What is I-CBT?
Inference-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy (I-CBT)
Inference-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) is a research-supported treatment strategy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) that fundamentally understands the condition as a product of pervasive doubts, or the persistent contemplation of "what if" scenarios. The therapeutic approach of I-CBT focuses on the underlying process that gives rise to these obsessive thoughts, positing that obsessions are not intrusive thoughts but rather inferences drawn from real-life premises.
How does I-CBT compare to other treatments?
The advantage of I-CBT is that it can be applied as a stand-alone treatment method that does not rely on inducing anxiety through exposure exercises. The focus of I-CBT is on the obsessions, the root of the problem, rather than the compulsions, which are often treated in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. By targeting the obsessions, I-CBT naturally allows the individual to move away from compulsive behaviors and gradually return to the activities they have been avoiding without the need for explicit exposure therapy.
In essence, the I-CBT approach is akin to working "upstream" at the source of the problem, rather than "downstream" where the symptoms are more apparent but less indicative of the underlying cognitive processes. This treatment approach is supported by evidence and has been shown to be effective in a variety of clinical settings.
These inferences are often drawn from valid logical constructs, yet the context in which clients apply them is typically distorted or exaggerated. A unique aspect of I-CBT is its recognition that the manifestation of OCD is not uniform across individuals. Each person constructs a unique narrative through a reasoning process that is idiosyncratic, and this results in diverse presentations of OCD symptoms.
After individuals grasp the mechanics of their reasoning process, they are taught techniques to reestablish trust in their own perception and judgment. By turning towards their sensory experiences, they learn to ground themselves in their immediate reality, providing a robust counterbalance to the distortions of their obsessive narratives. This sensory trust is a cornerstone of I-CBT, empowering individuals to independently disengage from their obsessional stories and regain control over their lives.