Counting/Checking
COUNTING AND CHECKING

Counting and checking rituals are performed with the hope of preventing obsessive and fearful thoughts or making them go away. Counting can be associated both with the need avoid danger and the obsession for symmetry and evenness.   Checking rituals often involve an impulse to check door locks, light switches, faucets and stoves.  These rituals are geared to preventing an error that could seriously impact another’s well-being. People with checking compulsions are plagued by feelings of irresponsibility and carelessness.
 
 
 
STEPS OF EXPOSURE EXERCISES
Paul R. Munford, Ph.D.
www.cbtmarin.com
  • Select a trigger - an obsession-compulsion combination for elimination
  • Practice exposure - bringing on the obsession in reality and imagination
  • Practice ritual prevention - refrain from doing compulsions and fear-blocking behaviors
  • Practice Acceptance - fully experience the triggered thoughts, images, impulses and the feelings they set off.

 

For more details click on link "How Brad Overcame Compulsive Checking"