For those dealing with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, planning can become a compulsion that temporarily soothes the fear of the unknown.  OCD tries to attain certainty about the future, and this can come in the form of plans. 

Unfortunately, while we feel soothed that we are “doing something” about the uncertain, the truth is that the more we prepare, the more we feel like we need to prepare.  There is often no sense of finality with compulsive preparation, only more planning.    

Some planning is necessary and useful, but over-planning detracts from our ability to be in the present. 

Even while executing our plan, we may continue to be wrapped up in the future steps rather than actually experiencing our destination.  

Those who compulsively plan claim that once they have a clear sense of how things will go, they can “relax.”  However, they are often on to the next future stressor once they have successfully executed a plan.  That relaxed state never comes.  

The exposure for this form of OCD is to intentionally under-prepare for something complicated. 

By allowing some things to be forgotten at home during a trip, or experiencing some chaos, we can observe our resilience and flexibility in the moment.  

Every time we face something hard and unexpected, we learn our true strength.  We can realize how capable we are, in the here and now.  

Start by doing these exposures with less important events, and utilize these under planned experiences to build resilience and confidence in your ability to navigate uncertainty.  Exposures are like building muscle, every week you can increase the difficulty based on the strength gained the week before.  

For guidance with exposures and OCD therapy, reach out to Kairos Wellness Collective to schedule an appointment with our OCD experts today!