Freedom from Scrupulosity: Reclaiming Your Religious Experience from Anxiety and OCD

by Debra Theobald McClendon

This book is a comprehensive examination of religious scrupulosity, with a focus on treatment. In part 1, the author describes basics about anxiety, OCD, and scrupulosity and how each is related and interconnected. Part 2 explores scrupulosity on a deeper level, including what researchers have learned about scrupulosity. In part 3, McClendon discusses treatment considerations and presents a gold-standard, evidence-based approach to treatment. The interventions described can serve as a stand-alone self-help treatment for scrupulosity or as an adjunct to working with a mental health professional.

Genres: Religion

416 pages, Hardcover

Published July 31, 2023

Reviews

[Michelle Smart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readability: 3 stars. Applicability: 5. This book was hugely eye-opening.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scrupulosity isn't talked about in society. When recognized as a mental health issue, even many therapists don't want to go into the thick of it. Therapists and coaches sometimes specialize in 'faith crisis' and 'help' people pull away from what is and has been most important to them. Scrupulosity is a domain of OCD - and very few people are properly trained to recognize OCD - and fewer in Scrupulosity - and even fewer to treat it. I am one therapist that is.
This book explains what scrupulosity is and what it is not. It explains why it happens and what can be done about it. Therapists are given various charts and measures to see progress. While written for an LDS audience, examples and reference to other faiths are included. Faith leaders can greatly benefit in reading this research-backed book for guidance. Reassuring someone that they're fine and don't need to worry about their thoughts and scrupulous beliefs, just makes it worse. Find out instead what really works and how to help them. Get into the thick of it.
Spirituality is one of the 7 Domains of Wellness and is THE essence of who we are.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book after hearing the author on a Podcast talking about religious scrupulosity. It was so helpful and I'm so glad to have read it. The stories of her clients were heartfelt and vulnerable. I know that those stories will help others. The charts were also really helpful to see. I have no qualms in recommending this book to anyone who struggles with religious scrupulosity or their family members who are supporting them.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this because I have a family member who struggles, though just minorly, with scrupulosity. Very thorough and professional, and one of the few, if not only, resources for those suffering with this, specifically as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Would recommend to anyone who struggles or has a loved one who does and wants to know how to best help them. This is also a wonderful resource for church leaders, especially Bishops.

[Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and appreciate this book so much!!! It is filled with research, anecdotes, and hope. Dr. McClendon is very experienced working with scrupulosity, especially with LDS patients, and I think we need to amplify her voice throughout the Church! I will be referring back to this book a lot over the next few months as I find what can improve my itch my scrupulosity.

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most educational yet digestible books I've read. SO many valuable highlights about scrupulosity and OCD. I learned so much.

[Meredith Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 4.5 stars. Approachable and comprehensive.

[Elizabeth Ricks · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is lots of good information about scrupulosity. Still, it was difficult for me to get through and made me sad.

[Ethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read! I was diagnosed a few years ago and man I have been looking into these kinds of stories ever since! This is one of the best!