Relationship OCD
by Sheva Rajaee
A CBT-Based Guide to Move Beyond Obsessive Doubt, Anxiety, and Fear of Commitment in Romantic Relationships
This book addresses a specific but increasingly recognized phenomenon: obsessive-compulsive patterns focused on relationships. Individuals with Relationship OCD (ROCD) experience intrusive doubts about their partner, their feelings, or the “rightness” of the relationship.
From a psychological and relational perspective, this condition can be deeply destabilizing. The constant search for certainty undermines emotional presence and connection, creating distance and anxiety within the relationship.
Rajaee’s approach, grounded in cognitive-behavioral therapy, focuses on helping individuals recognize intrusive thoughts as mental events rather than truths, tolerate uncertainty, and reduce compulsive checking and reassurance-seeking.
In a counseling context, this work is essential because it distinguishes between genuine relational issues and anxiety-driven distortions. Without this distinction, individuals may make decisions based on fear rather than authentic experience.
The book also highlights an important relational insight: love does not require absolute certainty. Learning to remain present despite doubt is a key aspect of emotional maturity and relational resilience.
This is a practical and focused guide that offers concrete tools while addressing the deeper challenge of living with uncertainty in intimate relationships.
