Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Personalized Recovery Program for Living with Uncertainty, Updated Edition

I've read numerous books on OCD and anxiety, including "Getting Control" and "The Imp of the Mind" by Lee Baer, "You Are Not Your Brain" by Jeffrey Schwartz, "Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts" by Clark and Purdon, and "Hope and Help for Your Nerves" by Claire Weekes. I recommend each of these books in their own way, especially "The Imp of the Mind" and "Hope and Help for Your Nerves". Each one has helped me recover from a period of anxiety. However, Dr. Grayson's book is on another level. I'm an OCD sufferer, having gone through many different forms over the years, including Harm-OCD, obsessing about obsessing, health concerns, Relationship OCD, and others. Other books were good, and they provided a lot of good reassurance, but as you may know, with OCD, reassurance isn't always a good thing. I found little to no reassurance in this book, instead I found strong motivation, tools for recovery, and resources to support me in the process. Dr. Grayson is a big proponent of Exposure and Response Prevention, the "gold standard" of OCD treatment today. In a way, there's quite a bit of "tough love", but that's exactly what we need. And at the risk of sounding less OCD and more schizophrenic, it's like Dr. Grayson could read my mind. So many times he said "You're probably thinking..." or "You know that...", and he was almost always right. He has a deep, deep understanding of the OCD mind. His understanding was more evident than any other author I've read. While reading previous books, I ignored exercises because I thought they were silly, contrived, or unnecessary. He addresses this mentality, and I found myself doing all of the exercises. The exercises are mostly very useful. He really lays it all out. He does a brief overview of OCD, but doesn't belabor it - after all, most of us who are reading this book know about it first-hand. He describes the various manifestations and related disorders, how their presence can present challenges, and how those challenges can be overcome. It's true that it's all treated mainly the same way, but it's naive to deny that there are unique challenges to each theme. He helps the reader design individualized recovery plans through numerous exercises. He addresses family and friends, teaching them how they can best support their loved ones with OCD. He lays out a clear plan to avoid major relapses and stay "better". Finally, he leaves the reader with resources for further help, including information on support groups, organizations, therapists, etc. He takes all of this complicated material and makes it easy - learn to live with uncertainty, and your life will improve. I'm confident in saying that this is the best book on OCD I've ever read. I absolutely recommend it to both the individual just learning about OCD and the learned, experienced individual. I will need to reread this one, but more importantly I will use its tools to beat my OCD.

If you can’t afford therapy, this seems to come pretty close. It can sometimes be a little triggering so be aware that some of the examples are definitely anxiety inducing, but it also includes the techniques to help ignore and recontextualize and lessen those anxieties. I was very happy to read this, and found it immensely helpful. If you’ve already got sticky ocd thoughts, the risk of adding a couple more by reading this book is probably less than the risk of getting some helpful techniques from this book to help you loosen those sticky thoughts, but it’s not zero. Sometimes it’s okay to live with that uncertainty.

This book is a phenomenal resource for anyone struggling with obsessive compulsive disorder. I have used a combination of several sources and workbooks and Dr. Grayson's is by far the most thorough. If you are struggling to wrap your head around a diagnosis, or cannot afford treatment with a specialist (although treatment with a professional is always recommended), or if you are receiving treatment but still find yourself caught in the endless cycles of "but what if it's not OCD, it's 'x'"... then you have come to the right place. Dr. Grayson writes with a familial tone that makes you feel as though you are working through a diagnosis with him in his office. The writing is supportive, but firm, without granting the reassurance of absolute certainty that obsessive compulsive disorder so vehemently demands. If you are willing to do the work, you can devise a full treatment plan and make real strides in your recovery.

This book legit changed my life. It made me understand a condition that was scary and secretive and distracting and all-out shitty. I'm not a reader, but I read this (500 page) book twice about six years ago. It helped me take control over something that I thought I would never control of or be able to move on from. The first time I read it, I didn't do the exercises–it is very uncomfortable! The second time I showed up for myself–I worked through it and dedicated about 12 weeks to really focusing on it. It is uncomfortable/disturbing/etc. but you get through it–and I can say having OCD constantly bombarding your life is much, much worse. The therapies nearly diminish the OCD and let you look at it objectively and start living again. While I absolutely recommend seeing a professional in addition, the nice thing about a book is that you can cover SO much of the disorder that you could never cover in a session, so you can learn to look at OCD more objectively. You can also find the right professional (someone who makes you do exposure therapy and CBT–sorry, but you're not going to talk your way out of obsessions which some counselors seem to think you can and frankly, its nice for a minute, but does not make lasting changes!) You also realize you're not alone–other people have gone through the same thing, and there is so many listed symptoms you can see them before having to talk about them. This book, and "Dropping the Baby and Other Scary Thoughts" along with the Gaurdian article "Dirty Little Secret" were life-changers. I can enjoy being a mom and a wife and a friend, and be present–but it does take strength to read and participate in this–and 6 years later, I am SO glad I did that for myself.

This is the book that my daughter's OCD therapist had her get. It really is an extremely helpful book for the patient and the family. I learned I was part of the problem in telling my daughter what she wanted to hear in order to soothe the obsession. It's extremely important for the loved ones to all be on the same page to help make things better in the long run. IF you have OCD or a loved one does get this book and read it! PS If you're going to see a therapist find one that specializes in it. They are few and far between. Hers is 250 miles away but so worth it in the changes I have seen.

This is an exhaustive review on OCD and it’s behaviors. I had to switch to the audible version of the book halfway through because of how tedious it was. I don’t believe that I could have read the whole thing throughout and been fine. Definitely need to work with individuals before reading or most of this book will not make sense. It is a great reference book involving scripts to overcome obsessive thoughts.

This book deserves a standing ovation! I am a therapist specialized in the treatment of OCD. This book is outstanding. Dr Grayson thank you for all your work in this field, and for making such an accessible book for sufferers and clinicians!! I want to require each of my clients to read this book- it’s that good! If you’re on the fence about buying it- don’t hesitate you will be grateful for its guidance and wisdom!

This book is a good deep dive into the issues and solutions for OCD. I have OCD paired with anxiety and this definitely gives me good insights into how to reframe and overcome these obsessive habits.

Honestly one of the best books on OCD I have read. Grayson’s suggestions are effective and evidence based. They are also comprehensive and nuanced. For example, he doesn’t neglect the “cognitive” part of CBT, and addresses cognitive disortions. Yet he shows us how does this without falling into reassurance. Also, he is not against medication for those who need it, unlike some other OCD psychologists. Overall a very thorough, effective and balanced book. In conjunction with therapy, it really helped turn my life around!

era un libro para regalar pero la persona que se lo ha leido lo ha valorado como muy bueno, interesante y bien escrito

Very pleased with this book. Will recommend.

Very good for people in their OCD Recovery!

Helpful book