Out of OCD Podcast

Ep.4. All-or-Nothing Thinking in OCD

May 08, 2024 Toi Hershman Season 1 Episode 4
Ep.4. All-or-Nothing Thinking in OCD
Out of OCD Podcast
More Info
Out of OCD Podcast
Ep.4. All-or-Nothing Thinking in OCD
May 08, 2024 Season 1 Episode 4
Toi Hershman

Hello my friend with OCD. I want to ask you about something and see if it applies to you. Do you have all-or-nothing thinking? People with OCD often exhibit this black-and-white way of thinking due to an intolerance of uncertainty and need for certainty. This leads to viewing situations as completely safe or extremely dangerous with no middle ground. All-or-nothing thinking stems from the obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that characterize OCD, as sufferers aim for perfection to reduce anxiety. However, this dichotomous mindset is counterproductive in OCD recovery - you can't eliminate all compulsions at once. I'll explain why this cognitive distortion is so problematic for those with OCD, how it manifests, and provide tips on recognizing and overcoming this thinking pattern through gradual, celebrated improvements rather than demanding perfection from the start.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxHGUuSz7Hv7FQrLIL7n6rw
https://www.outofocd.com
https://www.instagram.com/outofocd/
https://www.facebook.com/toi.hershman
https://www.instagram.com/marieclaireand/?hl=en

Ali Greymond videos: https://www.youtube.com/@ocdhelp


Show Notes

Hello my friend with OCD. I want to ask you about something and see if it applies to you. Do you have all-or-nothing thinking? People with OCD often exhibit this black-and-white way of thinking due to an intolerance of uncertainty and need for certainty. This leads to viewing situations as completely safe or extremely dangerous with no middle ground. All-or-nothing thinking stems from the obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that characterize OCD, as sufferers aim for perfection to reduce anxiety. However, this dichotomous mindset is counterproductive in OCD recovery - you can't eliminate all compulsions at once. I'll explain why this cognitive distortion is so problematic for those with OCD, how it manifests, and provide tips on recognizing and overcoming this thinking pattern through gradual, celebrated improvements rather than demanding perfection from the start.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxHGUuSz7Hv7FQrLIL7n6rw
https://www.outofocd.com
https://www.instagram.com/outofocd/
https://www.facebook.com/toi.hershman
https://www.instagram.com/marieclaireand/?hl=en

Ali Greymond videos: https://www.youtube.com/@ocdhelp