Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT)

Inference-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) is a form of therapy developed for individuals who suffer from OCD and related disorders such as phobias and social anxiety. I-CBT may be used alone or in conjunction with ERP (exposure with response prevention), ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), and other evidence-based treatments for OCD and related disorders.

I-CBT is based on the notion that obsessions arise when an individual misinterprets the existence of a threat or the actual level of a threat or problem. I-CBT argues that this misinterpretation (or, “inference”) is based on imagined scenarios rather than reality-based information. In example, a person might infer that touching a doorknob will lead to catching the flu despite there being no concrete evidence of this. I-CBT aims to teach individuals why they get specific OCD doubts and how to resolve them.

According to I-CBT, obsessional doubts do not come out of the blue. Rather, they are the result of a dysfunctional reasoning narrative that is characterized by a tendency to distrust one’s senses and over-rely on the imagination. The goal of I-CBT is to resolve obsessional doubts by teaching clients that obsessional doubts do not arise in the same way as normal doubts. I-CBT helps clients learn to trust themselves and their senses rather than engaging in the OCD narrative.

There is a growing body of scientific literature supporting the central claims of I-CBT, including randomized controlled trials that have shown I-CBT to be an effective treatment for many individuals with OCD and anxiety disorders. I-CBT may also be a promising alternative treatment option for those who have been unable to benefit from other treatments.