Inference-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT)

Dr. Vivyan has studied I-CBT in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in children, teens, and young adults. She has read and utilized the Clinician's Handbook for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with clients aged 12 and older. Dr. Vivyan also regularly consults on I-CBT ideas and applications with providers familiar with this treatment modality, including conversations with Dr. Frederick Aardema himself. See icbtonline.com for more information and materials used in therapy sessions.

I-CBT is a newer evidence-based treatment for OCD and is known as a "gentler" approach compared to ERP. I-CBT uses your inherent strengths and wisdom of your own mind and body. It does so by teaching you to rely less on long-programmed default modes of reasoning (doubt-based) and fearful imagination, and more on your 5 senses, wise mind, and sense of self.

Inference-based CBT has over 20 years of research and is an emerging model in the US. ICBT thinks about OCD differently than other therapy models in that it posits obsessions and the faulty reasoning process as what drives the OCD cycle. Intrusive thoughts are not random, they are constructed, which means you can learn to de-construct OCD. It is highly effective at treating OCD and is more of a cognitive model. You can read more about it here: https://icbt.online/what-is-icbt/

I have attended multiple trainings run by early adopters of I-CBT in the United States. I also participate in an I-CBT consultation group with a clinician who developed many of the materials used by I-CBT clinicians and clients. In 2023, as part of OCD Awareness Week, I presented on I-CBT as part of an "Ask the Experts Panel."

I-CBT is a non-exposure based treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD involves obsessional thoughts, images or urges, and related compulsive actions or mental ruminations. OCD can often co-occur with other neurodivergence, such as ADHD and Autism. I have found I-CBT to be a wonderful way to both conceptualize and treat OCD, and have seen wonderful results with my clients.

Inference-based CBT for OCD (CBT) is a more recent advancement in the treatment options for OCD that has substantial empirical support for its effectiveness. While ERP targets compulsions, iCBT focuses on the doubts that are at the core of OCD. I have professionally witnessed the transformative benefits of the iCBT approach and am proud to be an early adopter of ICBT in my clinical practice.

I am trained in Inference-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT), which is an evidence-based treatment for OCD. I-CBT is a compassionate and effective form of psychotherapy that addresses obsessional doubt and does not require the use of exposures.

Evidence-based treatment for OCD

CBT is a more recent advancement in the treatment options for OCD that has substantial emptirical support for its effectiveness. While ERP targets compulsions, iCBT focuses on the doubts that are at the core of OCD. I have professionally witnessed the transformative benefits of the iCBT approach and am proud to be an early adopter of ICBT in my clinical practice.