Inference-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Inference-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) is a research-supported treatment strategy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) that fundamentally understands the condition as a product of pervasive doubts, or the persistent contemplation of "what if" scenarios. The therapeutic approach of I-CBT focuses on the underlying process that gives rise to these obsessive thoughts, positing that obsessions are not intrusive thoughts but rather inferences drawn from real-life premises.
These inferences are often drawn from valid logical constructs, yet the context in which clients apply them is typically distorted or exaggerated. A unique aspect of I-CBT is its recognition that the manifestation of OCD is not uniform across individuals. Each person constructs a unique narrative through a reasoning process that is idiosyncratic, and this results in diverse presentations of OCD symptoms.
After individuals grasp the mechanics of their reasoning process, they are taught techniques to reestablish trust in their own perception and judgment. By turning towards their sensory experiences, they learn to ground themselves in their immediate reality, providing a robust counterbalance to the distortions of their obsessive narratives. This sensory trust is a cornerstone of I-CBT, empowering individuals to independently disengage from their obsessional stories and regain control over their lives.
How does I-CBT compare to other treatments?
I-CBT is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that is distinct from traditional CBT.
The foundation of conventional CBT is the notion that intrusive thoughts and doubts are common. According to this theory, depending on how a person perceives these ideas, they can turn into obsessions. For instance, if someone has suicidal ideas, they may become obsessed if they are given too much weight or are interpreted negatively. Therefore, the main goal of normal CBT is to teach the client how to stop misinterpreting these thoughts so that they no longer produce discomfort or compulsions.
I-CBT follows a distinct methodology. Even though everyone experiences intrusive thoughts on times, when someone has OCD, something completely different is going on. In actuality, I-CBT holds that there is no such thing as a "intrusion," or ideas that appear at random and have no apparent cause, at least not in the case of OCD. Instead, I-CBT sees obsessions as conclusions or skepticism that result from earlier reasoning.
