Hi Jenny,

Sorry to hear about your son, he sounds like he has a
very serious form of OCD. I myself, have suffered with
it for a long time, since maybe the age of 7 or 8 and
I am now 25. My suffering, though, has been nowhere
near as serious as your son, and I myself am a
"checker". I check doors, taps, light switches etc,
etc. I have some hygiene issues, but nothing serious
really. I'd say I have a little bit of everything in
small measures!

Anyway, about 4 years ago I saw a psychologist for
about four 2 hours sessions. All he really did was
listened and I talked! I found talking helped,
especially talking to someone who I wasn't personally
connected to. I also took medication, which I think
helped. Following my therapy I went to University and
completed a degree in Psychology and my dissertation
thesis involved working with OCD sufferers. I am
fascinated by the disorder and feel at an advantage
due to my own experiences.

To answer your question.... I'd say your apprehensive
feelings are well founded. This is your son after all
and he is young. But, I would say go for it! letting
him talk to someone 'unconnected' could really help
him. I think they want to speak to him alone simply to
see if there are any personal issues surrounding his
OCD, which he may not feel comfortable talking about
around you. In short, your son is so close to you, he
may feel embarassed discussing his problems. OCD is
also known as the secret disease. It means that
sufferers know they are ill and know its unreasonable
to feel how they do. This leads to embarassment and
this is why he needs to speak to someone who he feels
won't be 'let down' by his suffering, i.e. he almost
certainly blames himself....we all do!! I know and you
know he isn't letting you down, but this won't be how
he feels, so let him unburden himself on an objective,
unconnected professional.

Finally, speak to the therapist about these feelings
of uncertainty. Of all people, they will understand
your fears. They are there to help and believe me, he
needs some help right now and they can give him that.

Speak to your son, you know him best and he is also
the expert on his suffering. Ask him how he feels
about speaking to a therapist... you may just be
surprised at his bravery in him wanting to take charge
and speak to a professional.

Let me close with this: I am a sufferer, okay not as
serious as your son, but there are lots of us and we
can actually lead great lives. Give your son the
chance to prove he can do something with his life and
let him get the help he needs Jenny.

Let me know how it goes and if you need to talk...my
inbox is always open!!

Take Care,

Anthony

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