What is I-CBT?

Inferential based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) is a proven solution for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and is grounded in solid evidence.  I-CBT targets the root cause of obsessions that come from inferential confusion which is a tendency to believe what might be true, instead of what is actually true.

I-CBT sees OCD as a doubting disorder and focuses on the flawed reasoning patterns behind the doubts. Obsessional doubts are abstract possibilities without any direct relevance to the here and now making the unreal feel very real. Picture it as a mental misstep that leads you to doubt a situation where doubt isn’t warranted – like seeing a shadow and immediately thinking it’s a threat, even when it isn’t. This process, called “inferential confusion” (IC), is the driving force behind obsessions in I-CBT’s viewpoint.

Those living with OCD tell themselves fictional, or imaginal stories about what would happen if and these stories become obsessions. Here are some examples:

• If I touch this doorknob, I will get others sick and they could die.  

• If I don’t say “I love you” to my family members every time I leave the house something horrible will happen.  

• If I don’t get straight A’s my mother will get sick.  

• If I don’t pray the right way then I will be evil.

In I-CBT you are invited to explore and understand how you came to accept your obsessional story and why the story is so real. When you are attached to your fictional/imaginal story, it begins to define you. You are also encouraged to explore your assumptions to move towards the development of new ways of thinking.

Through this process, you are able to gain insight into your thought patterns and shift your perspective on situations or experiences. You have the opportunity to lean away from the distorted thought patterns and lean into healthier, more accurate views of the world and yourself.  

Additionally, you are invited to trust your senses which leaves no room for obsessional doubts.

Pre-intensive assessment 

• Session is up to 2 hours

• Explore results of the assessments 

• Overview of the Intensive Modules

• Education on Normal vs Obsessional Reasoning

• Assess Candidacy for an Intensive

• Determine next steps 

I-CBT Intensive

• Schedule sessions: as much as possible, we will schedule all of the sessions at the outset 

• Each session is educational and experiential

• Each session is 2.5 to 3 hours long

• Two sessions a week for 5-6 consecutive weeks

• Homework assignments between sessions (commitment to completing/practicing these assignments is vital)

Is I-CBT right for you?

In order to do I-CBT intensive you need:

• A Diagnosis of OCD

• A primary therapist or, if you choose to not have a primary therapist, an understanding that our therapeutic relationship would conclude at the end of the intensive work

• An ability to have insight/personal awareness

• A strong/determined level of motivation to do the work in session and between sessions.  

Structure of I-CBT

A free 20 minute virtual consultation is available

I-CBT is a structured program which utilizes modules and homework 

Each I-CBT intensive is tailored based on your specific obsessional doubt(s) 

Prior to the scheduled assessment session, you will receive the usual paperwork and one or more of the following assessments: 

• Y-BOC (assessing for OCD) 

• GAD (assessing anxiety) 

• MID (assessing for dissociation)