[What is the place of emotion in cognitive-behavioral approaches of obsessive-compulsive disorders?]

The efficacy of behavioral techniques based on exposure and response prevention has been well validated in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Nevertheless in a large proportion of patients the disease persists, among others due to refusal of the treatment or due to non-response. About one of two patient entering treatment seems therefore to possibly benefit from behavioral therapy (Ladouceur et al., 1999). Cognitive techniques may extend the behavioral approach, and may represent a more indirect and progressive method, and may improve patients' commitment in the therapy. However, the proportion of treatment resistant patients remains important. New techniques are therefore warranted in order to progress in the understanding and treatment of these patients. Emotion focused therapy could possibly represent an interesting approach based on the improvement of emotional awareness, the exploration and the cognitive restructuring of emotions. The different techniques are described throughout clinical case reports.