Living Well with OCD

Practical Strategies for Improving Your Daily Life

Jonathan S. Abramowitz

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March 18, 2025
ISBN 9781462556540
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208 Pages
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Over decades, noted authority Jonathan S. Abramowitz has helped thousands of people use the best science-based strategies to overcome obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). But if you have OCD—whether in treatment or not—you know that some days are harder than others. If you are looking for empathic support to navigate the rough patches when OCD disrupts your life, this book is for you! Get step-by-step ideas and downloadable practical tools for coping with lingering obsessional thoughts and doubts, riding out compulsive urges, and staying on track at work or in school. Dr. Abramowitz offers tips for navigating relationships and solving problems with family members, friends, and romantic partners. In short, engaging chapters, this book helps you cultivate resilience, replace self-criticism with self-compassion, and build the life you want—even with OCD.

This title is part of The Guilford Living Well Series.


“Dr. Abramowitz has the best grasp of OCD of nearly anyone I've read who doesn't have OCD themselves. He addresses tough issues that most people skirt around. This makes a world of difference in being able to trust him. Dr. Abramowitz provides validation and tangible guidance to navigate times when OCD makes 'normal' hard life events even harder.”

—Callie C., Winston-Salem, North Carolina


“Getting effective treatment for OCD can substantially reduce your symptoms, but there is more to life than that—like developing healthy relationships, pursuing joy and meaning, and practicing self-compassion. Living Well with OCD covers all of this and a whole lot more! This research-based book is one-stop shopping for anyone with OCD.”

—C. Alec Pollard, PhD, Founding Director, Center for OCD and Anxiety-Related Disorders, Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute


“If you want an artfully written guide to OCD that’s still research based, this is the book for you. Dr. Abramowitz provides skills to help you push back against OCD and live the life you want. Family members will find insight, too. A 'must read!'”

—Eric A. Storch, PhD, McIngvale Presidential Endowed Chair and Professor of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine


“Dr. Abramowitz knows that even if you’ve benefited from evidence-based treatment for OCD, you need additional strategies to deal with both everyday stresses and bigger life changes. This book gives you a clear understanding and a step-by-step approach for addressing any OCD triggers that come up, even unexpected ones. I couldn’t recommend this book more!”

—Elizabeth McIngvale, PhD, LCSW, Director, OCD Institute of Texas


“An indispensable resource for anyone grappling with the persistent daily impact of OCD. Whether you’re currently in treatment or seeking additional support, this guide is invaluable for achieving a more balanced, fulfilling existence. I strongly recommend it.”

—Jenny Yip, PsyD, ABPP, author of Hello Baby, Goodbye Intrusive Thoughts

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. Charting a Path to Living Well

2. Replacing Shame and Guilt with Self-Compassion

3. Quieting Obsessional Fears and Doubts

4. Riding Out Compulsive Urges

5. Taking Control of Your Time

6. Finding a Balance between Privacy and Disclosure

7. Getting the Healthy Support You Deserve sample

8. Maintaining Family Harmony

9. Thriving in Romantic Relationships

10. Navigating Work and School

11. Surviving a Crisis

12. Rethinking Treatment

Index


About the Author

Jonathan S. Abramowitz, PhD, ABPP, is Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience and Research Professor of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill. He is also Director of the UNC Clinical Psychology PhD Training Program. Dr. Abramowitz conducts research on OCD and other anxiety-related disorders and has published over 20 books and 300 peer-reviewed research articles and book chapters. He is Founding Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Obsessive–Compulsive and Related Disorders and serves on the editorial boards of several other scientific journals. Dr. Abramowitz is a scientific and clinical advisory board member for the International OCD Foundation and a past president of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to the fields of OCD and clinical psychology and for his mentorship of students and trainees. His books include Living Well with OCD, The Family Guide to Getting Over OCD, and Getting Over OCD, Second Edition (for general readers), and Exposure Therapy for Anxiety, Second Edition (for mental health professionals).

Audience

Adults with OCD; also of interest to family members and mental health professionals.