Overcoming Obsessive Doubts: An Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) Group for Adults

Are you struggling with persistent, unwanted thoughts or fears that lead to repetitive behaviors or mental rituals? Do you experience intense doubt about everyday situations, questioning your senses and relying heavily on your imagination to explore “what ifs” and “might bes”? If so, this I-CBT group may be right for you.

This group offers a specialized approach to treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) using Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT). Unlike traditional CBT, which focuses on managing reactions to intrusive thoughts, I-CBT delves deeper, addressing the root of obsessional doubts: a pattern of dysfunctional reasoning.

What is I-CBT?

I-CBT recognizes that obsessions aren’t simply random intrusive thoughts. They arise from a “confusion of inferences,” where possibilities are treated as probabilities. This confusion stems from a distrust of one’s senses and an over-reliance on imagination, leading to persistent doubt and the perceived need for compulsions to achieve certainty. I-CBT helps you understand how this reasoning process fuels your OCD.

What to Expect in the Group:

• Understanding I-CBT: Learn the core principles of I-CBT and how it differs from other OCD treatments.
• Identifying Inferential Confusion: Explore how you confuse possibilities with realities and how this contributes to your obsessional doubts.
• Trusting Your Senses: Develop strategies to increase trust in your senses and reduce reliance on imagination.
• Challenging Obsessional Doubts: Learn to differentiate between normal and obsessional doubts, recognizing the lack of relevance of obsessional doubts to the present moment.
• Addressing Vulnerable Self-Themes: Explore personal vulnerabilities that may make you more susceptible to OCD and develop strategies to build self-trust.
• Behavioral Experiments: Engage in carefully designed exercises to test the reality of your fears and build confidence in your senses without engaging in compulsions. (Note: I-CBT does not utilize traditional Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
• Group Support and Discussion: Share experiences, learn from others, and receive support in a safe and confidential environment.

Who Can Benefit?

This group is designed for adults who:

• Have been diagnosed with OCD or experience significant OCD symptoms.
• Are interested in a cognitive approach that addresses the root of obsessional doubts.
• Are seeking an alternative to, or an adjunct to, individual therapy.
• Are motivated to actively participate in group discussions and exercises.

Why Choose I-CBT?:

I-CBT is an evidence-based treatment with research demonstrating its effectiveness for OCD. It offers a unique approach that targets the underlying reasoning processes that maintain obsessional doubts, providing a pathway to lasting change. If you’re ready to break free from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions, this I-CBT group can provide you with the tools and support you need to reclaim your life.

We look forward to connecting with you!