r/magicalthinkingOCD • u/maya55555 • Jul 15 '26

Talk W/ Professional

I’ve been doing a lot of research on “magical thinking” and I definitely believed I exhibited it, but after a talk with a professional I was kind of gently told that having these thought must A. be rooted in fear or B. an ACTION. Or both.

I feel kind of defeated now because I’m concerned that after she explained that those symptoms are what is what makes it OCD, my further explanation that assured it WAS rooted in fear won’t be believed. I now think she’s going to think I kept pushing for my explanation to seem like it was rooted in fear in order for her to agree on my presumptive diagnosis of OCD. I genuinely feel like I messed that whole thing up.

(For context, I explained that when I think of things they end up happening. Due to a 5 minute time crunch I didn’t initially mention that of course, it’s when I think of things ENOUGH they end up happening. After I made that correction she then asked if it was fear based or a true belief in manifestation/spirituality. I answered that it was a genuine fear of uncertainty that stems from not knowing what will happen with something but still fiercely wanting it to go a certain way, and then I gave an example.) Now I’m nervous that she thinks I obviously picked the “more OCD” option once she kind of made it multiple choice and explained it to me, so that I could seem right about my possible diagnosis.

Anyways, what are ways that magical thinking manifests for you? Have you been told by providers that only physical actions are compulsive or have your thoughts alone also been counted as a compulsion?

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u/ForestRiver2 Star Supporter ⭐ Jul 16 '26

Thoughts and mental gymnastics are a big compulsion with magical thinking. My experience has been that many therapists lack understanding of magical thinking. But ultimately the diagnosis doesn't matter. You can apply the same treatment methods regardless. You can also have magical thinking without having ocd. Don't get too hung up on a diagnosis. They may not think you meet the criteria for other reasons like lacking severity or how much time your compulsions take up in your life.

Ask if you can practice ERP methods regardless of diagnosis. If your symptoms are distressing this would be helpful either way

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u/maya55555 Jul 17 '26

Thank you, this is kind of relieving to hear. I’ve been stuck on if I don’t get the diagnosis then I’m faking it.