Personality disorders are a branch of mental health disorders where you may significantly differ from an average person in terms of thinking, perceiving, behaving, and relating to others.

These are conditions that have a very high correlation with anxiety or depression, as they can often result in social isolation or difficulty managing impulsive behaviours. Personality disorders can have a very significant impact on your career, your personal relationships, and even your daily life. 

When you choose to understand this better in therapy, you realise the underlying motivation or fears associated with your thoughts and behaviours. The work done with your therapist can help you relate to your work and others in a more helpful way. 

Before we understand the different psychotherapies that can help in treating personality disorders like Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD), let’s understand what OCPD looks like.

What is OCPD?

OCPD is a personality disorder that makes you extensively preoccupied with order, perfectionism, and a particular way of doing things. It can make you want to control the smallest details of your life even at the expense of your personal relationships and work profile.

The OCPD symptoms may occur like this:

• Being preoccupied with rules, lists, and the specifics

• Being stubborn about one’s beliefs and way of doing things

• Finding it difficult to see someone else’s point of view

• Not allowing others to do things

• Not being able to come to a decision

• Not getting tasks done because of perfectionism

• Not taking criticism well

• Not throwing away objects even if they no longer serve a purpose or are broken

Also read: The Significance of Self-Care for Individuals Living with a Personality Disorder

Therapy for OCPD

The two main psychotherapies used in Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder treatment are psychodynamic therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Remember that there is no medication involved to directly treat personality disorders. However, there can be medication for depression and anxiety that may occur as a result of OCPD. Treating these with either medication or talk therapy can make it easier to treat and cope with OCPD.

Also read: How to Find the Right Therapist for Managing Personality Disorders

Psychodynamic therapy

Psychodynamic therapy focuses on the unconscious processes manifesting in your present behaviour and thought pattern. You get an insight into the link between your past history and current mental state and actions by understanding your unconscious thoughts through this form of therapy. 

For example, you may understand the connection between your need for perfectionism and controlling every single detail of life and your desire to be accepted by your parents who may be neglecting you or are overly punitive.

To make progress and look beyond the thoughts causing you stress, you need insight into what is causing your mental condition. Hence, psychodynamic therapy provides you with an opportunity to understand OCPD better and take responsibility for your actions. 

You also get a deeper insight into your conflicting past and present relationships that may be causing you to suffer and hinder your growth. This self-reflection and self-examination help you choose better and relate to others in a fruitful way. 

Also read: Overcome Stigma: Why Seeking Help from a Therapist or Psychiatrist Matters

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is the most common form of psychotherapy used in Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder treatment. It emphasises on identifying, understanding, and challenging your unhelpful, dysfunctional core beliefs and thought patterns that cause you to behave or think in a certain way. 

You get to take a closer look at what is at play in your present thoughts and behaviours with the help of your therapist. You also learn how to unlearn the negative thought pattern and learn to adopt a healthier and more helpful approach to thoughts and behaviour.

Besides, CBT also helps in gaining insight into how these self-destructive and unhealthy thought patterns and beliefs are getting in the way of your personal growth and personal and work relationships and how you can gradually correct them. 

Also read: The Role of Therapy in Managing Personality Disorders

If there’s anything that you’d like to discuss about your experience with OCPD and what could be the best treatment plan for you, book a free 30-minute call with our mental health coach. 

Knowing more about the mental disorder can help you and your loved ones to stay informed about what to expect. Remember that you deserve the right support, treatment, and care in your journey.