OCD Freedom for the Obsessive Compulsive by Michael R. Emlet [P & R Publishing,2004]

Resources for Changing Lives

by Michael R. Emlet

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). Do you know anyone who struggles like this?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."

Genres: Counselling, Christian

Paperback

First published March 1, 2004

About the author

Michael R. Emlet, M.Div., M.D., practiced as a family physician for twelve years before becoming a counselor and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF).

Reviews

[Anete Ābola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valuable little booklet with multiple ideas for heart reasons of obsessive compulsive disorder. Great wisdom about how to look at such a problem, what are the possible reasons/beliefs behind it and what truths counteract the false beliefs. (It looks also on the possible physical reasons).

[Matthew Gasperoni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief, compassionate, and Christ-centered.
OCD: Freedom for the Obsessive-Compulsive is a concise yet deeply helpful read. Although OCD ranges widely in its expressions, I found my own struggles reflected in some of these pages and was pointed again to my true hope in CHRIST. Emlet wisely recognizes that healing may involve clinical and medical care—because we are both body and spirit—yet he begins where lasting change must start: the heart surrendered to its CREATOR. I left encouraged to entrust my anxieties to the LORD’s providential care while also embracing the good counsel He provides through others.

As Emlet reminds us, “Freedom begins to come as the OCD sufferer gives up the need to control his anxiety and his world and casts himself upon the grace and providential care of God.”

[Matthew Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful booklet whether you have OCD or not. This is a great resource to be used for your own heart and those around you suffering with this!

[Mike E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

These mini-books (or pamphlets) are outstanding.

I am in the process of reading all of them. Concise. Biblical. Practical.

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We want to distinguish between potential bodily stressors and the active responses of the heart.

[Chloe Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful resource to aid in understanding those who struggle with obsessive-compulsive tendencies — and beneficial in the principles, advice and Scripture it uses that are applicable to a wide variety of personalities and struggles.

[kathryn elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing resource. So well written. Deeply rooted in scripture, easy to comprehend, but definitely gets all of the wheels turning.

[Katelyn Harden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard for me to consider this a book--it is a pamphlet more than anything due to its size!--but it was definitely a useful resource for the topic of OCD. I found that I have struggled with OCD-tendencies for most of my life, and it wasn't until I had a conversation with an older mentor of mine (who struggled more intensely with OCD in the past) that I came to realize that some of my tendencies might be having more present negative effects than I originally thought... so I wanted to dig deeper into the discussion.

The thing I find most useful about this pamphlet is that the entire discussion is Biblically-based. While it does not deny scientific research and the fact that many OCD strugglers may be effected by true bodily "issues", it also encourages readers (through examinations of scripture and Biblically-based counseling) that through faith in the Lord and a deepening in our understanding of Him, we may find more freedom from this mental battle.

I find, more than anything, that this book is an introduction to the conversation. There is MUCH more that could be said on the topic, but it was still eye-opening and useful to get things started!

[Amanda Bittner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this earlier on in the year (I think?) but found it to be immensely helpful. His root heart issue categories were phenomenal and so biblical. I’m a huge fan of Mike Emlet and think he’s a very balanced, wise, and helpful biblical counselor. He also a unique perspective as someone who was formerly a practicing physician. 11/10 truly.

[Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shares possible reasons for the fear of fear and doubt with scripture, a pamphlet.

[Patricia Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and helpful in knowing how to get help with OCD.

[Hannah Stovall · Rating 4 out of 5]

vv short, vv useful

[Yajaira Marmolejo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short book about understanding OCD. I like how to the point it is and you still get all the important information.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!