Symmetry and Order – Leaving Objects Misaligned

Author: KW

Created: 19/05/2025

Adult / CYP: Adult

Categories: OCD

Experience Narrative:

You feel compelled to arrange items symmetrically and become distressed if they're misaligned. Choose something that you will misalign either in the way that you look - perhaps your hair, your clothing, or if online remotely find something in the room. Use a log sheet to track and measure the subjective units of distress, 100 being most disturbed and 0 least. Track over time 50-60 mins.

Belief to be tested:

If things aren't symmetrical, something bad will happen. I won't be able to cope with the feeling

Alternative Perspective:

"Asymmetry doesn't cause harm; the discomfort is temporary and will decrease over time."

Safety Behaviours to drop:

Rearranging items until they feel 'just right.' Avoiding environments where you can't control order. Seeking reassurance about arrangements

Client reflections:

TBC

Practitioner reflections:

TBC

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