Introduction
A paradox of OCD treatment is that the interventions are often simple but not easy. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) asks patients to resist compulsions and face their fears. This is straightforward in theory but emotionally difficult in practice. The story of Naaman the Syrian, healed of leprosy in 2 Kings 5, provides a biblical analogy.
The Story of Naaman
Naaman, a Syrian general, suffered from leprosy. He sought healing from the prophet Elisha, who told him to bathe seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman was initially outraged: “Are not the rivers of Damascus…better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be cleansed?” (2 Kings 5:12, NAB). At first, Naaman rejected the simplicity of the task. Only after his servants persuaded him did he humble himself and obey what seemed to be a simple instruction. Upon doing so, he was healed.
The Analogy to OCD Treatment
Like Naaman, patients with OCD can sometimes expect complex or dramatic solutions. When told that the treatment is to face fears and resist rituals, they may feel disappointed or skeptical. Yet healing can come through following a simple (but not easy) prescription. ERP requires courage. For example, it may require touching a feared object without washing, praying once and resisting the urge to restart or repeat the prayer, or receiving Communion without repeated and unnecessary confessions. These tasks can be simple in design but emotionally taxing. Like Naaman, patients must overcome apprehensiveness, skepticism, and/or incredulity to experience healing.
Conclusion
The story of Naaman reminds us that God often works through humble means. Sacraments themselves are simple signs—water, bread, wine, oil—yet they convey grace. Likewise, simple therapeutic acts can bring profound healing.
The Catechism affirms that faith involves obedience of heart: “To obey (from the Latin ob-audire, to ‘hear or listen to’) in faith is to submit freely to the word that has been heard” (CCC, 144). Trusting the therapeutic process mirrors trusting God’s word. Like Naaman, a person contending with OCD may feel resistant to simple exercises but healing can require humility, trust, and persistence. Simple does not mean easy but with God’s grace and practice, courage can grow ever stronger, and healing draw ever nearer.
OCD treatment, like Naaman’s washing in the Jordan, can in some ways be deceptively simple and very challenging.
References/Further Reading
Catechism of the Catholic Church. (1997). Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
New American Bible. (2011). United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.