Two CBT Questions..

[Zazoo]

Saw my CBT specialist yesterday and she recommended two things: One I try and follow specific CBT rules for sleep and two I put I name to my OCD in order to confront it better.  

My issues are with the sleep one is that my bed is my quiet place and where I like to go to read or browse my phone, not just sleep.  Its a habit/routine but its a comfortable one on bad days. 

Also I don't feel comfortable giving my OCD a name because it would then give it a personality, another voice in my head I've tried so hard over the last year to dull or silence.  

Has either or these things worked for people or have had similar issues?  Thank you in advance.  

[Ashley]

With children the therapists do often ask the children to imagine their OCD as a bully, and draw it, even give it a name. I do think the process is helpful for children to help them realise that OCD is not them.

I don't really see any value for adults if I am honest,  that said I do refer to my OCD as 'that ******** OCD' with various variants all of which would be starred out! I find that quite helpful 

I am not sure what the CBT rules for sleep would mean, but if she means do therapy before bed, then that can be good to do if it means challenging your OCD and you're comfortable to give it a go. 

[taurean]

I just refer to my OCD as an illness. 

I have given my satnav a name, because I want her to have a personality - but I see no value in creating a personality for what is a mental illness,  a distorted way of thinking.

Re the CBT rules for sleep, I have never come across any "rules".

I use the bedroom for relaxation, reading meditation and sleep. There is nothing wrong with that. 

In fact carrying out one or more of the first three activities is a great way to relax unwind refocus and let go, and all of those help sleep. 

 

Edited February 25, 2018 by taurean

[legalseagull]

I really don't like the idea of giving OCD a name. It's like when a stray cat turns up that you want to keep but can't. Giving the cat a name is a bad move because you become attached to it. 

In other words I agree with the above - why give it a personality?