Jack is a 19-year-old male who is being treated for obsessive-compulsive behavior

Answer:

Using the psychodynamic theories of OCD, Jack and his therapist come up with a plan. The therapist explains how Jack’s upbringing has caused him to put unrealistic demands on himself, and that his body’s natural reaction is to relieve stress by cleaning. The therapist also says that the aggressive sexual thoughts might be fulfilling the need for power, which could be related to feeling powerless as an only child. The therapist arranges for Jack to join a teen men’s group, which helps him better understand his gender identity and expression in healthy ways. The behavior therapy he was receiving will continue in order to “extinguish” the unwanted behaviors.

The psychodynamic theories of OCD include: cognitive-behavioral theory as well as insight or psychodynamic/psychosocial approaches. Cognitive-behavioral theory focuses on the role of faulty information processing and use of maladaptive coping mechanisms. The focus is on the belief system, assumptions, and values that influence behavior and determine the way a person normally thinks. Insight theories identify certain feelings and urges that are the basis for compulsive behavior. With psychodynamic/psychosocial theories, professionals help clients understand the deep meanings behind their symptoms, thoughts, and behaviors. Clients can uncover repressed memories or achieve insight into hidden conflicts through a more open exchange with their therapist. As they begin to understand why they do what they do, patients can develop more adaptive and satisfying ways of living independently of their compulsions

Some psychotherapies focus on helping people to feel they have the power to make well-informed choices. These approaches can support people who believe that they are less in control of their lives than they would like. For example, behaviour therapy helps people change their feelings by changing their behaviour. In psychoanalysis a psychotherapist will listen to and interpret what a client says. Through this, clients can learn more about themselves and find new ways to deal with their problems.

Question:

Jack is a 19-year-old male who is being treated for obsessive-compulsive behavior. He has just begun his mission as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and his partner has encouraged him to come to care due to his compulsive cleaning behaviors. Jack has had a very difficult time with treatment; after several sessions, it is apparent that he is having obsessive sexual thoughts with which he is not comfortable. Jack would like to avoid pharmacotherapy if he can, and is interested in exploring psychotherapeutic interventions. The PMHNP refers Jack to therapy and discusses with him that the psychodynamic theories of OCD include: