Couple Treatment for Religious OCD/Scrupulosity: Integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Restoration Therapy

Religious obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), also known as scrupulosity, can be a debilitating mental health condition both for those suffering from it and their loved ones, especially romantic partners. Traditional therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) offer effective, evidence-based interventions for those struggling with scrupulosity. However, there are no models specifically aimed at treating scrupulosity symptoms and the resulting relational distress between romantic partners. This paper aims to first educate marriage and family therapists about OCD/scrupulosity, second outline common individual treatments for OCD/scrupulosity, and third show how these treatments can be integrated with Restoration Therapy (RT). We provide key points for integration, a case illustration and treatment considerations for clinicians treating couples where a partner is suffering from scrupulosity.