When a loved one is trapped in an endless cycle of obsessions and compulsions, it's a constant struggle for the whole family. It's only natural to try to accommodate the sufferer's behavor or help with rituals, even if that means turning everyone's lives upside down. Throwing a lifeline to spouses, parents, and others, renowned psychologist Jonathan Abramowitz reveals that, all too often, these well-meaning attempts make OCD worse--and strain relationships to the breaking point. But there is another way. By gently but firmly encouraging OCD sufferers to face their fears, family members can stop being controlled by the disorder, disentangle themselves from unhealthy patterns, and lay the foundations for change. Grounded in state-of-the-art knowledge about OCD treatment, the book includes step-by-step strategies for getting family life back on track, practical examples, sample dialogues, and downloadable practical tools.
