OCD Diary

The OCD Diary is a structured tool created to gather information about symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

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Professional version

Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Client version

Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Editable version (PPT)

An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.

Editable version (DOC)

An editable Microsoft Word version of the resource.

Overview

Self-monitoring of thoughts, feelings and symptoms is an essential skill for clients engaged in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Clients will find the OCD Diary helpful for recording symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). It includes space to record triggers, obsessions, emotions and compulsions.

Why Use This Resource?

Self-monitoring is a cornerstone of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), supporting both assessment and intervention. This resource assists clients by focusing on:

Obsessional thoughts and compulsions (coping strategies).
OCD-related triggers.
Emotions linked to OCD episodes.

Key Benefits

Insightful

Promotes awareness of the factors contributing to OCD symptoms.

Engaging

Encourages active participation in therapy.

Flexible

Can be used to support assessment, intervention, and symptom monitoring.

Who is this for?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Clients who are struggling with intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.

Integrating it into your practice

Introduce

Explain the benefits and rationale for keeping a diary.

Identify

Discuss and agree what will be recorded in the diary.

Practice

Rehearse completing the diary in-session.

Review

Review the client's completed diary.

Adjust

Modify self-monitoring based on progress, shifting focus as needed.

Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance

Self-monitoring is a technique in which clients learn to systematically observe and record specific targets such as their own thoughts, body feelings, emotions, and behaviors. The aim is to improve clients’ awareness of their experiences and the contexts in which they occur, in order to help them gain insight into their symptoms and difficulties. Self-monitoring supports collaboration between the therapist and client, and creates opportunities to formulate and test hypotheses about these difficulties. Self-monitoring is usually introduced early in therapy, and provides an inexpensive and continuous measure of problem symptoms and behaviors throughout treatment.

The OCD Diary is a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) diary for recording obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. This worksheet includes space to record triggers, obsessions, emotions and compulsions.

What's inside

An introduction to the resource.
Therapist suggestions for using the resource with clients.
References and further reading for learning more about self-monitoring

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FAQs

Self-monitoring involves systematically observing and recording specific targets that are related to the client's difficulties.

The OCD Diary is intended to systematically document obsessions and compulsions, facilitating greater awareness, treatment planning, and effective intervention.

Practice with the client beforehand and encourage them to complete the diary immediately after relevant experiences to ensure it is as accurate and helpful as possible.

How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes

Integrating diary keeping into therapy supports:

Enhanced understanding and intervention in OCD.
Data-driven insights for more effective treatment planning and intervention.
Increased client engagement, awareness, and insight into their difficulties.

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References And Further Reading

Abramowitz, J. S., Taylor, S., & McKay, D. (2009). Obsessive-compulsive disorder. The Lancet, 374(9688), 491–499. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(09)60240-3
Foa, E. B., & Kozak, M. J. (1986). Emotional processing of fear: Exposure to corrective information. Psychological Bulletin, 99(1), 20–35. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.99.1.20
Foa, E. B., Yadin, E., & Lichner, T. K. (2012). Exposure and Response (Ritual) Prevention for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Therapist Guide (2nd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.
Salkovskis, P. M. (1999). Understanding and treating obsessive–compulsive disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 37, S29–S52. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0005-7967(99)00049-2
Wells, A. (1997). Cognitive Therapy of Anxiety Disorders: A Practice Manual and Conceptual Guide. Chichester: Wiley.

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