Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Journal of Clinical Psychology
Volume
81
Issue
2
Publisher
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Publication Date
12-19-2024
Journal Article Version
Accepted Manuscript
First Page
93
Last Page
101
Abstract
Exposure exercises as seen in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) are standard in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In the last two decades, additional research has been conducted on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and the ways that exposure exercises are conducted from an ACT model. Empirical support for conducting exposures from an ACT model exists. Group level statistics suggest that ACT with ACT-based exposures is as effective as traditional ERP or CBT. A key component of ACT and values-based exposures is the focus on teaching psychological flexibility to allow for engagement with values-based exposures. In this case study, we present an adult woman with OCD who completed 24 sessions of ACT+ values-based exposures. Client scores on the Y-BOCS decreased from severe levels to mild-moderate levels through treatment. Additionally, the client was more actively engaged in her life and reported greater quality of life at the conclusion of treatment. The goal of this case study is to demonstrate how values-based exposures can be used in the treatment of OCD.
Recommended Citation
Capel, L.K. and Twohig, M.P. (2025), ACT for OCD: An Example of ACT and Values-Based Exposures. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 81: 93-101. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23759
Comments
This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Capel, L.K. and Twohig, M.P. (2025), ACT for OCD: An Example of ACT and Values-Based Exposures. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 81: 93-101. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23759, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23759. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley's version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.