A Word from Bob 

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and scrupulosity (a subtype of OCD where people are plagued by obsessive doubts and worries about their spiritual and moral lives—“a tender conscience on steroids”) are common and complex struggles. The counselor caring for the sufferer needs biblical wisdom and Christlike compassion. The sufferer needs the grace, compassion, love, wisdom, and truth of Christ and His Word.

The resources in this list are not all biblical counseling resources. Some of the following resources are written by Christians who do not self-identify as “biblical counselors.” A few of these resources are written from a secular perspective with a focus on the neuroscience of OCD.

The reader should use biblical discernment in assessing the information contained in these resources. I do not endorse every concept in every resource on this list.

Some of these resources are geared more toward the counselor. However, most of these resources are focused on the person struggling with OCD and/or scrupulosity.

I list these resources in alphabetical order by the author’s name. The descriptions under each resource are primarily from the author or publisher of the resource (noted by quotation marks).

Resources for OCD and Scrupulosity

Anonymous. Slow Awakening

In this Journal of Biblical Counseling article, “an anonymous author presents her personal experience with the contours of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in everyday life. She tells of her own struggle with intruding thoughts and compulsive behaviors and how she battles giving in to these thoughts and behaviors by accepting the truth that God does not see her as flawed but as a person in Christ. She concludes by showing how this knowledge helped to release her from OCD’s grip.”

Baker, Amy. Picture Perfect: When Life Doesn’t Line Up

“Perfectionism is a crushing burden that can leave us angry, anxious, and paralyzed. But the quest for perfection will never transform a heart. Amy Baker examines the root and purpose of the longing for perfection to show how God’s grace transforms the aching not enough of perfectionism into the overflowing abundance of faith.”

Bryant, John. A Quiet Mind to Suffer With: Mental Illness, Trauma, and the Death of Christ 

“This is the story of Christ’s nearness to my own suffering―my mental breakdown, my journey to the psych ward, my long, slow, painful recovery―and how Christ will use even our agony and despair to turn us into servants and guests of the mercy offered in his gospel. We cannot answer suffering. And yet suffering demands an answer. If Jesus is the answer to suffering, what kind of answer is Jesus? Everything that could be taken from a person was taken from him. The worst things a person could be made to see and feel were seen and felt by Christ. All of this came to a point in the nails driven into his hands and became a word that cannot be unspoken―his body broken and his blood poured out for us. Suffering has been made holy by Christ’s proximity to it.”

Dunham, Dave. Counseling People Struggling with Obsessions and Compulsions

In this Biblical Counseling Coalition blog post, Dave Dunham writes, “Sensitivity is crucial for a number of reasons, but not least because there is a real possibility of biological causation as one important factor. Some counselor may too quickly overlook or dismiss the biological, believing it will remove personal responsibility from the individual. But the science pointing to biological factors should be taken seriously.”

Emlet, Mike. The Doctor Is In, Part 6

This is a lecture from Dr. Mike Emlet’s Counseling and Physiology class. “As an extension and application of the material on psychiatry, we recently covered the topic of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in class. People with this struggle find that they have persistent and intrusive, anxiety-producing thoughts (obsessions) that are usually (but not always) associated with behaviors/rituals (compulsions) that lessen the anxiety. A typical example would be the persistent doubt ‘Did I turn off the stove?’ coupled with repeated checking to make certain. Like all psychiatric diagnoses found in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) it is a description of a particular experience, but in itself it is not an explanation for the problem.”

Emlet, Mike. Does My Child Have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? 

In this CCEF Ask the Counselor video, Dr. Mike Emlet helps parents to understand and care for their child who may be struggling with OCD.

Emlet, Mike. Fear Run Amok: Help for Those Who Struggle with OCD

In the CCEF Conference audio, Mike Emlet explains that, “People with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder know their fears are irrational, but struggle to break free from obsessional thinking and compulsive behaviors. Emlet offers a hope-giving and practical approach to this struggle. He begins with a description of OCD through case study and diagnostic criteria. Emlet covers the basic cycle of obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and then offers six strategies to minister to individuals dealing with obsessive-compulsive patterns. He concludes with a discussion on the role of medications.”

Emlet, Mike. How Can We Understand Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)?

In this CCEF video, “Dr. Mike Emlet responds to a question about ministering to someone with obsessive compulsive personality disorder: How can we understand obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD)?”

Emlet, Mike. How Does Anxiety Manifest Itself in Those with OCD?

In this CCEF video, Dr. Mike Emlet helps to untangle the complex relationship between OCD and anxiety.

Emlet, Mike. I Am Frequently Debilitated by Thoughts That I Might Not Be Saved

In this CCEF audio with a transcript, Mike Emlet explains that, “Having recurrent and perhaps even intrusive thoughts about not being saved is a common feature of what is known as scrupulosity, which has been described for centuries within Christianity. Because the struggle fits a pattern consistent with the modern-day description of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, it’s also known as religious or moral OCD. Those with scrupulosity often struggle with other moral dilemmas, such as whether or not they sinned in a given situation, or what the correct doctrinal position is on a particular issue.”

Emlet, Mike. OCD: Freedom for the Obsessive-Compulsive

“Repeated thoughts about contamination. Recurring doubts. A need to have things in a particular order. An irrational fear of getting a life-threatening disease. Repetitive checking, washing, cleaning, arranging. Hoarding. These are some of the common obsessions and compulsions experienced by people with OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder). What causes obsessive compulsive behavior? Is this primarily a spiritual or sin issue? ‘These questions must be answered if we are to minister wisely and compassionately to those who struggle in this way,’ writes Michael Emlet. Emlet discusses the causes of OCD and gives a biblical approach to helping those who fight it. He shows how trusting in Jesus Christ ‘brings freedom from the tyranny of performance and perfectionism.’”

Emlet, Mike. OCD, Part 1 

In this CCEF podcast, Mike Emlet notes that, “OCD tends to get brought up a lot in conversation, but also tends to be quite poorly understood. If you spend time around people who have been given the diagnosis of OCD, the more you talk to them the more you understand what’s going on, and the more you find connections between their experience and your own. So today is going to be part one of a two-part series looking at obsessive-compulsive disorder. The first part is going to ask the question, ‘what is OCD?’ The second part will be, ‘how can we help people who struggle.’”

Emlet, Mike. OCD Part 2

“On today’s episode, we are back with part two of our series on obsessive-compulsive disorder. I hope part one whetted your appetite and left you wanting to know, ‘what do I do now that I know a little better what’s going on in the experience of OCD?’”

Mike Emlet. Obsessions and Compulsions: Breaking Free of the Tyranny

In this Journal of Biblical Counseling article, “Mike Emlet examines the diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and argues that it encompasses a family of problems. Emlet analyzes the dynamics of both problem and solution using a biblical perspective. He concludes that counselors must approach a person struggling with OCD as both sufferer and sinner and speak the truth and hope of the gospel in love.”

Emlet, Mike. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Help for the Struggler

“Those who struggle with the life-dominating anxiety and controlling behaviors associated with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) need hope, help, and freedom. In Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Dr. Mike Emlet explains that all who suffer from OCD can grow in hope and freedom as they come to Christ. Exploring OCD’s physical and spiritual dimensions, Emlet discusses possible causes and suggests a compassionate biblical approach to treatment. Emlet presents more than behavior management techniques to help strugglers. He offers the powerful hope of the gospel that transforms lives.”

Emlet, Mike. Religious OCD 

In this CCEF Conference presentation, Mike Emlet examines pressing questions like, ‘Am I saved?’ ‘Have I committed the unpardonable’ sin?’ ‘Is this action a sin?’ ‘Why do I always feel condemned?’ ‘Why can’t I get these thoughts out of my head?’ This session provides a gospel-based ministry approach to Christians crippled by obsessive doubt, scrupulosity, and an overly-sensitive conscience.”

Emlet, Mike. Review of The Doubting Disease: Help for Scrupulosity and Religious Compulsions, by Joseph W. Ciarrocchi

Joseph Ciarrocchi’s 1995 book, The Doubting Disease, is considered “a classic” in understanding religious scrupulosity. In this CCEF Journal of Biblical Counseling review, Mike Emlet outlines positive aspects of Ciarrocchi’s overall approach and then describes limitations of Ciarrocchi’s approach.

Emlet, Mike. Scrupulosity: When Doubts Devour 

In this Journal of Biblical Counseling article, “Mike Emlet walks us through the experience of scrupulosity, which is considered a subtype of obsessive compulsive disorder. Overly-scrupulous people are plagued by obsessive doubts and worries about their spiritual and moral lives and engage in various repetitive behaviors to try to quiet their anxiety. Emlet identifies the connection between scrupulosity and several key misunderstandings of the character and ways of God, and lays out a careful path forward to help strugglers break the cyclical pattern, including learning to ‘doubt their doubts.’”

Gembola, Michael (with Mike Emlet and Darby Strickland). Scrupulosity: A Case Study and Discussion

“This case study is presented in an interview format bringing you the wisdom and experience of two of CCEF’s seasoned counselors, Mike Emlet and Darby Strickland. The story of Jane is set in a church context, and to enhance its use as a training tool for groups, Gembola provides a list of discussion questions to consider before reading the interview.”

Groves, Alasdair. How can I Encourage Someone Struggling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

In this CCEF audio, recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, biblical counselor Alasdair Groves equips people to minister to those struggling with OCD.

Hambrick, Brad. Forgiveness and the Assurance of Salvation: Religious Scrupulosity

“We realize we are facing a neurological challenge, not just a cognition (belief) problem. Brain scans for individuals who experience OCD show key differences from those who do not. The physician and biblical counselor, Michael Emlet, has reviewed the medical literature and encouraged Christians to recognize this reality. This recognition allows for a both-and approach, and it can help alleviate some of the guilt which is so central to the experience of religious scrupulosity.”

Hodges, Charles. The Christian Counselor’s Medical Desk Reference: “Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Medical Principles and Biblical Priorities”

In this chapter from the book, The Christian Counselor’s Medical Desk Reference, Dr. Charles Hodges addresses OCD. In alignment with the overall purpose of the book, Hodges, “answers questions and offers solid biblical principles about counseling individuals with medical issues. Biblical counselors and pastors often have questions when a counselee struggles with a mixture of physical, emotional, and spiritual difficulties. The updated, revised second edition of The Christian Counselor’s Medical Desk Reference helps counselors understand how medical issues can impact counseling needs. Learn about specific conditions along with how to counsel the whole person.”

Kim, Monica. Habits of the Heart

In this Journal of Biblical Counseling article, Monica Kim “argues that small, seemingly inconsequential life habits often point to deeper struggles of the human heart. She explores how an obsession with cleaning her house connected to feeling of out of control in other life situations. Kim examines the conflict between the ruling desires of her own heart and the mercy shown for her at the cross of Christ. She concludes that living a God-honoring life brings peace into otherwise hostile situations, and this deep peace removes the obsessions that control life.”

Lee, Andrea. Scrupulosity and One Distortion of Sanctification

This Biblical Counseling Coalition blog post by Andrea Lee explains that, “The world knows scrupulosity as a subset of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder that focuses on religious and moral content. Sufferers are ‘paralyzed by obsessive doubts and worries about their spiritual and moral lives.’ They doubt their salvation, they hyper-analyze their thoughts, words, and behavior to see if they have sinned, and they ruminate for hours, trying to gain clarity on their relationship to God and their spiritual progress. The anxiety that accompanies this mental activity is severe. Women I’ve counseled have had seasons when sleeping and eating felt impossible, and suicide seemed like a good way out of the pain. In the midst of this suffering, there is hope.”

Mehl, Scott (with Mike Emlet). The Mess of OCD

In this episode of The Messy Podcast, Scott Mehl interviews Mike Emlet on living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Mellinger, Jared. Think Again: Relief from the Burden of Introspection

“Think Again offers relief from the burden of introspection that so many of us carry each day. Pastor Jared Mellinger, who tends to overdose on self-analysis himself, shows us how the hope of the gospel can rescue us from the bad fruit of unsound introspection. Think Again demonstrates that the solution to thinking too much about ourselves is to look to Jesus Christ, and it gives readers the tools to begin to turn from the mirror.”

Midgley, Steve. Finding Rest in OCD

“OCD involves a constant striving—striving for a certainty that can never be achieved and a control that is beyond us. No amount of scrupulous carefulness or intensive checking behavior provides the reassurance that we seek. This session will explore ways in which the biblical notion of rest can speak to this striving and provide a foundation for a distinctively Christian approach to OCD that will help those struggling with obsessions and compulsions.”

Moll, Lucy Ann. Biblical Counseling and OCD

In this Biblical Counseling Coalition blog post, Lucy Ann Moll, “First looks at a secular understanding of OCD. Then looks at a biblical view and approach. You’ll also hear a bit about brain research showing a physiological component of OCD.”

Moll, Lucy Ann. Hope and Help for Rumination 

Lucy Moll describes her Biblical Counseling Coalition blog post with these words. “Rumination is the repetitive, often obsessive thinking about a particular problem, worry, or fear. It’s self-focused and can fuel anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive thoughts and behaviors. In this article, you’ll learn the difference between everyday thoughts and obsessive rumination, consider key Scripture passages, and hear a practical strategy from counselor Ed Welch.”

Monroe, Kimberly. Deceived by OCD: When Crooked Paths Seem Straight

In this CCEF Conference presentation, Monroe explains, “OCD is a mysterious problem. The solution seems so simple—but in reality, it is quite elusive. ‘Why can’t she just stop it? She must not really want to. She is trusting in herself, not God.’ OCD deceives the sufferer into a life of unremitting anxiety, in which improbable fears masquerade as true threats to their safety or the welfare of others. How then do you see the crooked path for what it is? What does it look like to follow the way of God’s wisdom? In this breakout session, Monroe will describe her journey through a near-debilitating bout of OCD and discuss what helped her to move forward.”

Moreland, James. Finding Quiet: My Story of Overcoming Anxiety and the Practices that Brought Peace 

In May 2003, prominent philosopher, author, and professor J. P. Moreland awoke in the middle of the night to a severe panic attack. Though often anxious by temperament and upbringing, Moreland had never experienced such an incident before. Thus began an extended battle with debilitating anxiety and depression. More than a decade later, Moreland continues to manage his mental illness. Yet along the way he’s moved from shame and despair to vulnerability and hope. In Finding Quiet, Moreland comes alongside fellow sufferers with encouragement and practical, hard-won advice—a distillation of the very best and most helpful things he discovered about dealing with anxiety and depression from his personal experiences and extensive research.”

Noble, Alan. Living with Religious Scrupulosity or Moral OCD

In this article, Noble shares his story of struggle with OCD. “What nobody told me was that your conscience, or what feels like your conscience, can be entirely mistaken through no fault of your own. Just like it’s possible to feel no guilt when you should, it’s possible to feel guilt or anxiety or shame over things that you shouldn’t feel bad about at all. Nobody told me how your mind can be your own worst enemy. How it can fixate on imaginary sins. Nobody warned me about moral scrupulosity, the type of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) I suffer from. Nobody warned me how anxiety and fear can take the thing you care about most—your faith—and turn it against you.”

Noble, Alan. On Getting Out of Bed: The Burden and Gift of Living 

“We aren’t always honest about how difficult normal human life is. For the majority of people, sorrow, despair, anxiety, and mental illness are everyday experiences. While we have made tremendous advancements in therapy and psychiatry, the burden of living still comes down to mundane choices that we each must make―like the daily choice to get out of bed. In these pages, you’ll find: 1.) Alan Noble’s deeply personal yet universally relatable consideration of the unique burden of everyday life. 2.) Insight that offers hope and challenge without minimizing the reality of ordinary suffering, grief, and mental illness, and 3.) Noble’s ultimate conclusion that the choice to carry on amid great suffering―to simply get out of bed―is itself a powerful witness to the goodness of life, and of God.

Osborn, Ian. Can Christianity Cure Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? A Psychiatrist Explores the Role of Faith in Treatment

“Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a relentless condition, the primary symptom being the occurrence of terrifying ideas, images, and urges that jump into a person’s mind and return again and again, despite the individual’s attempt to remove them. Christians who suffer from OCD may grapple with additional guilt, as the undesired thoughts are frequently of a spiritual nature. Yet people may be surprised to learn that some of the greatest leaders in Christian history also struggled with this malady. What did they experience? How did they cope? Were they able to overcome these tormenting, often violent, obsessions? Where did God fit into the picture? Ian Osborn shares the personal accounts of Martin Luther, John Bunyan, and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, as well as his own story, in exploring how faith and science work together to address this complex issue.”

Osborn, Ian. Martin Luther’s Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: How the Great Reformer Cured OCD and What He Learned  

“‘So great and so much like hell that no tongue could adequately express them.’ That is how Martin Luther described the terrifying religious fears he suffered as a young man. Up to now, no one has correctly diagnosed them. Dr. Osborn demonstrates that Luther’s tormenting thoughts represented an unmistakable case of clinical obsessive-compulsive disorder. Remarkably, Luther overcame his fears through employing a form of modern ‘exposure and response prevention therapy,’ recognized today as the treatment of choice for OCD. Dr. Osborn makes clear that it was precisely through experiencing and curing his fears that Luther learned the truth about righteousness and faith. Without the benefit of his obsessional fears, one could argue, the Great Reformer would never have pursued the Reformation at all.”

Osborn, Ian. Tormenting Thoughts and Secret Rituals: The Hidden Epidemic of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder 

“Howard Hughes had it. So did historical figures Martin Luther and Ignatius of Loyola. They all suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)—as do over five million Americans who need to know that there is now hope and help. Ian Osborn, M.D., a specialist in OCD and a sufferer himself, has written the first comprehensive book on the experience, diagnosis, and treatment of OCD. He reveals recent discoveries about the disease as a biological disorder—a physical, not a psychological abnormality—and the exciting new therapies that have dramatically changed the future for OCD sufferers.”

Osterberg, Brent. A Biblical Response to Scrupulosity 

This is part two of the ACBC Truth in Love podcast. Here, Dale Johnson continues his interview of Brent Osterberg, with Brent focusing on “a deeper dive into the believer’s fight against scrupulosity.”

Osterberg, Brent. Scrupulosity 

This is the first of a two-part ACBC Truth in Love podcast where Dale Johnson interviews Brent Osterberg. Brent shares his own testimony of struggling with religious scrupulosity.

Osterberg, Brent. Scrupulosity: Gospel Peace for Moral Obsession

“While most people may be familiar with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), there is another category of obsessions and compulsions that has been known to burden many believers. It is known by many names including scrupulosity, religious OCD, moral obsession, among others. Counselees struggling with obsessions and compulsions surrounding their spiritual life may be diligent with checking off every spiritual box, but still lack assurance, peace, and joy. This booklet aims to help biblical counselors address postures of the heart that promote scrupulous fear with a gospel-focused remedy.”

Palmer, Keith. OCD: Certainty and Introspection 

Keith Palmer, of the Center for Biblical Counseling & Discipleship (CBCD) uses Psalm 37 as a foundation for a comprehensive approach to OCD. He focuses on what he sees as two primary struggles in OCD: certainty and introspection.

Pittman, Catherine. Rewire Your OCD Brain: Neuroscience-Based Skills to Break Free from Obsessive Thoughts and Fears 

This is a secular resource that recommends secular modalities to address OCD. From the publisher: “If you’ve ever wondered why you seem to get trapped in an endless cycle of obsessive, compulsive thoughts, you don’t have to wonder anymore. Grounded in cutting-edge neuroscience and evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Rewire Your OCD Brain will show you how and why your brain gets stuck in a loop of obsessive thinking, uncertainty, and worry; and offers the tools you need to short-circuit this response and get your symptoms under control—for good. Written by clinical psychologist Catherine Pittman and clinical neuropsychologist William Youngs, this groundbreaking book will show how neurological functions in your brain lead to obsessions, compulsions, and anxiety. You’ll also find tons of proven-effective coping strategies to help you manage your worst symptoms.”

Quinn, Pat, A Plan and Path for OCD: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three

In this three-part Biblical Counseling Coalition blog mini-series, Pat Quinn explains that, “OCD is a complex anxiety-related disorder involving both physical and spiritual issues, which challenges biblical counselors to seek great compassion and wisdom from the Wonderful Counselor. In Part One of this series, we build a foundation for change by educating about OCD and captivating the struggler with the mercy and might of Jesus Christ. In Part Two, we follow the path to change by helping the struggler to evaluate OCD obsessions and compulsions and to participate in Christ’s redeeming grace. In Part Three, we help the counselee focus on one area of change at a time and practice a reactive strategy when intrusive thoughts strike in order to move toward progressive freedom.”

Schwartz, Jeffrey. Brain Lock: Free Yourself from Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior: A Four-Step Self-Treatment Method to Change Your Brain Chemistry

This is a secular resource that seeks to use neuroscience research and secular modalities to address OCD. According to the publisher, “In Brain Lock, Jeffrey M. Schwartz, M.D., presents a simple four-step method for overcoming OCD that is so effective, it’s now used in academic treatment centers throughout the world. Proven by brain-imaging tests to actually alter the brain’s chemistry, this method doesn’t rely on psychopharmaceuticals. Instead, patients use cognitive self-therapy and behavior modification to develop new patterns of response to their obsessions. In essence, they use the mind to fix the brain.”

Shores. Tyler. Better Biblical Counseling for OCD

This comprehensive article is the size of two chapters in a book (nearly 10,000 words). Here’s Shores’s introductory words. “As biblical counselors we wholeheartedly believe that the Bible is inerrant and sufficient. However, our theology of Scripture does not necessarily mean that our current iteration of biblical counseling is inerrant and sufficient. Our humble movement is at its best when we operate from the standpoint that we need to improve our own counseling theory and practice to be better in alignment with Scripture. One of the ways we can seek to make our biblical counseling better is by seeking to improve our understanding of specific mental health issues so that we can better apply the Bible. One specific issue needing to be given more attention in the biblical counseling movement is our approach to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The reason I believe we need to be concerned to give better biblical counseling for OCD is because Scripture calls us to govern our bodies as part of our sanctification, but oftentimes biblical counselors neglect the physical body while ministering to those with OCD.”

Shores, Tyler. The Birth, Life, and Death of an Intrusive Thought 

“The purpose of this article is to help you better understand how intrusive thoughts originate and develop, specifically in the experience of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and to offer some suggestions for how to provide biblical counsel in light of intrusive thoughts.”

Shores, Tyler. Landmines in OCD 

“The purpose of this article is not to fully explain what good counseling for OCD entails. Instead, it aims to caution against two unhelpful tactics often used by those with OCD in response to intrusive thoughts—and sometimes even encouraged by counselors. These two tactics are: (1) Avoidance and (2) Reassurance. Because avoidance and reassurance seeking can be so detrimental in the battle against OCD, I have titled this article ‘Landmines in OCD.’ Like landmines, avoidance and reassurance can catch people off-guard and present unforeseen dangers. My hope is that readers experiencing OCD will walk carefully (Ephesians 5:15) to avoid being overtaken by these landmines in their fight against OCD.”

Smith, Esther. A Still and Quiet Mind: Twelve Strategies for Changing Unwanted Thoughts 

“For some people, unwanted thoughts are a nagging discomfort. Others experience them as a brutal and invisible form of torture. Are you distracted by racing or anxious thoughts? Distressed by intrusive or irrational thoughts? Struggling with sinful or untrue thoughts? You may feel trapped in your own head, but God has given you many different ways to calm your mind and live at peace. In this practical and sympathetic guidebook, biblical counselor Esther Smith lays out twelve powerful strategies for addressing unwanted thoughts. You will learn which thoughts to fight and take captive―and which thoughts to slow down, set aside, sit with, and more. As you get to know your thoughts, observing them rather than being swept away by them, you will learn how to bring them into God’s presence in an intentional, life-giving way. A variety of simple and effective exercises in each chapter give you the tools you need to start changing your thoughts today.”

Viars, Steve. Counseling the Hard Cases: True Stories Illustrating the Sufficiency of God’s Resources in Scripture—“‘Brian’ and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder”

This chapter in Counseling the Hard Cases provides a case study in biblical counseling for a person struggling with OCD.

Welch, Ed. When Your Mind Gets Stuck 

Welch introduces his Journal of Biblical Counseling article with these words, “So many minds get stuck in unproductive places. They get into a mental rut and can’t escape. It could be a past regret that is replayed and replayed, or a fear about the future. Or it could be another person’s comment that you take personally, or doubts about your salvation, which means that you are certain you cannot possibly be saved by Jesus Christ. It could be the idea that burners are left on in your house, or you have inadvertently hit someone with your car and that anonymous person is dying on the side of the road. Then the stuck thought releases its grip, followed by a brief lull before it happens again. A stuck mind is a common and difficult thing. You probably recognize obsessive-compulsive disorder in these examples, but you can find traces of it in us all.”

Welch, Ed. Your Conscience Can Tell You Bad News, Not Good

“The conscience must give way to a new way of seeing. We call this faith, and it is different in every way. One looks inward for truth, the other looks outward. One sees judgment, the other tender mercies. One sees us naked and alone before the judge, the other sees Jesus.”

Whitted, Aubrynn. Prayers for Scrupulosity 

Aubrynn explains “Collect Prayers.” “I’ve recently been helped by the long church tradition of collect prayers (pronounced COLL-ect). Collects are old prayers, many dating back to the sixteenth century as part of the Book of Common Prayer, and they are commonly used in liturgical church services. They’re designed to be short and follow a particular format of addressing the Lord, acknowledging one of his attributes or actions, presenting a request, and ending with another acknowledgment of who he is or what he’s up to.” Here’s an example: A Prayer for Those Stuck in Introspection: “O Lord, whose love is based not on my righteousness but on your own, quiet my incessant, obsessive introspection and turn my eyes outward and upward, that by gazing at you I may find rest in your works, rather than anxiously scrutinizing my own. In the name of the One who is my all-sufficient merit. Amen.”

Williams, Jordan. Helping Those in the Grips of OCD

In this Biblical Counseling Coalition blog post, Jordan Williams “aims to provide you with a primer for understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a disorder categorized within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), and briefly outline how Christians can begin to think through and address someone who has been diagnosed with OCD.”

Williams, Jordan. The Redemptive Function of Theological Anthropology for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Biblical Counseling

This is Dr. Williams’s Ph.D. dissertation from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. “Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychological category that aims to describe the condition of a person who regularly experiences unwanted, intense, and distressing ruminations or obsessions that are temporarily alleviated but reinforced by compulsive responses. All counseling approaches to OCD are developed within an anthropological framework, conveyed in explicitly theological terms or otherwise. These approaches either identify people who experience OCD principally in relation to the God of Christian Scripture or in relation to something or someone else. In this dissertation, I approach OCD through the prism of Scripture’s anthropology. I present several of Scripture’s core anthropological themes and establish their direct relation to the experience of OCD. Specifically, OCD should be addressed through a set of anthropological perspectives derived from God’s design of human beings as psychosomatic unities, dependent and finite creatures, and beings capacitated with perception, conscience, and certainty. I establish this framework’s importance by demonstrating its explanatory depth for understanding the core dynamics of OCD, by applying aspects of this framework to assessing clinical, Christian, and biblical counseling approaches to OCD to determine their theological legitimacy, and by signifying how scriptural anthropology functions in helping to reinforce a more holistic biblical counseling methodology.”