Online Therapy for Anxiety, Perfectionism, & Scrupulosity
You can regain control and increase your quality of life
What is Scrupulosity?
Scrupulosity is a sub-type of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), often called a “religious OCD”. It can be seen as a type of unhealthy level of anxiety or perfectionism that is fueled by intense fear of sinning, offending God, and not being accepted by Him.
Someone who has perfectionistic tendencies and happens to also be religious, does not mean that they have scrupulosity. A person with scrupulous tendencies may experience:
Obsessions such as intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses that are recurrent and distressful. Examples may include feeling excessive guilt or doubt, a need to be “more spiritual”, a fear that God is angry with them, questioning one's worthiness, etc.
Compulsions are repetitive mental acts or behaviors that help to neutralize or reduce anxiety or as a way to prevent “bad things” from happening. Examples may include avoiding making mistakes, avoiding church meetings, asking repeatedly if you are worthy or sinful (needing reassurance), making repeated confessions, etc.
When to Seek Help
A person’s experience with perfectionism, anxiety, and/or scrupulosity can be seen on a spectrum. If you are feeling stuck (extreme fear, guilt or shame) or feel like you are suffering alone, therapy can be supportive no matter where you are at on the spectrum. Here are some additional questions you can ask yourself?
How much are my thoughts/behaviors impacting my daily life or overall well being?
How do I see or view myself? What is my self worth like?
How might my fears, anxieties be impacting my various relationships?
How often do I experience distressing thoughts on a daily basis? How distressing can they get?
How do I manage my anxieties and fears?
What is my relationship with my God (or other deity)?
Do I turn to my church leaders (or others) often for reassurance or to confess?
Does the anxiety return soon after I find relief from it?
Do I feel stuck in a pattern and am unsure how to change it?
What Therapy Can Look Like
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) concepts (challenging thoughts)
Exposure therapy (facing fears and increasing tolerance to uncertainty)
Developing increased awareness and self compassion (improving relationship with self and increasing trust)
Reviewing your values and realigning them with your thoughts/behaviors.
Gaining courage to turn to your faith rather than the OCD
Consulting with your faith leader to help support you in working towards healing and increased wellness