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Obsessive and intrusive thoughts about therapy - help!

4 replies

TheOtherBoleynSister · 20/03/2026 19:30

I had an assessment with a therapist about OCD - I have had therapy before for anxiety but not specifically for OCD and intrusive thoughts that are more ‘out there’. I’ve always been hesitant to be honest about the thoughts that distress me as there is no rhyme nor reason for them, but they do cause me a lot of issues. I have always been worried the therapist will think I’m a total nutcase. I have a lot of intrusive thoughts about morality, about worrying I may have accidentally offended or hurt others in some way, and fears about doing something ‘wrong’. I worry a lot about legal things too, which means I avoid any documents that are legally binding or signing up to things, even websites, as I’m worried I will be taken to court over them. I also worry a lot about privacy and data online, and that someone may steal my identity etc.
I am not religious but one of my compulsions is going to the church and praying, as well as the usual checking everything again and again.

Another big worry of mine is potholes. I worry it wasn’t a pothole, but an animal, or even someone’s foot. If I get passed that, I over worry about the effect on the car. This was largely driven by a family member making a big yelping noise whenever I would hit one with him in the car. I don’t drive dangerously because of this or anything but I worry about it after. I told the therapist about this worry and now I’m worried they will report me and I won’t be allowed to drive anymore!

I am just worried I will be seen as a total crazy woman for all this and it will have repercussions for me. Any advice would be appreciated.

OP posts:
Finallyclean · 20/03/2026 19:59

Don’t worry OP, I think those type of intrusive thoughts are common and it definitely wouldn’t have any repercussions if you talked about them to your therapist. Are you worried that the men in white coats will come to take you away?

TheOtherBoleynSister · 20/03/2026 20:02

Finallyclean · 20/03/2026 19:59

Don’t worry OP, I think those type of intrusive thoughts are common and it definitely wouldn’t have any repercussions if you talked about them to your therapist. Are you worried that the men in white coats will come to take you away?

Yes something like that! Or that I may get ‘in trouble’ which is one of my intrusive thoughts at the best of times

OP posts:
Finallyclean · 20/03/2026 20:06

TheOtherBoleynSister · 20/03/2026 20:02

Yes something like that! Or that I may get ‘in trouble’ which is one of my intrusive thoughts at the best of times

Seriously, you don’t need to worry about that. Any experienced therapist will have heard much worse and they would only break the client confidentiality if you were a risk to yourself or others
I hope you can get some help as it does sound very difficult to live with those issues xx

NancyMeyers · 20/03/2026 20:24

Thoughts are just thoughts (as distressing as they are). I'm in agreement with what's been said already, in that these are 'classic' intrusive thoughts. They are distressing because they go against your values. The therapist isn't interested in the 'story or flavour 'of the thoughts, but will focus on helping you manage them. Good luck with your treatment.

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