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About Richard Niemeyer
Expertise
I can answer questions related to obsessions and compulsions, troubling and intrusive thoughts, and treatment techniques and relevant OCD research. I can answer questions related to the causes of OCD and intrusive thoughts and other related OCD theories. I can answer questions regarding the neurological mechanisms of anti-anxiety medications. I can also answer OCD questions of a religious nature (Christian). I cannot give suggestions on which medications to take, as I am not a medical doctor. I cannot answer questions related to hoarding.
Experience
I have experience working in the mental health and mental rehabilitation field. Intrusive thoughts and OCD were a primary area of study for me during graduate school.
Organizations
American Psychological Association
National Association of Social Workers
Education/Credentials
Master of Social Work- University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science in Bible- Philadelphia Biblical University
Licensed Social Worker- State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors (Pennsylvania)
Past/Present Clients
I have worked with clients diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive disorder and other anxiety disorders
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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Mental Health > OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder > plese help
Expert: Richard Niemeyer - 10/28/2009
Question
Hi again richard....my name is norma and I asked you a question before inwhich you
Helped me a lot about all the unwanted and intrusive thoughts about men that
I randomly have however I have something else to ask you like I mentioned before
I feel like I'm soon to sabotage my 3yr relationship due to this...recently I just
Have been feeling very overwhelmed by all of this I cry because I see no way out
And I find myself stressing all this out it just takes a big toll on me with all
That is going on I just don't understand why I have all these negative thoughts
And once I think negative I start to actually believe it more however even thought I know how I
Actually feel it makes me think the opposite e to all the things I think of why? ... When I feel negative it just dismisses all the good and positive
Things and also I start to think about certain things for example me and my
Boyfriend broke up for a while last year and I happen to start talking to this other guy
However we never got intimate but just recently I was on the bus and I thought
I saw him I got nervous and then I started to panic for example in my head I started
To question myself "do I like him?" Or "did I like him before while I was with my bf now"
"Did I miss him" and I start to just think many things and I then start to remind
Myself about before when I got back with my boyfriend...such as "why did I look backto see
If that was really him" and then I start to just think did I miss him? But why did I look
Back or why did I do this or why did I do that stuff in that matter that really bothers me and
I don't understand why it just leads me to believe otherwise like before I would think about that specific situation
And automatically dismiss it because I would think no never but now I keep overlooking things
And its really making me feel like I've done something wrong I don't know what to do? And
Why am I feeling this way ... Why do I think this way? when before it did not even bother me but now I put my mind
into it and it bothers me why?....what it the best way to treat this and can erp help?
Please help
Norma
Answer
Hi Norma,
I'm glad my answer was able to help you some and I'm glad that your actively trying to seek help and understanding for your problem.
OCD is such a sneaky disorder because everything can feel so real and be so confusing. Rest in the confidence, however, that there is real help and real solutions to what you are going through. When someone seeks and participates in therapy for OCD, or really any anxiety disorder, they are re-training their brain to think in a healthy manner. Just like training for an athletic event, it takes real work and effort to achieve goals. Your fears and intrusive thoughts have been a part of your mental schema for a long time now, and its going to take some time to over turn them, but it can be done. I would really encourage you to find and use some of the resources that I mentioned. The book, "When Panic Attacks" by David Burns might really be able to help you understand your disorder as well as give you exercises to work on. Another good book is "Stop Obsessing" by Edna Foa. Both of these books can be bought inexpensively at Amazon or can be found in Barns and Noble or Borders. I would also recommend seeking out a good Cognitive Behavioral Therapist who is knowledgeable and familiar with OCD. A series of as little as 8-10 sessions can help someone significantly reduce or eliminate obsessions. Having freedom of mind is well worth the money that you would invest. If you absolutely cannot invest the money, dedicating yourself to self-therapy through the use of a book can be just as effective. The last thing you want to do is to sit and have your obsessions continue to control you and reduce your happiness. You can get better, but it will take a dedication to treatment (whether with a therapist or with a book) some significant time and some courage in order to get better.
I hope this helps you some and motivates you towards continuing to seek out answers.
Good Luck, Rich
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