Re: [Deep Thoughts] A Better You
Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2020 10:46 am
An easier model to understand it with is something like: suppose you had a hand washing compulsion, so you chose to rub your hands on the dirty floor and not respond by washing them. It won't be effective ERP if you manage to somehow hold out for 30 seconds and then rush to the sink and wash them for relief! The goal is to sit and observe your resulting anxiety and wait until the anxiety starts to go back down again to a manageable level. Once you reach the place where you no longer feel the urge to jump up and wash your hands, and can dust them off and go about your business, you have completed the cycle.
Otherwise, you might be amazed what the brain will endure and for how long without actually accepting the anxiety, and only forestalling it until the next big burst of self-soothing is reached again! Like imagine someone who had a fear of contracting germs by breathing the air somewhere... They decide to go to the place, but just hold their breath for 30 seconds until they can rush back out again. Not ERP! Only reinforces the bad ritual.
It's trickier when you're talking about everything happening inside your own mind, which is why having the external script helps to keep you on track. Then you don't have to think about what you're thinking; you just read the prepared script aloud and let the thoughts fall where they may.
Otherwise, you might be amazed what the brain will endure and for how long without actually accepting the anxiety, and only forestalling it until the next big burst of self-soothing is reached again! Like imagine someone who had a fear of contracting germs by breathing the air somewhere... They decide to go to the place, but just hold their breath for 30 seconds until they can rush back out again. Not ERP! Only reinforces the bad ritual.
It's trickier when you're talking about everything happening inside your own mind, which is why having the external script helps to keep you on track. Then you don't have to think about what you're thinking; you just read the prepared script aloud and let the thoughts fall where they may.