Matthew Culbreath

Like many who enter the field, someone very close to me developed a behavioral health condition, and I saw how it affected their ability to do things and enjoy the life they were living. I saw their courage in seeking help and taking steps toward recovery. They embarked upon a journey into the unknown and in my eyes became the hero of their own narrative. Not only did they regain everything that had been put on pause, but they seemed to have a greater understanding of the relationships between their past experiences, their beliefs, what motivated them, and how these factors impacted their behavior. Through their courage, dedication, and hard work, they gave their family and friends the gift of confidence that their loved one was not just OK, but better than OK.

During my graduate internship, I was assigned to work with a brave young man who had developed an unrelenting fear that something bad might happen to his parents. To cope with this fear, he began reciting elaborate prayers, constantly seeking reassurance that his parents were safe, telling them he loved them 70 times per day, and continuously checking their location on his phone. Over time, these behaviors had encroached upon his ability to do the things he needed and wanted to do. He began exposure and response prevention therapy, and I saw him make unbelievable progress. His distress decreased and his ability to enjoy his life increased steadily. This was thrilling to a graduate student. I remember telling my supervisor ERP was the most effective intervention I’d seen to that point. In my eighth year of practice, this continues to be true.

In addition to OCD, I've spent a good part of my career working with families. I have advanced training in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT), addressing issues surrounding developmental trauma and disrupted attachment. NMT incorporates many aspects of ERP in reducing anxiety.

First, know that you're courageous—more than you're probably willing to give yourself credit for. You’ve lived with a kind of suffering that is inconceivable to most. Second, know that you’ve come to the right place for hope and recovery. Exposure and response prevention is, hands-down, the most effective therapy for OCD. Last, standing up to OCD can feel scary at first. But you’ll be fully equipped with all the knowledge and support you need to see through OCD's lies and stand up to its bullying.

It's helpful to be upfront and open about what OCD has been putting you through. But OCD may try to assert its influence in our sessions, suggesting that some information might be too risky or shameful to share. The good news is that once you begin fighting back with ERP, you feel increasingly less inclined to “protect” OCD. Once you start to experience the freedom, hope, and relief of recovery, you’ll be eager to keep moving forward. Please understand that you will never be judged or scrutinized. I will never make assumptions, and nothing you tell me will shock or offend me—ever.