Hello all! I am new here. I have struggled with intrusive thoughts since I became pregnant with my son 4 years ago. They basically ruined my pregnancy - and since then they come back into my life during times of stress and/or change. In the past four years- I also went through a traumatic divorce and a death of someone very close to me (which happened back in April of this year.) Before pregnancy, I had struggled with anxiety most of my life though. I experience panic attacks, generalized anxiety, social anxiety - you name it! The OCD was a new, fun addition to those! (sarcasm, obviously.) On top of this, I have struggled with alcohol abuse to ease my anxiety caused by my OCD. Which is a vicious cycle, because it's just a band aid and doesn't actually help anything. Only makes my anxiety worse once the alcohol wears off. I am trying to get sober - but I definitely think I need an experienced OCD therapist to help me along the way. My anxiety and OCD are at the root of my drinking problem.
I see a therapist on the BetterHelp app, but she doesn't really know much about OCD it seems. I mentioned "Pure O" to her and she had no idea what I was talking about ... she also told me that she doesn't think I have OCD because I don't have a physical compulsion (like washing hands, for example.) I know - you'd think people would be more educated about this by now! I really want to find someone who has experience with ERP. If anyone has any information on where to find someone online that would be great. I live in Maine - and the choices are VERY limited. Thanks!