I'm the parent of a bright 18 year old with severe contamination OCD, he’s so sweet and has a great deal of awareness, is a good communicator, etc. but ERP therapy has been a colossal failure in the past and he isn’t willing to give it another go.
His OCD started after I was in the ICU and got worse after other family trauma.
(I’m in cancer treatment and feel increasingly concerned about how my son will cope with grief as well as practically manage without me if I don’t survive).
I’ve been accommodating for so long, and we are deep-in, sadly.
I understand SPACE Treatment really well, and yet I’ve been unable to implement it very well - my own trauma background keeps getting in my way.
My son and I both know that me limiting accommodations is what needs to happen, he feels guilty that I regularly go beyond my personal resources (physical, mental, financial, etc.) to help him feel less anxious.
And I feel guilty that I’m not helping him (my accommodations make the OCD grow, of course) and I want more than anything for him to be able to fully live his young adult life, independently.
So, I’m looking for a compassionate SPACE Treatment practitioner who has experience working with parents who have C-PTSD, and experience working with parents of young adults.
I’m in the Portland, OR area but happy to do telehealth/zoom appts. and pay OOP.
I haven’t had much luck with the official SPACE directory - either the groups are for parents of young children, or they are no longer offered, etc. so I’m hoping there may be some leads here.
Thank you!
Emily, I am not licensed in OR, but I couldn't help myself to extend my support and encouragement to you. It is very brave of you to seek assistance and acknowledge the difficulties you and your family are facing. Keep up the hard work. I know it's incredibly difficult, and I know you and your son can absolutely do it! Kindly, Amanda M.