Case Study B – ERP for OCD as a Company Director

Client Profile

• Name: Alex

• Age: 43

• Occupation: Director of an International Publishing Company

• Location: London, UK

• Issue: Intrusive thought about coming to harm

Background

Alex was experiencing intrusive thoughts over 15 years. Alex had managed these, however, due to persona changes and workload, thoughts had increased in frequency and intensity.

for what it seemed to be due to stress and burnout due to the intense demands of the role. Due to the lack of sleep their health and personal life were suffering, and was looking to improve sleep.

Bespoke Therapy Approach

1. In-depth Assessment:
   Over the period of few weeks a detailed assessment of OCD and personal history (from childhood), as well as goals and values were done. We used psychometric scales to assess OCD and to check results.

2. Therapy Sessions:
   Flexibility was paramount for Alex as we worked in 2 different time zones due to travel. Also, accessibility was needed as at a times we had to use phone, messaging or video calls. Initially, Alex spend time understanding and learning about thoughts, then, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD was used, as this is the most researched and with best outcomes.

3. Memory Work:
   We used memory re-scripting as away to encourage learning and reflect on what Alex knew now and did not know when the thoughts first came.

4. Future Planning:
   Set up a robust keeping well plan, that suited Alex’s unique circumstance, as OCD has a high relapse rate.

Outcome

Alex intrusive thoughts reduced to about 25-30%, and intensity to less than 10%. Meaning, when a thought came up, it was staying around less and felt less overwhelming.

This significantly improved Alex wellbeing, and led to a better relationship at work and in private life. Alex was satisfied this work last 15 sessions over the period of 20 weeks.

I am Jaime Miralles – The Online Therapy Clinic Founder, and an online mental health specialist (CBT, EMDR and RMHN) with over 15 years of experience working in mental health and wellbeing setting: in a private and public sector.

I pride myself on having a high level of privacy and confidentiality.

The information here is for illustrative purposes and does not represent an actual person.