Sexual Obsessions in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder A Step-by-Step, Definitive Guide to Understanding, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Sexual obsessions are a common symptom of OCD, but addressing them in treatment is uniquely challenging due to feelings of shame, prior misdiagnosis, and the covert nature of ritualizing behaviors. These complicating factors make it difficult for clients to disclose their symptoms and for clinicians to know how to approach treatment.

Sexual Obsessions in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder provides clinicians with the information and guidance needed to help clients experiencing unwanted and intrusive thoughts of a sexual nature. Opening with background information on sexual obsessions and OCD, including assessment and differential diagnosis, Williams and Wetterneck then offer a complete, step-by-step manual describing treatment using a combination of empirically-supported CBT strategies, such as exposure and response prevention, cognitive therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy, as well as useful mindfulness techniques. Accompanying these practical, step-by-step instructions are educational handouts and diagrams for clients designed to promote learning. The book concludes with a discussion of relationship issues that commonly result from sexually-themed OCD, and how therapists can tackle these problems. Sexual Obsessions in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is an essential resource for clinicians who treat OCD, as well as students and trainees from across the mental health professions.

Monnica T. Williams, Ph.D., ABPP, is a board-certified clinical psychologist and Associate Professor at the University of Connecticut in the Department of Psychological Sciences. Her clinical work and research focus on OCD, trauma, culture, and African American mental health. Dr. Williams has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and her work has been featured in several major media outlets, including NPR, CNN, and the New York Times.

Chad T. Wetterneck, PhD is a clinical director and supervisor at Rogers Memorial Hospital (RMH). Over the past four years, he has served at the Co-Director of Research at the Houston OCD Program and served on the training and research committee for Obsessive Compulsive Foundation of Texas. Dr. Wetterneck has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters focused on OCD and OC-spectrum conditions and presented at many peer-reviewed national/international conferences (over 150 paper/poster presentations).

Introduction

1. Understanding Sexual Obsessions

2. Assessing Clients with Sexual Obsessions

3. Step-by-Step Treatment Manual (with John Hart, Eric Lee, & Street Russell)

4. Association Splitting (Terence Ching, Steffen Moritz, & Lena Jelinek)

5. Treating Sexual Orientation Obsessions (with Jen Viscusi)

6. Treating Pedophile Obsessions (with Erin Nghe)

7. Relationship Issues (with Jen Viscusi)

8. Troubleshooting Common Problems, Issues, & Resources (with Erin Nghe & John Hart)

References

Appendices

A. Materials for Clients

B. Measures

C. Session Notes