Examining the experience of undergoing group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

This study used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore the lived experiences of five individuals diagnosed with OCD who underwent a group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) intervention programme to address their symptoms. Two master themes were identified: experiences and processes of change and reflections on change. For all participants, the degree of group cohesion or connectedness they established with group members emerged as highly important in facilitating therapeutic progress. A number of technical elements of CBT were also notable therapeutic factors including questioning/rationalising maladaptive interpretations about intrusions. However, the commonality of non-specific group processes as key features for subsequent therapeutic change prompts the need for further research in dynamics within CBT group interventions for OCD.