Therapy Issues

Scrupulosity (Moral/Religious OCD)

Are you struggling with the effects of scrupulosity (Moral/Religious OCD)?

Right now, as a result of scrupulosity (Moral/Religious OCD), you may be experiencing:

 

  • Intrusive, unwanted thoughts about having committed moral or religious transgressions
  • Excessive worry that your thoughts, actions, or omissions have violated your moral or religious code
  • Compulsive behaviors like repeated confession, seeking reassurance, or mental reviewing of past actions
  • Intense guilt, shame, or fear of punishment even when others assure you that you’ve done nothing wrong
  • Rigid, black-and-white thinking about right and wrong that leaves little room for human imperfection
  • Avoidance of religious activities, places of worship, or spiritual leaders due to anxiety about judgment
  • Exhaustion from the constant mental effort of monitoring your thoughts and behaviors for moral purity

Your scrupulosity (Moral/Religious OCD) may be getting in the way of your life in these ways:

  • Your spiritual practice has become a source of anxiety rather than comfort or meaning
  • Your relationships with family, friends, or religious community are strained by your need for reassurance
  • Your daily activities are interrupted by time-consuming rituals or mental reviews of potential transgressions
  • Your ability to make decisions is compromised by fear of making the “wrong” choice
  • Your self-concept has become dominated by fear of being morally deficient rather than by your values

You’re wondering…

  • How can I distinguish between healthy moral/religious concern and obsessive scrupulosity?
  • Will pursuing treatment for scrupulosity compromise my genuine religious or moral values?
  • Why do I struggle with moral uncertainty when others in my faith tradition seem comfortable with it?
  • How can I find peace when my mind constantly generates doubts about my moral or religious standing?
  • Is it possible to maintain my faith while letting go of the compulsive aspects of my religious practice?

You’re longing for…

  • A relationship with your moral or religious values that brings peace rather than torment.
  • The ability to tolerate normal moral ambiguity without excessive distress or compulsive behaviors.
  • Freedom from the constant need to confess, check, or seek reassurance about moral matters.
  • A balanced perspective that allows for human imperfection within your moral framework.
  • Spiritual practices that enhance your life rather than constricting it with fear and anxiety.

How we can help you.

At Evergreen Counseling, we understand that scrupulosity involves the mechanisms of OCD applied to deeply held moral or religious values. Our therapists create a respectful environment where we can distinguish between the core values that are meaningful to you and the obsessive-compulsive patterns that have attached to them.

What you’re longing for is possible.

By pursuing trauma therapy for scrupulosity (Moral/Religious OCD), you can imagine the following:

Before Therapy After Therapy

You feel trapped in a cycle of intrusive thoughts about moral or religious transgressions and compulsive behaviors to relieve your anxiety.

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You recognize intrusive thoughts about moral or religious matters as a symptom of OCD rather than meaningful indicators of your character.

Your spiritual practice has become a source of torment rather than comfort or meaning in your life.

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You can engage with your spiritual practice in ways that bring meaning and comfort rather than anxiety.

You spend hours seeking reassurance, confessing, or mentally reviewing past actions for potential wrongdoing.

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You tolerate normal moral ambiguity without needing excessive reassurance or engaging in compulsive behaviors.

You avoid religious activities or settings that trigger your anxiety, limiting your spiritual expression.

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You maintain your core values while developing a more flexible, compassionate approach to human imperfection.

Your rigid interpretation of religious or moral rules leaves no room for human imperfection or growth.

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You experience your faith or moral framework as a source of guidance and support rather than fear and judgment.

What if I’m Not Ready?

Not Quite Ready to Book a Complimentary Concierge Matching Call? That’s Okay.

We understand that taking the first step towards therapy can feel overwhelming. We’re here to make this decision easier for you.

Starting therapy can bring up mixed feelings—part of you might be eager, while another part hesitates to confront deeply buried emotions. You might doubt whether therapy can help, especially if you’ve struggled for a long time or had disappointing experiences with untrained therapists or life coaches. At Evergreen Counseling, our trauma-trained therapists are deeply committed to providing expert care.

Here’s How We Can Help You Move Forward

  • Complimentary Concierge Matching Call: Our concierge matching call is an opportunity for you to ask questions, share your concerns, and see if our approach feels right for you—without any obligation.
  • Reimbursement Options: Concerned about the cost? We can guide you on how to get reimbursed for therapy using your out-of-network insurance benefits, making high-quality care more accessible to you.
  • Informed Decision: Whether you’re ready to start or still exploring your options, we want you to feel fully informed and confident in your choice.

Schedule Your Complimentary Concierge Matching Call

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