Hello Dr. Grossbart,
I've had OCD for all my adulthood. I will be 45 years old this year, and instead of it getting better, it has worsen especially the past year. I have at least a dual diagnosis too...Bipolar II (hypomania) and was told that I may suffer from Borderline Personality Disorder. The situation that I am facing, is that I avoid a particular 7-Eleven because of guilt associated with what happened there...this was back in 2003 and it still controls my life. I actually don't have much of a life because I am severly debiliated. I am on permanent disability since I am unable to function at work. My therapist who is LCSW and Teacher, tells me the only way I will get better is to face the situation, exposure response therapy (ERP), but I've done this in the past and ended up in inpatient hospital for 10 days which was voluntarily on my part. I've addressed my fears, and my therapist doesn't empathize or sympathize with me. He told me he only believes in Science and that I could only get better in the long run, which I understand is true, but what happens once I've done the ERP and how I am suppose to cope? He says he'll be there for me, but I am very scared. Any suggestions?
Thank you so very much for your time and help!