Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) is an evidence-based treatment approach for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) that focuses on helping individuals understand and challenge inferential confusion. Inferential confusion is when we lose confidence in our ability to trust our own senses. For example: we’ve checked the stove and we know we aren’t visually impaired or have memory challenges and yet we check again and again and maybe even take a picture (or twenty) to give us reassurance later. This patterns of skepticism and distrust of evidence right in front of you is where inferential confusion is found.

Inferential confusion leads to a pattern of obsessional doubt and repeated intrusive thoughts. Unlike traditional CBT (which primarily targets the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behavior), I-CBT emphasizes identifying the meaning behind our obsessional doubt. This therapy approach involves looking at the core fears underlying the obsessional doubt and proving this feared narrative wrong. By doing this we can find freedom from the pattern and urgency of compulsions.

This treatment approach is aimed to be empowering, awakening and settling of the doubts and fears and that continue to drive obsessions and compulsions.

Ask us at Lux Behavioral Health if Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is right for you!