What is the theory behind this OCD tracking worksheet?
CBT therapists routinely provide their clients with worksheets to track symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It is helpful for clients with OCD to track their triggers, obsessions and compulsions, so that they can bring that awareness in the therapy sessions to set treatment goals
How will the worksheet help?
This worksheet will help clients with OCD to monitor the nature of their triggers, intrusive thoughts and neutralizing behaviors. It will help the client gain further insight about their condition while also providing valuable information that can be used in the therapeutic process aimed at cognitive modification.
How to use the worksheet?
The worksheet is to be used in the initial sessions once the therapist has guided and educated the client about the vicious OCD cycle that maintains their condition. Because they may occur frequently it is advisable to note them down three times a day. Provide these worksheet as a homework task to clients.
OCD tracking worksheet
Use the table to record your triggers, obsessive thoughts, level of distress, and the compulsive behaviors that follow. Monitor for a week at least 3 times a day.
Date &Time | Trigger (Situation, Objects, Person, Event, Place, Anything that brings about intrusive thoughts.) | Immediate thought or worryNote down the obsessive thoughts that keep recurring | Distress level Use the rating of 1 – 10 to highlight how anxious/fearful the immediate thought makes you feel? | Compulsions What are the specific behaviors or mental activities that you feel like you must do after the obsessive thoughts?How many times do you do it? |
Reference
You can download this worksheet here.