Compulsion Alternatives Worksheet for OCD

1. What situations or thoughts typically trigger your OCD compulsions, and can you list them?

2. What irrational beliefs or fears are associated with your compulsions, and how do they contribute to the need for repetitive behaviors?

3. What are the short-term and long-term consequences of giving in to your compulsions, and how do they impact your daily life?

4. Can you identify any distorted thoughts or cognitive errors related to your compulsions, and how might you reframe them more realistically?

5. What alternative coping mechanisms or relaxation techniques could you employ when faced with the urge to perform compulsive behaviors?

6. Reflect on the function of your compulsions. Do they genuinely alleviate anxiety or distress, or is there room for alternative, healthier ways to manage these emotions?

7. How can you create a step-by-step exposure hierarchy to gradually face and resist the urge to engage in compulsions, fostering a sense of control over your OCD symptoms?

References

1. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment 

You can download more Mental Health worksheets here.

Please note: There may be a more up-to-date and editable version of this worksheet available here which may be more suitable to present to clients if you are a therapist or to use in a classroom as a teacher or guidance counselor.