Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Specialist | New York & New Jersey (ROCD)
Before you consider breaking up an otherwise compatible relationship, consider whether you might have Relationship OCD (ROCD). A Relationship obsessive compulsive disorder specialist in New York, New Jersey, and nationally can help. ROCD sufferers worry that they or their partner don't really love or feel attracted to each other. These doubts lead to fear that they or their partner will cheat, abandon, or entrap them. ROCD sufferers compulsively check their partner's location, social interactions, tone of voice, telephone calls, and set up tests to see if their partner loves them. They ask for reassurance, then ask if you meant it, or even tell you to say it in a scripted way.
Others doubt their own love for the other person, and fear that they themselves will be unfaithful. This makes them feel guilty and they compulsively test their attraction to their partner. They break up and make up many times, sometimes the same week. Many initially feel excited by a good first date, but quickly fear they'll be trapped or abandoned and can't tolerate a second date. They find every excuse of why it can't work out.
Listen to Dr. Brodsky interviewed on ROCD and real "Runaway Brides".
Consult a Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Specialist in New York & New Jersey
Are your hot and cold feelings a genuine couples issue, jealousy, commitment phobia, or is it really ROCD? Get to the bottom of it and email a question to Dr. Brodsky for a free consultation within 24 hours. If you feel you're ready to start, you can make an appointment online or call 212-726-2390. In-person sessions are in New York and New Jersey. Virtual teletherapy is available nationwide in 43 states for OCD from Dallas, Texas to Boise, Idaho.
ROCD sufferers make up and break up multiple times, according to expert Dr. Steven Brodsky who treats it.
Why Couples Therapy Can Backfire for ROCD
Dr. Steven Brodsky insists an accurate diagnosis is essential so get the right kind of therapy, saving an otherwise compatible relationship.
Unfortunately, couples therapy actually makes ROCD worse! A well-intentioned couples therapist might try to help either partner "think more rationally" to keep or end a relationship. Even a highly skilled couple's therapist only perpetuates the problem by helping the ROCD sufferer perform an unending series of reassurance-seeking compulsions, leaving the best couple's therapist baffled. The wrong type of therapy can destroy an otherwise compatible relationship. Professional OCD counseling services in New York City, New Jersey, and nationally can provide a conclusive diagnosis so you get the right kind of therapy.
When Love Becomes a Series of Tests
Dr. Brodsky says ROCD sufferers test their relationships.
ROCD sufferers set up endless tests of their partner. "If he really loved me he'd never look at another woman." "If I really loved her I'd always be excited." "If I'm more physically attracted to a friend or a stranger on the street, that means I'll end up cheating and feel guilty." "If I yell at him and he doesn't remain calm, he has an anger problem and might abuse me." "If I play hard to get, and she doesn't pursue me, she'll abandon me."
Valentine Break Ups May Be a Sign Of a More Serious Mental Illness Known as Relationship OCD.
And then there are the "milestone" ROCD triggers---holidays, anniversaries, birthdays. "If I take her out on Valentines Day I'll be stuck with her forever." "If I give him a gift on his birthday I'll be misleading him." "If she doesn't kiss me under the mistletoe that means we're not a match." And, "obviously if he forgot, he must have someone else on his mind." Ironically, it's exactly on these special moments that ROCD sufferers can break up an otherwise perfectly compatible relationship. Consulting a clinician who offers specialized OCD treatment and support can help break these cycles and protect relationships from unnecessary strain.
The anxiety of ROCD becomes a self fulfilling prophecy, dampens arousal, and fuels even more doubts, according to specialist Dr. Steven Brodsky who treats it.
Are you ready to get off the emotional roller coaster of anxiety? Do you want to finally break free of the vicious cycle of reassurance and doubt? Do you want to find out if your hot and cold feelings a genuine couples issue, jealousy, commitment phobia, or really ROCD? Are you finally ready to have love in your life? Get to the bottom of it and email a question to Dr. Brodsky for a free consultation within 24 hours. If you feel you're ready to start, you can make an appointment online now or call 212-726-2390. Sessions are available either in-person in New York and New Jersey or by teletherapy nationwide in 43 states for OCD from Memphis, Tennessee to Minneapolis, Minnesota. We're everywhere you are!
Dr. Brodsky says ROCD hurts one's sex life.
Helpful Resources
These articles and videos share perspectives and insights from a relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder specialist on patterns and challenges in relationships:
- "Overly Jealous or Insecure About Your Relationship? You may have ROCD"
- Relationship OCD: Dr. Steven Brodsky Interview
- "'Relationship OCD' May Hurt Sex Life"
- "Relationship OCD 'May Be Damaging Your Sex Life' – and Therapy Could Simply Make It Worse"
- "Relationship OCD May Be Hurting Your Sex Life: Couples Obsessed With Each Other's Fidelity Are Sexually Dissatisfied"
- "Obsessing Over Your Relationship May Be Bad For Your Sex Life"