Which technique did Jeffrey M. Schwartz teach to help individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Jeffrey M. Schwartz developed a technique known as "brain lock," which focuses on helping individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder by encouraging them to identify their obsessions and then replace these thoughts with healthier actions. This approach is grounded in cognitive-behavioral therapy principles, where the goal is to recognize intrusive thoughts and make conscious choices to counteract them with positive behaviors or coping strategies. By actively replacing the obsession with a more constructive action, individuals can break the cycle of obsession and compulsion, ultimately gaining better control over their symptoms.

This technique empowers people to take an active role in their treatment, fostering a sense of agency and reducing the power of the OCD symptoms on their daily lives. It aligns with therapeutic practices that emphasize cognitive restructuring and mindfulness, enabling individuals to manage their responses to distressing thoughts effectively.