Here’s How to Overcome Obsessive Behavior in Relationships (4 of 5)

Getting Help For Obsessive Behavior

Seeking professional help promptly is crucial for managing OLD and reclaiming your life. Therapy can equip you with strategies to reshape unhealthy thought patterns and guide you towards a healthier outlook. Additionally, licensed counselors will assess for the presence of coexisting mental health disorders, which are common among individuals with OLD. By addressing underlying conditions, you can effectively manage OLD and cultivate a more fulfilling and balanced life.

The specific treatment approach for OLD will depend on your individual diagnosis. Therapy typically begins by identifying the underlying causes of your obsessive thoughts and feelings towards a particular person. Once these root causes are understood, the focus shifts to developing healthy coping mechanisms, reframing negative thoughts, and learning healthier relationship practices. In some cases, medication may be recommended to manage coexisting symptoms of depression or anxiety. If you are currently in a relationship, individual therapy is often the initial step, potentially transitioning to couples therapy at a later stage.

Consider Online Therapy

Depending on the community in which you live, it can be difficult to find in-person help as demand is often greater than the supply of local therapists, especially those who specialize in treating patients with OLD. Fortunately, there are plenty of great websites where you can browse through thousands of licensed counselors, including BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Amwell. 

Are you concerned that online therapy won’t be as effective as face-to-face sessions? Don’t be! There is plenty of research that finds patients who seek help from a therapist through online means are just as likely to find success. And don’t forget about the added convenience of being able to find a counselor who is available at a time that is best for you. Furthermore, gone will be the days of feeling insecure as you sit in the waitroom with other patients.