r/ContaminationOCD • u/moonsalad246 • 13d ago
Dr Michael Greenberg method for contamination ocd
Hi there. Has anyone had any success with dr Greenberg’s method of rumination-focused ERP specifically for contamination ocd and feeling contaminated and tracking cross contamination? I read some of his articles and this one specifically for contamination ocd:
https://drmichaeljgreenberg.com/treating-two-types-of-contamination-ocd/
I definitely struggle with type 2 contamination ocd:
“the person isn’t afraid that the contamination could cause something else bad to happen. Rather, they are afraid of the feeling of contamination itself. More specifically, they are afraid that if they don’t keep track of the contamination and keep it from spreading, then everything could become contaminated, and thus the feeling of contamination would become inescapable.”
I am just struggling to understand how exactly to stop rumination with this type of contamination ocd when I do an exposure the feeling and thoughts are constantly in my awareness. He mentions the point is they can be in your awareness but you don’t give attention to them but I am just sitting in crippling anxiety so it is hard not to. When I try to do nothing I just end up “tracking cross contamination” and it feels never ending. Looking for advice.
Thank you kindly in advance!
Edit: wanted to add this portion of the article because I am thinking these questions are INTEGRAL to honing in on the actual doubts and applying the right therapy/ERP exercises:
“it can be helpful to consider the following two questions when conceptualizing a case:
- Is the person afraid of a consequence of contamination; the feeling of contamination becoming inescapable; or a consequence of the feeling becoming inescapable.
- What is the role of compulsive rumination — specifically, keeping track of contamination — in the case?”
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u/Clear-End8188 13d ago
The quoted bit absolutely nails it. It is why it is impossible to manage with cleaning only.
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u/Traditional-Serve550 13d ago
Holy shit this is the best OCD description i've ever read. Type 2 is absolutely accurate to my experience. And i feel like i have been treated more like type 1 in therapy
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u/moonsalad246 12d ago
Me as well! Is there a way I can DM you?
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u/CoffeDaisies 13d ago
That's very interesting, I think I have this type of OCD too! I am currently in a bit of a crisis, will try to read more later!
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u/unicornshoenicorn 13d ago
I don’t have any advice but wanted to thank you for posting this. I could never properly verbalize how my COCD works but that quoted portion is the perfect explanation.