Overcoming Harm OCD: Mindfulness and CBT Tools for Coping with Unwanted Violent Thoughts

Editorial Reviews

"If you have obsessions and compulsions related to the fear of harm, you should have this book! Jon Hershfield has an engaging writing style and a keen understanding of this problem that he passes along to the reader. Most importantly, he pulls together scientifically supported interventions into a useful self-help format. The numerous illustrations and examples will help you implement these strategies and overcome your harm-related obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms.”

—Jonathan S. Abramowitz, PhD, professor in the department of psychology at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, and director of the UNC Anxiety and Stress Clinic

“I have often thought of harming Jon, since I am jealous that he writes these really good books that I wish I had written instead of him. But, I will sit with that thought and just be happy with the fact that I have a great reference to refer my patients and my students to when questions of Harm OCD arise in therapy and supervision. Good work, Jon. This book will be a great addition to the OCD literature. Just watch your back...”

—Patrick B. McGrath, PhD, assistant vice president and residential services clinical director at AMITA Health, Foglia Family Foundation Residential Treatment Center

“Overcoming Harm OCD is a remarkable contribution to the self-help literature in OCD. Hershfield has a masterful way of presenting complex concepts in an easy-to-understand manner and then linking them with effective therapeutic strategies. This book will be a valuable resource for individuals with Harm OCD, as well as applied practitioners who work with individuals with OCD or want to learn more.”

—Eric Storch, PhD, vice chair, professor, and McIngvale Presidential Endowed Chair at the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine

“If you have Harm OCD, the best thing you can do is work with a skilled therapist trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for OCD like Jon Hershfield. The next best thing is to use Overcoming Harm OCD to help yourself. If you do find a good therapist, they may recommend the book too, I know I will recommend it for my Harm OCD patients.”

—James Claiborn, PhD, ABPP, ACT, psychologist specializing in OCD and related disorders, diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology in Counseling Psychology, diplomate and founding fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, and coauthor of The Habit Change Workbook and The BDD Workbook

“Overcoming Harm OCD is an invaluable resource for anyone afflicted by inexplicable violent thoughts they are terrified of acting upon, even while realizing their fears are irrational. The author, OCD therapist Jon Hershfield, writes with a deep compassion for all who suffer from Harm OCD but too often won’t seek the help they need due to unwarranted feelings of shame. In this easily readable, inspiring, and informative book, he expertly explains why the best way to deal with Harm OCD is to lean into it and learn how to live with uncertainty. I’m putting it on my ‘highly recommended’ list.”

—Jonathan Hoffman, PhD, ABPP, licensed psychologist, cofounder and clinical director of the Neurobehavioral Institute and NBI Ranch in Southeast Florida, member of the Scientific and Clinical Advisory Board of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), and author of Stuck

“Whether you battle violent obsessions as sufferer or treatment provider, Jon Hershfield’s Overcoming Harm OCD will prove to be a potent weapon in your arsenal. As one of the nation’s most respected OCD psychotherapists and authors, Jon offers his wisdom and wit in a wonderfully organized and enjoyable-to-read format. His masterful integration of components of cognitive therapy, exposure and response prevention (ERP), acceptance and mindfulness, and self-compassion provide the reader with very practical and effective ways to deflate the debilitating distress that OCD delivers.”

—Charles Brady, PhD, ABPP,