Overcoming Harm OCD: Mindfulness and CBT Tools for Coping with Unwanted Violent Thoughts

This could only be written by someone who truly understands the nature of OCD to its core. I relate to every fictional example written and I am sure every other deep dark thought that any one of us who suffer with harm OCD ruminate on. Having children seemed to trigger this form of ocd and well every other for me, because kids are constant exposure. I will keep this book close in my OCD toolbox to help me be a better mom, friend, wife etc...by not avoiding things that cause me discomfort and accepting that these thoughts exist in my mind.

This book is written with a lot of compassion for OCD sufferers. Hershfield clearly understands the pain that comes with having this disorder.The main concept in the book is Exposure and Response Prevention - boldly facing your fears without doing compulsions. But unlike some other OCD self-help books I've read, Hershfield doesn't sound like a drill sergeant. He acknowledges how difficult it can be to fight OCD. Then he walks you through the process of standing up to it, explaining everything in a way that is easy to understand.The book also puts a lot of emphasis on mindfulness - letting thoughts pass without judgement - and self compassion. That helps because those of us who suffer from OCD know how rotten it can make you feel about yourself.In summary: This is a concise, easy-to-read guide to dealing with OCD, written with empathy.

I am not one to write reviews for products/books/events since I don’t usually get impressed easily( by most things ). However, I am choosing to write a review for this one, because this book truly struck a chord with me. Having read so many books on the topic of OCD, I have observed that most authors ( most of them distinguished and big names in the ocd community ), tell you to suck it up or just do the exposures. What makes Jon’s books and approach stand out from other authors is the compassionate tone in his writing. Jon acknowledges that doing the exposures is hard but leads you gently and advises you to try. He tells you about the right path to recovery but does not force you to rush into it because I think he acknowledges that it is not easy. Thank you for writing this book, Jon. You and your writing are truly a gift to the OCD community.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that struggles with Harm OCD or intrusive violent thoughts. Just reading through half the book has already helped me immensely. As others have mentioned, Harm OCD is one form of OCD that is typically taboo to talk about openly and I would imagine many sufferers go without talking to anyone.... if this is you... pick up this book!

As a recovering Harm OCD person, this book covers it completely! Jon knows how to talk to us and how to heal us.Money well spent. I would have spent 1000 dollars for this book no regrets!Written by Tom McCormack

This book really helped me understand a lot about my OCD and feel a lot less alone. Great book.

Just the book I’ve been looking for to give my clients who suffer from this type of OCD. There has been a need for books beyond the usual checking and contamination OCD types and this book fills that need nicely.

Brilliant! Jon Hershfield really knows ocd. Anyone suffering from this debilitating disorder should read this book.

Harm OCD is one of the lesser talked about forms of OCD, so for those who struggle with it they can spend lifetimes wracked with guilt and shame. Even if they do get a formal diagnosis, the help available is limited and hard to come by - which is where this book steps in. It explains everything from the theory behind it, how to tackle it, and how to move forward with your recovery in an easily understandable and non-judgmental format.My symptoms were diagnosed more than twelve years ago, but it wasn't until this book that I truly felt seen. I recommend it to anyone who experiences this, and also to anyone who knows someone with it and wants to understand them more. It's invaluable, and I wish I'd only discovered it sooner.

Honestly, I cannot recommend this book highly enough for people suffering or trying to understand OCD. I have had intrusive thoughts for many years (mildly), but for the last few months it became unbearable due to massive stress over a long period of time. However after opening up and slowly accepting these thoughts and sensations I feel so much better. This book was the thing that put me on the road to recovery and got me back to living my life. It is not easy but I dread to think where I would be without this amazing book. Understanding and acceptance is key when it comes to this horrible disorder so for anyone suffering, this book is essential in my opinion because it will teach you so much that you need to know.I spent so many years thinking I was alone and I am sad to think of so many people who are going through the same thing without knowing that people really do understand. I hope this book reaches as many people as possible. If you are even considering getting this book, please do... I am so happy I did.

I never write reviews, however I had to let people know how fantastic this book was. Being new to OCD, and completely traumatised and unable to function due to these unwanted thoughts- this book was the help I needed. Written in such an understanding, empathetic and non judgemental way- it is the clear the author is an OCD sufferer himself. A must read for anyone suffering from this horrific condition- a truly life changing book.

A useful self help text for both clinicians and clients. The book covers a range of difficulties under the harm ocd umbrella. It is CBT and 3rd wave oriented which makes it useful no matter what the therapist orientation is.

Easy to understand and found it helpful on ocd and thoughts.