Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Supporting Your Child with OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that is characterised by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and behaviours (compulsions) that the individual feels they cannot control. As a parent, it’s important to recognise the signs and characteristics of OCD so early intervention is possible. Being informed, seeking appropriate treatment, and providing a supportive home environment is essential for helping your child manage OCD.

We understand the stress and anxiety surrounding a new diagnosis. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help and support, and remember that you are not alone in this journey.

Understanding OCD

There are several misconceptions surrounding OCD, one of the most common being that it is simply about being overly tidy or organised. In reality, OCD is a serious condition that affects individuals deeply. Another misconception is that people with OCD can easily ‘snap out of it’ or that it’s just a phase. Understanding that OCD is a chronic disorder that requires professional treatment is crucial in supporting someone with this condition.

The onset of OCD can be influenced by a combination of genetic, neurological, behavioural, cognitive, and environmental factors. In children, OCD might begin gradually and can be triggered by stress or changes in their environment. It’s also not uncommon for children with OCD to have family members with the disorder, suggesting a genetic component.

Remember, with the right support and interventions, children with OCD can lead fulfilling lives. So, as a parent, it’s important to stay informed, seek professional help when needed, and be patient and understanding with your child’s struggles. With love and support, they can overcome their OCD symptoms and thrive.

Symptoms of OCD in Children

It’s important to recognise the symptoms of OCD, which can include:

Excessive washing or cleaning
This is often driven by a fear of germs or contamination. Children with OCD may spend long periods of time washing their hands or cleaning their toys and surroundings.
Repeated checking
You may notice your child repeatedly checking if a door is locked or appliances are turned off. This behaviour can be triggered by a fear of harm coming to themselves or others if they don’t check.
Ordering and arranging
Children with OCD may have intense fear of losing control over their thoughts or actions, leading them to engage in repetitive or controlling behaviours to feel a sense of control. You may notice them needing things to be in a specific order or arranged perfectly. This can cause them frustration and anxiety if things are not arranged in this manner.
Counting
Some children may feel a need to count their actions or objects around them. This can be a way to cope with their obsessions and provide a sense of control.
Fear of harm
You may notice a persistent worry about them or others being hurt. This can lead to avoidance of certain activities or the need to constantly check on the safety of loved ones.

Tics
Some children with OCD may develop motor tics such as eye blinking, facial grimacing, or throat clearing. These tics are often related to the obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.
Intrusive thoughts
Children with OCD may experience persistent and unwanted thoughts or images that can be distressing and difficult to control. These thoughts may be violent, sexual, or religious in nature.

Symptoms of OCD in children can vary greatly in how they present and the level of distress they cause, making OCD personal and unique in its manifestation. It’s also important to note that just because a child may exhibit some of these behaviours, it does not necessarily mean they have OCD. Only a trained mental health professional can properly diagnose the disorder.

Supporting Your Child

Supporting a child with OCD involves patience, understanding, and encouragement. Here are some steps parents can take:

Educate yourself about OCD
Understanding the condition is the first step in providing support.
Seek professional help
A clinical counsellor or psychologist can provide therapy that is highly effective in managing OCD symptoms.
Create a supportive environment
Encourage open discussions about their feelings and fears without judgment.
Practice patience
Remember that overcoming compulsive behaviours is challenging and requires time.
Celebrate progress
Acknowledge and praise victories, no matter how small, over OCD behaviours.
Listen and validate their feelings
Allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Validate their experiences and offer support.
Model healthy coping strategies
Show your child healthy ways to cope with stress and manage their obsessions and compulsions. This could include breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, or talking about their feelings.

Remember to take care of yourself as well, as caring for a child with OCD can be emotionally taxing. Seek support from other parents or mental health professionals if needed.

Creating a Supportive Environment at Home

Daily activities that foster a positive and nurturing atmosphere can significantly support them in their recovery journey. Begin by establishing routines that promote mental and physical well-being, such as prioritising healthy meals, ensuring adequate sleep, and incorporating physical activity into the day. These routines not only improve physical health but also contribute to emotional balance and stress reduction.

Encourage regular conversations about feelings, experiences, and challenges without pressuring for disclosure. Designate specific times for these discussions to give structure and predictability to communication.

Celebrate small victories and positive steps forward, no matter how minor they may seem. Celebrating milestones in the recovery process is crucial in fostering a positive outlook and reinforcing the value of the efforts made by you child recovering from OCD. Milestones might include the achievement of staying OCD free for a certain period of time, successfully employing a new coping strategy in a difficult situation, or opening up about their struggles in therapy or other supportive settings. Recognising and celebrating these moments, no matter how small they may appear, acts as a powerful motivator and affirms the individual’s progress on their healing journey.

Equally important is the recognition of setbacks. Setbacks are an inevitable aspect of recovery, but when setbacks occur, it’s vital to approach them with a mindset of understanding and compassion rather than judgment. They provide important insights into the challenges your child are facing and are opportunities for reflection and growth. Acknowledging setbacks openly can help demystify them, making it easier for your child to seek support.

A Non-Linear Journey to Recovery

Understanding that it’s a non-linear journey to recovery is essential for the individuals going through healing and their support systems. Recovery from OCD, like many mental health journeys, is not a straightforward path that progresses steadily from point A to point B. Your child may experience progress, setbacks, and periods of stagnation. These fluctuations are a normal part of the healing process and do not signify failure.

Moments of relapse may be influenced by stress, triggers, or unresolved emotions. Whilst upsetting, these moments provide valuable opportunities for learning and growth, allowing you and your child to better understand the root causes and come up with more effective coping mechanisms.

When you expect setbacks as part of the learning process, it becomes possible to approach recovery with compassion, patience, and persistence, rather than with frustration or despair. Acknowledging the non-linear nature of recovery can ultimately foster a more supportive and understanding environment.

Caring for Yourself

Caring for someone recovering from OCD, while rewarding, can also be emotionally taxing and physically exhausting. Therefore, self-care for parents and caregivers is essential, not just as a means of preserving their own well-being, but as a vital component of providing sustained, effective support. It’s important to recognise that caregivers, too, need to replenish their emotional and physical reserves to avoid burnout.

Engaging in regular self-care can help maintain a healthy balance, ensuring you have the energy, patience, and emotional capacity to continue supporting your child. Self-care can be different for everyone, but could include engaging in physical activities, pursuing hobbies and interests, seeking support from peers or professional counsellors, and ensuring adequate rest and nutrition.

Finding support for yourself is a critical aspect of maintaining your well-being while supporting someone through their recovery from OCD. Navigating through the complexities of a loved one’s healing process can lead to feelings of frustration, sadness and despair, which can be emotionally draining. Seeking support for yourself can provide a much-needed outlet for these emotions, offering perspectives, advice, and encouragement from those who understand the unique challenges you’re facing.

By acknowledging your own needs and limitations, you can reset and be fully present and responsive to the needs of your child. Caring for yourself is not a selfish act but a necessary one.

Lifeline

13 11 14

lifeline.org.au

Kids Helpline

1800 55 1800

kidshelpline.com.au

Beyond Blue

1300 22 4636

beyondblue.org.au

Professional Intervention

Counselling plays a pivotal role in the recovery process for children dealing with OCD, to understand the underlying issues and develop healthier coping strategies. At 8 Senses Therapy, your child will be provided with a safe and confidential space to explore their feelings, thoughts, and behaviours without fear of judgment. Your child will learn to articulate their emotions and experiences, fostering self-awareness and insight into their actions.

There are many ways counselling can support your child in recovering from OCD. Some of these methods include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This is a type of therapy that helps individuals recognise and change negative thought patterns and behaviours.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
This therapy involves gradually exposing the individual to their obsessions and helping them learn healthy coping mechanisms instead of engaging in compulsive behaviours.
Medication
In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of OCD. In this case, a referral can be given to an appropriate psychiatrist.
Family therapy
Involving the entire family in therapy can help improve communication and understanding, as well as provide support for both the child and the parents.

Counselling provides ongoing support and motivation throughout the recovery journey, helping your child set realistic goals, track their progress, and celebrate achievements or milestones. It encourages the development of a strong support network, incorporating family into sessions when appropriate. Through consistent, empathetic engagement, counselling empowers your child to reclaim control over their thoughts and actions, paving the way for long-term healing and resilience.

Choosing the Right Professional for Your Child

Consultations with potential counsellors provide an opportunity to discuss their approach, treatment philosophy, and to gauge how they interact with your child. A good therapist should make your child feel seen, heard, and respected, establishing a rapport that fosters a safe therapeutic environment.

When selecting a therapist, consider their experience, qualifications, and approach to therapy, ensuring these align with your child’s personality and situation. It’s crucial to involve your child in the decision-making process, allowing them to express their preferences and concerns. This can help them feel more comfortable and engaged with the therapist they eventually choose.

Remember, the goal is to find a professional who not only possesses the technical skills to help your child but also the interpersonal qualities that resonate with your child, building a foundation of trust that is essential for effective therapy. The search for a suitable counsellor or therapist can begin with referrals from your child’s paediatrician, school counsellor, or through trusted mental health organisations.

Our Clinical Counsellor, Daniella Collicelli

Daniella is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia. She has a broad area of knowledge and experience working with children, adolescents, and families dealing with OCD.

Daniella’s practice is influenced by knowledge in various areas, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and other bio-psychosocial approaches to support children when facilitating their desired goals. Daniella has a special interest in working with those who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, behavioural difficulties, supporting both clients and their families.

Begin the Journey

Our compassionate, personalised counselling sessions create a supportive and healing environment, ensuring you and your child are not navigating this path alone. The road to recovery may not be easy, but with the right support and treatment, your child can learn to manage their OCD symptoms and live a fulfilling life.

Don’t hesitate to seek professional help and continue advocating for your child’s well-being. Reach out to us through our contact form below.

Please note, 8 Senses Therapy is not a 24/7 support service.

If you or your child are in crisis, call one of the mental health helplines below.

If you feel that your or your child are at immediate risk of harm, please call triple zero (000).