The Carers Role – What can we do to help?
We have been treating people with OCD for 6 years as a Centre and in that time we have interacted with many carers, including parents, partners, siblings, other family members and friends. Quite often it is the Carer that is our first point of contact with a new client, whether it is enquiring about our services or approach or indeed to book that important first assessment. Once a client enters into therapy, good practice requires us to conduct confidentiality rules which means a carer can often feel left in the dark as to what is happening with their loved one. As a general rule most therapists will be unprepared to talk to family members directly when treating a client unless it is strictly relevant to treatment, even when the questions are about how to help the OCD sufferer at home. We realise that this can leave the carer frustrated as they only want to do what’s best for their loved one, but find it hard to know what is helpful and productive and what can reinforce OCD rituals. So
