they’re exaggerated •Recognize and neutralize situations that trigger your symptoms •Make friends and feel more confident in social situations •Use relaxation techniques instead of falling back on your rituals |
| brain exercises for ocd: Talking Back to OCD John S. March, 2006-12-28 No one wants to get rid of obsessive-compulsive disorder more than someone who has it. That's why Talking Back to OCD puts kids and teens in charge. Dr. John March's eight-step program has already helped thousands of young people show the disorder that it doesn't call the shots--they do. This uniquely designed volume is really two books in one. Each chapter begins with a section that helps kids and teens zero in on specific problems and develop skills they can use to tune out obsessions and resist compulsions. The pages that follow show parents how to be supportive without getting in the way. The next time OCD butts in, your family will be prepared to boss back--and show an unwelcome visitor to the door. Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) Self-Help Book of Merit |
| brain exercises for ocd: Overcoming Harm OCD Jon Hershfield, 2018-12-01 Don’t let your thoughts and fears define you. In Overcoming Harm OCD, psychotherapist Jon Hershfield offers powerful cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness tools to help you break free from the pain and self-doubt caused by harm OCD. Do you suffer from violent, unwanted thoughts and a crippling fear of harming others? Are you afraid to seek treatment for fear of being judged? If so, you may have harm OCD—an anxiety disorder associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). First and foremost, you need to know that these thoughts do not define you as a human being. But they can cause a lot of real emotional pain. So, how can you overcome harm OCD and start living a better life? Written by an expert in treating harm OCD, this much-needed book offers a direct and comprehensive explanation of what harm OCD is and how to manage it. You’ll learn why you have unwanted thoughts, how to identify mental compulsions, and find an overview of cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based treatment approaches that can help you reclaim your life. You’ll also find tips for disclosing violent obsessions, finding adequate professional help, and working with loved ones to address harm OCD systemically. And finally, you’ll learn that your thoughts are just thoughts, and that they don’t make you a bad person. If you have harm OCD, it’s time to move past the stigma and start focusing on solutions. This evidence-based guide will help light the way. |
| brain exercises for ocd: Cognitive Therapy for Obsessive-compulsive Disorder Sabine Wilhelm, Gail Steketee, 2006 Based on research funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, this manual presents for the first time a purely cognitive approach to treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).--BOOK JACKET. |
| brain exercises for ocd: Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts Christine Purdon, David A. Clark, 2005 Obsessive-compulsive disorder is now rated the fourth most common psychological disorder in the United States. This resource addresses obsessive thoughts as a specific symptom of the disorder, and in addition to self-care strategies, offers information about professional care. |
| brain exercises for ocd: Everyday Mindfulness for OCD Jon Hershfield, Shala Nicely, 2017-10-01 “The most empowering OCD book I have ever read.” —Reid Wilson, PhD, author of Stopping the Noise in Your Head Don’t just survive—thrive. In Everyday Mindfulness for OCD, two experts in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) offer a blend of mindfulness, humor, and self-compassion to help you stop dwelling on what’s wrong and start enhancing what’s right—leading to a more joyful life. If you’ve been diagnosed with OCD, you already understand how your obsessive thoughts, compulsive behavior, and need for rituals can interfere with everyday life. Maybe you’ve already undergone therapy or are in the midst of working with a therapist. It’s important for you to know that life doesn’t end with an OCD diagnosis. In fact, it’s possible to not only live with the disorder, but also live joyfully. This practical and accessible guide will show you how. In Everyday Mindfulness for OCD, you’ll discover how you can stay one step ahead of your OCD. You’ll learn about the world of mindfulness, and how living in the present moment non-judgmentally is so important when you have OCD. You’ll also explore the concept of self-compassion—what it is, what it isn’t, how to use it, and why people with OCD benefit from it. Finally, you’ll discover daily games, tips, and tricks for outsmarting your OCD, meditations and mindfulness exercises, and much, much more. Living with OCD is challenging—but it doesn’t have to define you. If you’re tired of focusing on how “hard” living with OCD is and are looking for fun ways to make the most of your unique self, this book will be a breath of fresh air. |
| brain exercises for ocd: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - Master Your Brain and Emotions to Overcome Intrusive Thoughts and Compulsive Behaviors Bill Andrews, Anivya Publishing, 2019-11-17 Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)Master your Brain and Emotions to Overcome Intrusive Thoughts and Compulsive Behaviors Are you suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? Are you living a life that doesn't really feel like a life? Have you spent your life in a constant state of anxiety, negativity, and helplessness? Do you want to get rid of your intrusive thoughts, feelings and compulsive behaviors? If you answered yes, I have some good news for you. Living with obsessive compulsive disorder is hard, but it doesn't have to be impossible. This book, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, aims to help you take control of your life, minimize or eliminate the anxiety, negativity, and feeling of helplessness that often accompany this diagnosis. Written with you and others like you in mind, this no-nonsense book and the tips and techniques within are designed to make your life simpler and to help you get over the most debilitating or life-altering facets of this disorder. There are exercises to help you face your fears, confront the stressors, and finally regain control of your life. The goals of this workbook are simple. They include: Teach you how to change your cognitive processes Eliminate or negate negative thoughts Show you what factors aggravate your OCD Detail cognitive behavioral therapy and how it can help you Give you a thorough history of the disorder and what you can do to combat it And so much more! If you feel like OCD has taken over your life and you're not sure where to turn, this book can help you lead a happier and healthier life. So, if you are ready to take back control of your life from OCD, take your first step now! Scroll up and click the Add To Cart button and begin your journey to recovery today! |
| brain exercises for ocd: What to Do When You Worry Too Much Dawn Huebner, 2021-07-15 What to Do When You Worry Too Much guides children and parents through the cognitive-behavioral techniques most often used in the treatment of anxiety. Lively metaphors and humorous illustrations make the concepts and strategies easy to understand, while clear how-to steps and prompts to draw and write help children to master new skills related to reducing anxiety. This interactive self-help book is the complete resource for educating, motivating, and empowering kids to overcoming their overgrown worries. Engaging, encouraging, and easy to follow, this book educates, motivates, and empowers children to work towards change. Includes a note to parents by psychologist and author Dawn Huebner, PhD. |
| brain exercises for ocd: Heal-Your-OCD Workbook Daniel DalCorso Psy.D., John B. Arden Ph.D., 2009-06-01 The Heal-Your-OCD Workbook gives readers a personal understanding of their obsessive compulsive issues and triggers. Exercises help readers explore what the underlying causes of their compulsions are and how they can effectively cope with their behaviors in everyday life including work, relationships, and social situations. The newest research on OCD causes, treatments, and medications is also covered. |
| brain exercises for ocd: Overcoming Compulsive Checking Paul R. Munford, 2004 You may not know there are things you can do to start feeling better about your struggle with compulsive checking. Start with the book's self-assessment tools, which will help you understand the scope of your particular problem, then get ready to do something about it. |
| brain exercises for ocd: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for OCD Fabrizio Didonna, 2019-11-27 This book presents the first treatment program that adapts the proven practices of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) to meet the unique needs of people struggling with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). Leading authority Fabrizio Didonna shows how techniques such as mindful exposure are uniquely suited to help OCD sufferers overcome intrusive thoughts and compulsive rituals while developing a new relationship to their internal experience. In a convenient large-size format, the book includes detailed instructions for implementing each of the 11 group sessions, complete with reproducible scripts for the guided mindfulness practices and 79 client handouts. Purchasers can download and print the reproducible materials at the companion website, which also provides audio recordings of the guided practices. A separate website for clients features the audio files and scripts only. |
| brain exercises for ocd: Relationship OCD Sheva Rajaee, 2022-01-02 A powerful CBT approach to help you find freedom from obsessive relationship anxiety, doubt, and fear of commitment Do you obsess over your partner’s flaws? Does thinking about the future of your relationship leave you imagining the worst-case scenario? When it comes to navigating the world of romantic relationships, some feelings of anxiety, doubt, and fear are to be expected. But if your fears so extreme that they threaten to destroy an otherwise healthy relationship, you may have relationship OCD—a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that causes chronic obsessive doubt and anxiety in relationships. So, how can you free yourself to discover deeper intimacy and security? Relationship OCD offers an evidence-based, cognitive behavioral approach to finding relief from relationship anxiety, obsessive doubt, and fear of commitment. You’ll learn to challenge the often-distorted thought patterns that trigger harmful emotions, increase your ability to think rationally, and ultimately accept the presence of intrusive thinking while maintaining the values of a healthy relationship. Relationships are the ultimate unknown. If you’re ready to let go of needing to know for sure, this book will help you find satisfaction and thrive in your romantic relationships—in all their wonderful uncertainty. |
| brain exercises for ocd: Living Beyond OCD Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Patricia E. Zurita Ona, 2021-01-27 This user-friendly workbook provides adults with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), the tools they need to move beyond their disorder using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and it also serves as compact text for clinicians/practitioners to use with clients suffering from OCD at any point in treatment. The workbook offers readers hands-on ACT and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) skills for taming disturbing obsessions and filling the gap of where one stands and where one wants to go. Dr. Zurita provides evidence-based exercises to guide adults through the process of ACT. This includes learning to step back from one’s thoughts and memories, opening up to all types of unwanted thoughts and feelings, paying attention to the physical world, observing one’s thoughts and feelings, getting rid of barriers to values-based living, and developing consistent patterns of values-based behavior. Written from the office of a full-time therapist in a simple, uncomplicated, and unpretentious manner, this workbook will be useful for all clients suffering from OCD and for the therapists who work with them. |
| brain exercises for ocd: Neurofeedback 101 Michael P. Cohen, 2020-01-31 What Neurofeedback Does and How it Works for:ADHDDepressionAnxietyInsomniaConcussionsAutismProcessingMigraines?other brain issues |
| brain exercises for ocd: The Mind Workout Mark Freeman, 2017-06-01 It's well known that if you want to keep your body fit, you must do some regular exercise. But when it comes to our mental health, few of us take the time to maintain and improve it. For some reason, we expect to be in great mental shape without doing any work. And when we realise we're struggling, we look for a quick and easy fix instead of developing the skills that will help us in the future. Enter The Mind Workout - a home exercise programme for improving your mental health and fitness. Developed as a result of Mark Freeman's own recovery from mental illness, The Mind Workout combines mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). It outlines twenty easy-to-follow steps you can take to free yourself from the ways of thinking and behaving that cause mental health challenges in your life - from cutting out the compulsions that cause uncertainty, anxiety and distress to relieving stress and distraction. The Mind Workout is the key to making the switch from a frenetic, anxiety-driven life to one that's based on your core values. It will leave you feeling mentally stronger, fitter and better equipped to navigate the complexities of everyday life. |
| brain exercises for ocd: The Self-Compassion Workbook for OCD Kimberley Quinlan, 2021-10-01 A compassionate guide to help you manage OCD symptoms, overcome feelings of shame and stigma, and revitalize your life! If you’re one of millions who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you’re all-too-familiar with feelings of anxiety, panic, shame, and uncertainty. In addition, the stigma associated with OCD can make you feel unworthy of receiving the compassion and kindness you need and deserve. You may even experience unwanted intrusive thoughts that result in harsh self-judgment—which can actually hinder your recovery and lead to additional mental health problems. So, how can you break this destructive cycle and start feeling better? The Self-Compassion Workbook for OCD outlines a step-by-step program to help you understand the emotional experience of OCD, and develop the tools you need to manage your disorder and build a better life. Drawing on a powerful combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and compassion-focused therapy (CFT), this breakthrough guide will teach you how to balance intense emotions, lean into your fear, and focus on recovery. Over time, you’ll learn to replace self-judgment with kindness and self-compassion, so you can stop suffering and start thriving. Living with OCD can be extremely challenging, but it doesn’t have to rob you of your self-worth. You are so much more than your disorder! Let this book be your guide to discovering, supporting, and loving the best you that you can be. |
| brain exercises for ocd: Getting Over OCD Jonathan S. Abramowitz, 2018-01-04 Thoroughly updated based on the latest science, this empowering workbook gives you the skills to overcome obsessional thoughts and compulsive behaviors--and live a freer, happier life. Leading OCD specialist Dr. Jonathan Abramowitz presents a step-by-step program grounded in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), the most effective treatment for the disorder. Vivid stories and numerous practical tools (which you can download and print for repeated use) help you: *Understand how OCD affects your mind and body. *Develop a customized plan for change. *Find relief from distressing intrusive thoughts. *Confront the situations you avoid--and discover a new sense of safety. *Break free of compulsive rituals. *Reduce anxiety and improve your relationships. The second edition is revised throughout with cutting-edge strategies for coping with unwanted thoughts that can't be eliminated completely, plus new learning techniques drawn from brain research. Ready to get over OCD? Your journey starts here. Mental health professionals, see also Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD and Its Subtypes, Second Edition, by David A. Clark, a state-of-the-art treatment guide. |
| brain exercises for ocd: The OCD Workbook Bruce M. Hyman, Cherlene Pedrick, 2010-11-01 If you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), chances are that your persistent obsessive thoughts and time-consuming compulsions keep you from enjoying life to the fullest. But when you are in the habit of avoiding the things you fear, the idea of facing them head-on can feel frightening and overwhelming. This book can help. The OCD Workbook has helped thousands of people with OCD break the bonds of troubling OCD symptoms and regain the hope of a productive life. Endorsed and used in hospitals and clinics the world over, this valuable resource is now fully revised and updated with the latest evidence-based approaches to understanding and managing OCD. It offers day-to-day coping strategies you can start using right away, along with proven-effective self-help techniques that can help you maintain your progress. The book also includes information for family members seeking to understand and support loved ones who suffer from this often baffling and frustrating disorder. Whether you suffer with OCD or a related disorder, such as body dysmorphic disorder or trichotillomania, let this new edition of The OCD Workbook be your guide on the path to recovery. This new edition will help you: use self-assessment tools to identify your symptoms and their severity; create and implement a recovery strategy using cognitive behavioral self-help tools and techniques; learn about the most effective medications and medical treatments; find the right professional help and access needed support for your recovery; and maintain your progress and prevent future relapse. This book has been awarded The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Self-Help Seal of Merit — an award bestowed on outstanding self-help books that are consistent with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles and that incorporate scientifically tested strategies for overcoming mental health difficulties. Used alone or in conjunction with therapy, our books offer powerful tools readers can use to jump-start changes in their lives. |
| brain exercises for ocd: You Are Not Your Brain Jeffrey Schwartz MD, Rebecca Gladding MD, 2012-06-05 Two neuroscience experts explain how their 4-Step Method can help identify negative thoughts and change bad habits for good. A leading neuroplasticity researcher and the coauthor of the groundbreaking books Brain Lock and The Mind and the Brain, Jeffrey M. Schwartz has spent his career studying the human brain. He pioneered the first mindfulness-based treatment program for people suffering from OCD, teaching patients how to achieve long-term relief from their compulsions. Schwartz works with psychiatrist Rebecca Gladding to refine a program that successfully explains how the brain works and why we often feel besieged by overactive brain circuits (i.e. bad habits, social anxieties, etc.) the key to making life changes that you want—to make your brain work for you—is to consciously choose to “starve” these circuits of focused attention, thereby decreasing their influence and strength. You Are Not Your Brain carefully outlines their program, showing readers how to identify negative impulses, channel them through the power of focused attention, and ultimately lead more fulfilling and empowered lives. |
| brain exercises for ocd: Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Jonathan Grayson, 2014-05-06 Nearly six million Americans suffer from the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, which can manifest itself in many ways: paralyzing fear of contamination; unmanageable “checking” rituals; excessive concern with order, symmetry, and counting; and others. Freedom from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder provides Dr. Jonathan Grayson’s revolutionary and compassionate program for finally breaking the cycle of overwhelming fear and endless rituals, including: Self-assessment tests that guide readers in identifying their specific type of OCD and help track their progress in treatment Case studies from Dr. Grayson’s revolutionary and profoundly successful treatment program Blueprints for programs tailored to particular manifestations of OCD Previously unexplored manifestations of OCD such as obsessive staring, Relationship OCD (R-OCD), obsessive intolerance of environmental sounds and chewing sounds Therapy scripts to help individuals develop their own therapeutic voice, to motivate themselves to succeed New therapies used in conjunction with exposure techniques “Trigger sheets” for identifying and planning for obstacles that arise in treatment Information on building a support group And much more Demystifying the process of OCD assessment and treatment, this indispensable book helps sufferers make sense of their own compulsions through frank, unflinching self-evaluation, and provides not only the knowledge of how to change—but the courage to do it. |
| brain exercises for ocd: Obsessive-compulsive Disorder Christopher Pittenger, 2017 Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects one person in 40 and can cause great suffering. This volume provides the first comprehensive summary of our understanding of this enigmatic condition, summarizing current work ranging from genetics and neurobiology through cognitive psychology, treatment, personal experiences, and societal implications. |
| brain exercises for ocd: Overcoming Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder David Veale, Rob Willson, 2009-08-27 A Books on Prescription Title Break free from unhelpful rituals and take control of your life Are you plagued by a recurring thought or idea that just won't go away? Perhaps you feel the need to wash your hands frequently, hoard things or repeatedly check that all appliances have been turned off before leaving home? These are common symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (or OCD), a condition that causes distress to hundreds of thousands of people. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy has been clinically proven to significantly reduce symptoms of OCD. Learn how to break free from the destructive cycle of obsessive behaviour and regain control of your life. Shows you how to reduce the distress caused by disturbing thoughts, images and urges Reduces and gradually helps you overcome compulsions Offers advice on how partners, relatives and friends can help. |
| brain exercises for ocd: The OCD Workbook for Kids Anthony C. Puliafico, Joanna A. Robin, 2017-12-01 Does your child have OCD? In this much-needed Instant Help workbook, kids will learn to identify obsessions and compulsions, understand them, and use simple tools based in exposure and ritual prevention to cope with and overcome this difficult disorder. If your child has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), he or she may suffer from obsessive thinking, use rituals to soothe anxiety, and act compulsively in ways that are disruptive and sometimes harmful. As you know all too well, OCD can greatly interfere with school, friends, and home life. So, how can you help your child be their very best? With this evidence-based workbook for kids, your child will learn how and why they struggle, and gain a greater understanding of what OCD is by identifying common symptoms, including contamination concerns, fear of harm, need for order/symmetry, and excessive doubting. Your child will then be gently guided to name their own symptoms and rate the extent to which each symptom causes them anxiety. The workbook also provides a framework for children to apply exposure and ritual prevention strategies to anxiety-provoking situations independently or with help from you or a caregiver. Detailed instructions for completing exposure exercises will be covered, including how long exposures should last, and how often they should be repeated. Finally, the workbook will show you and your child how to build a solid support system of family, friends, teachers, and professionals to aid you in managing OCD symptoms and building a lifestyle that will help you both deal with your child’s symptoms more effectively. If your child’s OCD is holding them back from living the happy childhood you want for them, this easy-to-read and practical workbook can help them cope with symptoms and really thrive—at home, in the classroom, and well into adulthood. |
| brain exercises for ocd: Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts Sally M. Winston, Martin N. Seif, 2017-03-01 You are not your thoughts! In this powerful book, two anxiety experts offer proven-effective cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills to help you get unstuck from disturbing thoughts, overcome the shame these thoughts can bring, and reduce your anxiety. If you suffer from unwanted, intrusive, frightening, or even disturbing thoughts, you might worry about what these thoughts mean about you. Thoughts can seem like messages—are they trying to tell you something? But the truth is that they are just thoughts, and don’t necessarily mean anything. Sane and good people have them. If you are someone who is plagued by thoughts you don’t want—thoughts that scare you, or thoughts you can’t tell anyone about—this book may change your life. In this compassionate guide, you’ll discover the different kinds of disturbing thoughts, myths that surround your thoughts, and how your brain has a tendency to get “stuck” in a cycle of unwanted rumination. You’ll also learn why common techniques to get rid of these thoughts can backfire. And finally, you’ll learn powerful cognitive behavioral skills to help you cope with and move beyond your thoughts, so you can focus on living the life you want. Your thoughts will still occur, but you will be better able to cope with them—without dread, guilt, or shame. If you have unwanted thoughts, you should remember that you aren’t alone. In fact, there are millions of people just like you—good people who have awful thoughts, gentle people with violent thoughts, and sane people with “crazy” thoughts. This book will show you how to move past your thoughts so you can reclaim your life! This book has been selected as an Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Self-Help Book Recommendation—an honor bestowed on outstanding self-help books that are consistent with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles and that incorporate scientifically tested strategies for overcoming mental health difficulties. Used alone or in conjunction with therapy, our books offer powerful tools readers can use to jump-start changes in their lives. |
| brain exercises for ocd: OCD - Tools to Help Young People Fight Back! Cynthia Turner, Chloë Volz, Georgina Krebs, 2019-03-21 Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects approximately one in a hundred young people, and often makes it difficult to lead happy and productive lives. This manual from the distinguished Maudsley hospital guides therapists through the process of treating young people with the disorder and supporting patients and their families. Designed to be used in conjunction with the complementary workbook OCD - Tools to Help You Fight Back!, it features an adaptable evidence-based treatment based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention techniques. It provides instructions on how best to educate young people and their families about OCD and anxiety, and on how to involve patients' families in the recovery process to form a truly collaborative team. Essential reading for professionals treating young people with OCD, it will prove a valuable resource for both experienced therapists and clinicians in training. |
| brain exercises for ocd: Rewire Your Anxious Brain Catherine M. Pittman, Elizabeth M. Karle, 2015-01-02 Do you ever wonder what is happening inside your brain when you feel anxious, panicked, and worried? In Rewire Your Anxious Brain, psychologist Catherine Pittman and author Elizabeth Karle offer a unique, evidence-based solution to overcoming anxiety based in cutting-edge neuroscience and research. In the book, you will learn how the amygdala and cortex (both important parts of the brain) are essential players in the neuropsychology of anxiety. The amygdala acts as a primal response, and oftentimes, when this part of the brain processes fear, you may not even understand why you are afraid. By comparison, the cortex is the center of “worry.” That is, obsessing, ruminating, and dwelling on things that may or may not happen. In the book, Pittman and Karle make it simple by offering specific examples of how to manage fear by tapping into both of these pathways in the brain. As you read, you’ll gain a greater understanding how anxiety is created in the brain, and as a result, you will feel empowered and motivated to overcome it. The brain is a powerful tool, and the more you work to change the way you respond to fear, the more resilient you will become. Using the practical self-assessments and proven-effective techniques in this book, you will learn to literally “rewire” the brain processes that lie at the root of your fears. |
| brain exercises for ocd: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) American Psychiatric Association, 2021-09-24 |
| brain exercises for ocd: Obsessive Compulsive Anonymous , 1999 Time-Tested Recovery Principles For OCD. We, of Obsessive Compulsive Anonymous (OCA), have all felt the fury of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD, with its crippling power, had left us physically, emotionally and spiritually sick. Here we present, firsthand, our struggles and recoveries from OCD. Fortunately, now, the medical and psychological communities have effective treatments for OCD. For many of us, though, this wasn¿t enough. The 12 Step program of OCA has proven to be an important part in our continuing recoveries from OCD. Here we include: The 12 Step program for OCD Endorsements from psychiatrists and psychologists 33 personal stories of OCD and recovery Resources for OCD. |
| brain exercises for ocd: The Beating OCD Workbook: Teach Yourself Stephanie Fitzgerald, 2015-09-10 Are you suffering from OCD? Do you want to learn techniques for overcoming destructive rituals or troubling thoughts? Would you like lasting strategies to help you stay free of OCD for good? This workbook provides an interactive course of CBT to tackle OCD. It doesn't just tell you how to feel better -- by using diagnostic tests, practical exercises and thought challenges, it will show you how to feel better. The coverage includes all the forms and presentations of OCD, while the exercises and support throughout will give you a feeling of real progress. Helpful sections for relatives on how to help you best will all go towards preventing future relapses and help you to regain control of your life for good. A great CBT workbook to guide towards OCD recovery - Ashley Fulwood, Chief Executive of www.OCDUK.org |
| brain exercises for ocd: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Obsessive-compulsive Disorder Victoria Bream, Fiona Challacombe, Asmita Palmer, Paul Salkovskis, 2017-07-13 Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be a very disabling and distressing problem. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been shown to be very effective in helping people to overcome OCD. However, OCD is a highly heterogeneous disorder, often complicated by contextual factors, and therapists are often left wondering how to apply their knowledge of treatment to the particular problems as they face them in clinical practice. This book provides the reader with an understanding of the background to and principles of using CBT for OCD in a clear practical 'how to' style. It also elucidates the particular challenges and solutions in applying CBT for OCD using illustrative case material and guidance on formulation-driven intervention. The book also addresses commonly occurring complexities in the treatment of OCD, for example working with comorbidity, perfectionism, shame and family involvement in symptoms. Throughout the book, the authors provide tips on receiving and giving supervision to trouble-shoot commonly encountered problems, resulting in a guide that can help clinicians at all levels of experience. |
| brain exercises for ocd: Daring to Challenge OCD Joan Davidson, 2014-08-01 If you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you may suffer from obsessive thoughts and anxiety, and use compulsions to alleviate your distress. You know, more than anyone, how debilitating this condition can be. But you may also be reluctant to start treatment due to fears and misconceptions regarding therapy—particularly exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. You may even think of a number of reasons not to go, or to drop out, but if you are committed to getting better, you need to take that important step toward healing. ERP is a proven-effective treatment that can help people with OCD break free from the constraints of their disorder; however, starting treatment can feel frightening. Many people wonder what treatment will be like and how they will ever face some of their worst fears. They want to hear from others who have successfully completed therapy. In Daring to Challenge OCD, anxiety specialist Joan Davidson, PhD, gives a thorough overview of ERP, what to expect during treatment, and offers gentle guidance to help you finally overcome the common fears and obstacles that can stand in the way of getting the help you need. Three clients with different OCD symptoms share their personal stories and insights about OCD and treatment. If you are considering treatment, you may ask yourself, What will my therapist expect me to do? Will treatment be too difficult for me to handle? Will I be asked to do things that put me at risk?What are realistic expectations for recovery? This book will demystify treatment for OCD so that you can face your fears and start changing your life. And if you are a therapist helping clients build motivation to engage in ERP, this book offers real treatment stories and exercises for clients, making it an invaluable resource for therapists and wonderful suggested reading for clients building motivation to commit to treatment. |
| brain exercises for ocd: You Are Not a Rock Mark Freeman, 2018-09-04 Mental health is . . . being yourself. A prescriptive and positive guide, illustrated with line drawings, making the case that mental well-being, like physical health, can be strengthened over time and with specific techniques We all want to feel less anxiety, guilt, anger and sadness. We want to obsess less and be less lonely, free ourselves from our demons, compulsive habits, and stress. But as humans (unlike rocks) we experience all of these. And paradoxically, trying to avoid and control them only makes things worse. Having struggled with serious mental illness for many years himself, Mark Freeman has become a dedicated mental-health advocate and coach. He makes the case that instead of trying to feel less and avoid pain and stress, we need to build emotional fitness, especially our capacity for strength, balance and focus. With wit, compassion, and depth of experience and anecdotes, he shows that we can recover from many mental disorders, from mild to very serious, at all ages and stages of life, and even if other methods have failed. Freeman's innovative approach makes use of a range of therapeutic techniques, mindfulness training, peer support, humor, and common sense. |
| brain exercises for ocd: The Tapping Solution Nick Ortner, 2013-04-02 In the New York Times best-selling book The Tapping Solution, Nick Ortner, founder of the Tapping World Summit and best-selling filmmaker of The Tapping Solution, is at the forefront of a new healing movement. In this book, he gives readers everything they need to successfully start using the powerful practice of tapping—or Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT).Tapping is one of the fastest and easiest ways to address both the emotional and physical problems that tend to hamper our lives. Using the energy meridians of the body, practitioners tap on specific points while focusing on particular negative emotions or physical sensations. The tapping helps calm the nervous system to restore the balance of energy in the body, and in turn rewire the brain to respond in healthy ways. This kind of conditioning can help rid practitioners of everything from chronic pain to phobias to addictions. Because of tapping’s proven success in healing such a variety of problems, Ortner recommends to try it on any challenging issue. In The Tapping Solution, Ortner describes not only the history and science of tapping but also the practical applications. In a friendly voice, he lays out easy-to-use practices, diagrams, and worksheets that will teach readers, step-by-step, how to tap on a variety of issues. With chapters covering everything from the alleviation of pain to the encouragement of weight loss to fostering better relationships, Ortner opens readers’ eyes to just how powerful this practice can be. Throughout the book, readers will see real-life stories of healing ranging from easing the pain of fibromyalgia to overcoming a fear of flying.The simple strategies Ortner outlines will help readers release their fears and clear the limiting beliefs that hold them back from creating the life they want. |
| brain exercises for ocd: Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve Stanley Rosenberg, 2017-12-19 The bestselling guide to the vagus nerve, now in 20+ languages: unlock the self-healing power of Stephen Porges’s Polyvagal Theory Vagus exercises for reducing anxiety, healing trauma, and rebalancing your autonomic nervous system This comprehensive guide offers an easy-to-understand overview of the vagus nerve—and helps you unlock your body’s innate capacity to heal from stress, trauma, anxiety, and injury. Dr. Stanley Rosenberg, PhD, dispels long-held myths about the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and offers up-to-date research on how our physical health, emotional wellness, and the vagus nerve are all interconnected. Most importantly, he shows how these insights can help you heal your ANS—and live a less stressed, more balanced, and emotionally regulated life. This book offers: An in-depth overview of Stephen Porges’s Polyvagal Theory Step-by-step self-help techniques for regulating the vagus nerve Vagus exercises to relieve emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms Real-life case studies and stories from the author’s clinical practice Insights into the vagus nerve’s role in social behavior An overview of what happens in our bodies when we get stuck in stress states—and how to heal them Simple, research-backed recommendations for initiating deep relaxation, improving sleep, healing from trauma, and stimulating recovery from illness and injury Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve is written for therapists, bodyworkers, trauma survivors, parents, and anyone struggling with chronic stress. Grounded in neurobiology research, clinical stories, and easy-to-follow exercises, this book gives you the tools to bring your body back into a state of safety, balance, and optimal functioning. |
| brain exercises for ocd: Obsessive-compulsive-related Disorders Eric Hollander, 1993 While other texts provide general information on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), this is the first book to make a wider, inclusive examination of the disorders that appear to be closely linked to OCD (i.e., body dysmorphic disorder, trichotillomania, Tourette's syndrome, etc.) and review the diagnostic, biological, and treatment issues surrounding their relationship. Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders discusses the way compulsivity and impulsivity are studied and understood in the diagnosis and treatment of these obviously related disorders -- should they be diagnosed by categories, or in the context of dimensional models? Subsequent chapters also examine serotonin's role in these psychiatric disorders. |
| brain exercises for ocd: Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders Samar Reghunandanan, Naomi A. Fineberg, Dan J. Stein, 2015-06-25 Providing clinicians and patients with the latest developments in research, this new edition is a succinct and practical introduction to the diagnosis, evaluation and management of OCD and other related disorders. Part of the Oxford Psychiatry Library series, this pocketbook includes individual chapters on the phenomenology, pathogenesis, pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy of OCD and other related disorders, and features fully updated content and research. The book also includes a helpful resources chapter, and an Appendix with summaries of the major rating scales used to assess patients with OCD, which will be of use to both clinicians and patients. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Obsessive-compulsive-related disorders (OCRDs) are anxiety disorders characterized by obsessions and compulsions, and varying degrees of anxiety and depression. OCRDs are considered to be one of the most disabling of psychiatric disorders and they present a tremendous economic and social burden, both for the affected individual, their family, and for society at large. In contrast to other psychiatric conditions of a comparable or lesser prevalence and patient burden, relatively little is understood about the aetiology, and cognitive effects of OCRDs. |
Brain Anatomy and How the Brain Works | Johns Hopkins Medicine
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Human brain - Wikipedia
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Brain Basics: Know Your Brain | National Institute of Neurological ...
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