Rewire Your Ocd Brain - by Catherine M Pittman & William H Youngs (Paperback)

About the Book

What causes obsessive thoughts and compulsions, and how can you stop them at the source? Written by a clinical psychologist and a clinical neuropsychologist, Rewire Your OCD Brain offers strategies based in cutting-edge neuroscience to help readers rewire the brain processes that cause their worst symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Readers will find a wealth of tools and practices for dealing with OCD, including relaxation, habit-change, cognitive restructuring, cognitive defusion, distraction, and mindfulness.

Book Synopsis

Rewire the brain processes that cause obsessions and compulsions--and take back your life!

If you've ever wondered why you seem to get trapped in an endless cycle of obsessive, compulsive thoughts, you don't have to wonder anymore. Grounded in cutting-edge neuroscience and evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Rewire Your OCD Brain will show you how and why your brain gets stuck in a loop of obsessive thinking, uncertainty, and worry; and offers the tools you need to short-circuit this response and get your symptoms under control--for good.

Written by clinical psychologist Catherine Pittman and clinical neuropsychologist William Youngs, this groundbreaking book will show how neurological functions in your brain lead to obsessions, compulsions, and anxiety. You'll also find tons of proven-effective coping strategies to help you manage your worst symptoms--including relaxation, exercise, healthy sleep habits, cognitive restructuring, cognitive defusion, distraction, and mindfulness.

The brain is powerful, and the more you work to change the way you respond to obsessive thoughts, the more resilient you'll become. If you're ready to rewire the brain processes that lie at the root of your obsessive thoughts, this book has everything you need to get started today.

Review Quotes

"Rewire Your OCD Brain is the road map you've been waiting for to help you find freedom from your obsessions and compulsive behaviors--an absolute must-read for clinicians and courageous souls alike."
--Tara Bixby, LPC, founder of courageously.u--Tara Bixby, LPC

"If you want to understand the 'what is going on with me?' about OCD and what to do about it, this book is for you. OCD is demystified; the power and control OCD hijacked are given back to the reader. Not only has this book been insightful for me as a clinician, but my clients who read it are more easily able to begin detaching themselves from their intrusive thoughts."
--Rachel Hiraldo, LPCC, LPC, NCC, CCATP, founder and lead counselor at Vivify Counseling and Wellness--Rachel Hiraldo, LPCC, LPC, NCC, CCATP

"Pittman and Youngs have described the neurophysiology of the brain function of anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Their eloquent explanations of solid treatment options and skill building are user-friendly and can be developed with or without a clinician. The language and concepts are down-to-earth and extremely easy to understand. Highly recommended for therapists or anyone struggling with anxiety or OCD."
--Susan Myers, RN, LCSW, BCD, employed by the Veteran's Administration Health Care System providing counseling for veterans struggling with anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and chronic illness--Susan Myers, RN, LCSW, BCD

"Pittman and Youngs have managed to teach complex biological and psychological science in an utterly readable, straightforward, respectful voice that is somehow profoundly calming. The chapter on the language of the amygdala, how it learns and how it communicates, is a perfect bridge between understanding how brain circuitry works in OCD and how to use that knowledge to create the new experiences that can change it."
--Sally Winston, PsyD, coauthor of Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts and Needing to Know forSure, and executive director of the Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute of Maryland--Sally Winston, PsyD

"This book is user-friendly and accomplishes the near impossible task of sharing complex neurological concepts using understandable language, helpful descriptions, and practical tips to move past OCD. Patients often begin treatment terrified of their brain, having such uncomfortable and often disturbing thoughts. I am so happy to have a book to help them understand the neuroscience behind OCD, so they can understand OCD from a brain-based perspective. They can shift from shame and blame to self-compassion and empowerment, as well as freedom from the OCD bully within."
--Debra Kissen, PhD, MHSA, CEO of Light on Anxiety, and coauthor of Rewire Your Anxious Brain for Teens, The Panic Workbook for Teens, and Break Free from Intrusive Thoughts--Debra A. Kissen, PhD, MHSA

About the Author

Catherine M. Pittman, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders and brain injuries. She is professor of psychology at Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, IN, where she has taught for more than thirty years.

William H. Youngs, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice in clinical neuropsychology in the greater South Bend, IN, area. He served as a clinical neuropsychologist with Memorial Hospital of South Bend for twenty-five years, and a visiting assistant professor of psychology at Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, IN; where he has taught undergraduate courses in neuropsychology, cognitive psychology, psychological assessment, abnormal psychology, and theories of personality.