Break Free from OCD: Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with CBT Paperback – 1 Sept. 2011

Before I start this review, I should point out for reasons of clarity that I am the Chief Executive of the national charity OCD-UK, but more than that, I am someone with OCD myself. So when reading the book, I read it from a personal perspective, as someone with OCD.The press release for the book describes this as a practical guide written by three leading Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) experts which enables you to make sense of your symptoms, and gives a clear plan to help you conquer OCD. The book does not fail to offer just that!If you believe that Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is primarily a psychological illness and that Cognitive Behavioural Treatment (CBT) holds the key to restoring good health then this is the book for you.Unlike most other OCD books, this book spends a significant amount of time discussing the cognitive aspect of CBT, and helping the reader to understand the mechanisms which drive our obsessive thinking. By doing this, the behavioural exercises which are required to help us overcome this insidious illness make all the more sense, that is what marks this book out from others.Throughout the book the authors write in a gentle, kind, supportive and most importantly, a positive manner, which like any good therapist helps us relax and feel at ease with the authors and what they write.It's written in such an easy to understand style, that is neither too simplistic nor too scientific, which means that this book will be helpful for anyone affected by OCD, from late teens, through to older people, it is written in a style that will benefit people of all ages.I would also go as far as suggesting that every therapist involved in treating people with OCD must read this book, because if the therapists treating us with OCD understand the principles written in this book, then ultimately, we as sufferers, will benefit from their increased understanding of the illness.The books back cover promotion correctly says that whether your condition is mild or severe, this definitive resource will help you reclaim your life and keep OCD away for good. I certainly would agree with that, it's one of the best OCD self-help guides focusing on CBT I have read for many years.Perhaps one criticism is that it does not really offer any extended advice for those whose OCD is severe and entrenched, when OCD is so severe it is hard to see the wood for the trees, where the power of the OCD becomes all-consuming and taking that first step seems impossible. In such circumstances self-help materials like this book will perhaps not be enough to break the shackles of OCD anyway and professional help and guidance will be needed, but, this book still remains a must read because it contains the core principles which ultimately will help them unlock the door to a life free of OCD. It also contains lots of helpful and practical information to help people access professional support, both through the NHS and privately.Throughout the book it uses four primary case studies to help illustrate the theories being discussed, those are:* Checking* Contamination* Rumination (Pure-O)* Religious Blasphemous OCD (scrupulosity)Each case study will demonstrate that the cognitive principles in challenging our OCD thought processes are primarily the same, regardless of the form of OCD, so this book really is suitable for anyone, with any form of OCD. This also illustrates that importance of the cognitive aspect of treating OCD, which is often overlooked for the behavioural part (ERP).The book does not just confine itself to those four categories of OCD, it also discusses those who think they may have compulsions but no obsessions, and vice-versa, those with obsessions but not compulsions. It also offers informative information for Family, friends and carers (FFC), including practical advice for FFC to help you approach the subject of OCD with a sufferer that will not accept they have OCD.The book also contains helpful worksheets which are designed to get you thinking more closely about how your OCD impacts on your life, and from my own experience this is actually a fantastic thought provoking exercise to get you understanding your own OCD in ways you had not previously realised, It can be an emotional exercise, but incredibly valuable non-the-less.Similarly the goal setting exercise to set short term, medium term and long term goals is a positive exercise which is equally invaluable during therapy, and allows you to guide yourself during the therapeutic process.To summarise, I would highly recommend this book to anyone showing mild symptoms through to those struggling and suffering with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, including family members. This book allows you to make sense of your OCD in ways which allows you to see what's going on, and understand how our obsessional worries that keep us locked in a life of OCD can be changed, allowing us to Break free from OCD.

As someone who has struggled with OCD since childhood and has tried many different types of therapy and self help, I can honestly say this is the most helpful resource I have come across. I was recommended this by the NHS books on prescription and it was so good I had to buy a copy. I now have a much better understanding of OCD and how it affects me which has helped me to be less fearful of my thoughts. It also has great advice on how to reduce compulsions and manage the condition. This book is absolutely invaluable and it will be my go to book whenever needed I would recommend this to anyone struggling with ocd or anyone who wants to gain more understanding of the condition.

My teenage son is suffering very badly with OCD. This book gave me a great entry and understanding of what he is going and how to offer him some help.

This book changed my life. I still struggle with OCD and go through bad episodes but it allowed me to understand what was happening and gave simple practice ideas on how best to tackle it.It’s not a magic pill to your problems but it’s a very good start.

I was recently diagnosed with OCD and this book was a revelation! Not only is it clear and articulate, it's also compassionate and understanding. It breaks down the condition itself and the way we think, but also provides practical advice for managing it - there are helpful examples and exercises throughout! I'm still on my journey to recovery but this book helped get me on the path - highly recommended for sufferers or family members of sufferers.

From the brink of suicide to hopeful. Truly worth a read

I ordered this book, but the corners arrived crumpled, I then returned to get another book and again, the same thing. I have decided to keep one, but when you pay full price for a book you expect a book in good condition.

The single most helpful resource I have ever come across for OCD.My background: I’ve had severe OCD for nearly 10 years now, and have tried multiple courses of therapy over this time, including specific CBT for OCD.Nothing has come close to this book in terms of helpfulness, and I genuinely feel like I’m beginning to turn a corner with my problem. I will be returning to this very often in future and I think this might finally be the key to recovery.