ShiftGrit’s Protocol: How Our Therapy Can Help With OCD


Healing from Obsessive Thoughts and Compulsive Behaviors: Professional OCD Therapy Services in Calgary
ShiftGrit is a professional therapy service in Calgary that is committed to helping individuals who suffer from OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) find relief and healing. Our team of experienced therapists provides evidence-based techniques to help our clients overcome the symptoms of OCD and improve their overall quality of life with OCD therapy Calgary.
Our OCD treatment focuses on reconditioning via Exposure and Integration (REI) is a therapeutic approach for treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) that is derived from the principles of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). A general outline of how the Shift Protocol approaches OCD is as follows:
- Assessment: The therapist assesses the individual’s obsessions and compulsions to understand the severity of the OCD and identify specific triggers and patterns.
- Psychoeducation: The individual is educated about OCD, its causes, and the rationale behind the REI approach. Understanding the nature of their disorder can help individuals better cope with their symptoms.
- Exposure: The individual is gradually exposed to situations, thoughts, or objects that trigger their obsessions and compulsions. This exposure can be done in real-life situations, imaginal exposure (imagining the feared situation), or through the use of Virtual Reality (VR). The goal is to help the individual learn that their fears are irrational and that they can tolerate the distress caused by the triggers.
- Integration: The individual is encouraged to confront their obsessions and resist engaging in compulsive behaviors. Through this process, they learn to integrate their thoughts and emotions, rather than avoiding or suppressing them. This integration helps break the cycle of obsessions and compulsions, leading to symptom reduction.
- Cognitive restructuring: The therapist helps the individual identify and challenge their dysfunctional thoughts and beliefs related to their OCD. This can involve replacing these thoughts with more rational and balanced alternatives.
- Relapse prevention: The therapist works with the individual to develop strategies to prevent relapse and maintain the progress made during therapy. This may include learning to recognize early warning signs of a potential relapse and developing coping skills to manage them.
- Support: Family and friends may be involved in the therapy process to provide additional support and understanding. This can help create a supportive environment that encourages the individual to continue working on their recovery.


At ShiftGrit, we provide a safe and supportive environment for our clients to explore their OCD symptoms and develop effective coping mechanisms. Our therapy sessions are personalized to meet each client’s unique needs, and we offer a non-judgmental and compassionate approach. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, we encourage you to visit our website to learn more about our approach and how we can help.
Learn about all OCD treatment options.
Unpacking the Puzzle of OCD: What Contributes to the Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts or obsessions and repetitive behaviours or compulsions that individuals feel compelled to perform. While the exact cause of OCD is unknown, there are several factors that can contribute to its development. Here are five common factors that can contribute to OCD:
- Genetic factors: Research suggests that OCD may be linked to specific genetic mutations that impact brain chemistry and increase the risk of developing the disorder.
- Environmental factors: Trauma, stress, and significant life changes can trigger the onset of OCD symptoms in some individuals.
- Brain chemistry: OCD is often associated with imbalances in brain chemicals, such as serotonin, which play a role in regulating mood and behaviour.
- Learned behaviour: In some cases, individuals may develop OCD symptoms as a result of learned behaviour, such as a response to a traumatic event or through modelling the behaviour of others.
- Personality traits: Certain personality traits, such as perfectionism, anxiety, or a tendency towards rigidity and order, may increase the likelihood of developing OCD symptoms.


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