Psychology Coursework

Discussion 12
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Bernice is a perfectionist who prioritizes cleanliness and orderliness over anything else. She is afraid of contamination and thus does her level best to ensure that her house is orderly and free from any form of contamination. Bernice is also distressed about the health of her child to the point that she results in thorough cleaning to prevent contamination. Everything that Bernice does, she does it with all heart and to perfection. She cleans her dishes thoroughly and goes ahead to scrape off the outer layer of bar soap to avoid contamination. Bernice is suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) since her mind is preoccupied with orderliness and perfectionism.
Persons with OCD are orderly and are often preoccupied with thoughts of perfectionism. They mind a lot about those who are close to them and will do anything in their capacity to ensure that they remain safe and free from any form of danger. They have plans and schedules that guide them what they are supposed to do at each moment in time. They are often driven by the urge to get things rights rather than regardless of the time they have at their disposal. They do tasks repetitively to make sure that what they do exceptionally and satisfactory.
As a treatment approach, cognitive behavioral therapy explores how a patient’s thoughts and feelings affect their behavior. Franklin & Foa (2011), argues that human thoughts, actions, and emotions are inter-connected.

Negative thoughts tend to depict undesirable behavior. However, patients who embrace positive thoughts and feelings will behave and act desirably. Bernice ought to change her perception towards her life so that she can move on in life. She should be proud about her life and embrace positive thinking.
Reference
Franklin, M. E., & Foa, E. B. (2011). Treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder. Annual review of clinical psychology, 7, 229-243.