I wonder if a form of this is what leads some Christians to think they need absolute certainty about the status as "saved," rather than be willing to settle for mere "assurance."
Yes!!! Called scrupulosity, I often comment it's like singing the hymn "blessed assurance," but instead it's "blessed reassurance" on repeat with fear rather than peace
Several key items you mentioned in this article are new to me (one diagnosed with OCD ~10ish years ago and who has benefited significantly from ERP).
But in my ongoing work to grow in emotional health, ERP helps to resist the obsessive thoughts and compulsions, but does little to replace them with a better/truer story. Because of this I do find OCD patterns (maybe sublimated?) expressing themselves elsewhere in my mind and heart.
So I-CBT, concept of the “Vulnerable Self,” and the emphasis on building trust internally with one’s perceptions and in one’s focus on God’s perspective—all this feels particularly relevant and helpful. I had considered these efforts separate from my OCD recovery work, and am very curious to learn more about I-CBT.
Would love to hear Alan's thoughts on this. FYI, Carrie Bock is a believer who has OCD and hosts a podcast and focuses more in the I-CBT side. This is a really great point and it does seem that there is less emphasis on the deeper maturity aspects after a person has gotten some good recovery. I really love to hear your thoughts on this, Luke
I have found I-CBT to be helpful in addressing the reasons *why* certain doubts arise, including certain fundamental doubts about myself. For me, recovery has looked like a journey of learning to trust my senses (like I said), including who I am before God. Rather than being ontologically a neglectful person who is a threat to harm people, I am a beloved child of God who is responsible but who occasionally makes mistakes. I can trust that based on my past experience, what other people tell me, and what I know from Scripture.
Now, in the I-CBT workbooks you aren't going to find talk about building trust in God's perspective of you. That's something that I've adapted to make it make sense with my faith. But it's a natural fit.
Good coverage, Alan! I really appreciate the reference in the article, and I have always loved your balanced handling of the topic in terms of treatment options.
Thank you for this. I love that I discovered you and Justin separately, and here you are, in the same lil world online! Justin just endorsed my book! Alan, based on what I’ve seen from you, I think you might resonate with what I share in it. I’m in the awful scrupulosity club, definitely in the GAD club, and so grateful to have bros like you whose words make me feel less alone and more known. 🫶🙌🏼 Thanks for doing the work to share awareness. 💛 And also, msg me if you’d like a free copy!
I wonder if a form of this is what leads some Christians to think they need absolute certainty about the status as "saved," rather than be willing to settle for mere "assurance."
Yes!!! Called scrupulosity, I often comment it's like singing the hymn "blessed assurance," but instead it's "blessed reassurance" on repeat with fear rather than peace
Several key items you mentioned in this article are new to me (one diagnosed with OCD ~10ish years ago and who has benefited significantly from ERP).
But in my ongoing work to grow in emotional health, ERP helps to resist the obsessive thoughts and compulsions, but does little to replace them with a better/truer story. Because of this I do find OCD patterns (maybe sublimated?) expressing themselves elsewhere in my mind and heart.
So I-CBT, concept of the “Vulnerable Self,” and the emphasis on building trust internally with one’s perceptions and in one’s focus on God’s perspective—all this feels particularly relevant and helpful. I had considered these efforts separate from my OCD recovery work, and am very curious to learn more about I-CBT.
Would love to hear Alan's thoughts on this. FYI, Carrie Bock is a believer who has OCD and hosts a podcast and focuses more in the I-CBT side. This is a really great point and it does seem that there is less emphasis on the deeper maturity aspects after a person has gotten some good recovery. I really love to hear your thoughts on this, Luke
I have found I-CBT to be helpful in addressing the reasons *why* certain doubts arise, including certain fundamental doubts about myself. For me, recovery has looked like a journey of learning to trust my senses (like I said), including who I am before God. Rather than being ontologically a neglectful person who is a threat to harm people, I am a beloved child of God who is responsible but who occasionally makes mistakes. I can trust that based on my past experience, what other people tell me, and what I know from Scripture.
Now, in the I-CBT workbooks you aren't going to find talk about building trust in God's perspective of you. That's something that I've adapted to make it make sense with my faith. But it's a natural fit.
Good coverage, Alan! I really appreciate the reference in the article, and I have always loved your balanced handling of the topic in terms of treatment options.
Hi Justin! Good to see you here! 😁 I’d say more but going airplane mode! ✈️
Hey Tiffany 😄
Thank you for this. I love that I discovered you and Justin separately, and here you are, in the same lil world online! Justin just endorsed my book! Alan, based on what I’ve seen from you, I think you might resonate with what I share in it. I’m in the awful scrupulosity club, definitely in the GAD club, and so grateful to have bros like you whose words make me feel less alone and more known. 🫶🙌🏼 Thanks for doing the work to share awareness. 💛 And also, msg me if you’d like a free copy!