In family therapy for OCD, which statement best describes the therapist's approach?

• A. Emphasizes encouraging the patient to confront OCD thoughts with logical reasoning.
• B. Focuses on expression of thoughts in a nonjudgmental way and avoids reassurance that reinforces obsessions.
• C. Involves repeatedly challenging the patient with confrontational questions.
• D. Prioritizes pharmacological treatment over family involvement.

Answer: (B)

In family therapy for OCD, the aim is to reduce the family’s accommodation of OCD symptoms and to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where thoughts can be expressed openly without reinforcing the obsession. This approach helps avoid reassurance or behaviors that temporarily ease anxiety but strengthen the cycle of obsessions and rituals. By encouraging calm, noncritical communication about OCD experiences and discouraging attempts to “solve” or argue against the thoughts, the family supports exposure and response prevention work and reduces theMs reinforcement that keeps symptoms going.

Confronting thoughts with rigid logical disputation isn’t the focus, as that kind of confrontational questioning can heighten distress and isn’t aligned with the collaborative, nonjudgmental stance of family-based care. Similarly, repeatedly challenging the patient with confrontational questions is not consistent with this approach. While medication may be part of treatment, family therapy emphasizes family involvement and behavioral strategies alongside or apart from pharmacological treatment, not as the sole priority.