Introduction to Diagnosis & Treatment of OCD using ERP & ACT
Four part lunch and learn introductory level series for mental health clinicians on diagnosing and treating OCD with ERP and ACT with CE credits available
Register now on our Eventbrite page
About this event
On average, it takes 12-17 years for individuals who have OCD to be properly diagnosed and receive appropriate treatment.
This introductory level virtual training will educate mental health clinicians in how to recognize and accurately diagnose OCD so that more clients can get the help that they really need.
Attendees of this event will also learn how to practice the gold-standard of therapy for OCD: Exposure and Response Prevention therapy. Attendees will learn why traditional talk therapy is ineffective for OCD, common mistakes among clinicians, and how to guide a client through more effective strategies for change. At the end of the training, attendees will be able to identify the client’s core fears, build an exposure hierarchy, and learn how to motivate clients to resist OCD compulsions.
4 CE Credits are available through the NHPA. Attendance at all four, hour long sessions is required.*
Learning objectives:
1. Summarize and define etiology of OCD
2. Identify 5 common themes of OCD, leading to more accurate diagnosis
3. Demonstrate effective use of ERP for various obsessions and compulsions of OCD
4. Utilize aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in conjunction with ERP
This introductory training for mental health clinicians will be conducted by Kelsey Irving, LPC is a licensed professional counselor in both NH and PA. Kelsey earned her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Fordham University in 2016. Kelsey’s specialty in OCD and anxiety disorders began when a close family member was diagnosed with OCD and she witnessed how Exposure and Response Prevention changed their life. She was professionally trained in ERP while working at Rogers Behavioral Health, where she gained experience facilitating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders. Kelsey also enjoys training fellow clinicians in order to increase awareness and utilization of evidence-based treatments.
Session topics:
Session 1 June 2nd, 12-1pm EST, Identifying and Accurately Diagnosing OCD: For those with OCD, the average time between symptom onset and proper treatment is 12-17 years. In Session 1 we review DSM criteria and discuss how to accurately diagnose OCD in clients. Attendees will gain understanding of the function of the amygdala, as well as why talk therapy is not an appropriate treatment for OCD.
Session 2 June 9th, 12-1pm EST, How to Facilitate Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy: Attendees will learn how to lay the foundation for effective ERP and build an exposure hierarchy. We also discuss how to help clients identify their compulsions, learn their function, and motivate them to stop compulsions. By the end of Session 2, attendees will have a basic understanding of how to practice ERP.
Session 3 June 16th, 12-1pm EST, Case Examples and ERP Practice: Attendees will learn about various OCD “themes” and hear about real-life case examples. Using the case examples, attendees can practice identifying the client’s compulsions and brainstorm potential exposures, receiving feedback from the facilitator.
Session 4 June 23rd, 12-1pm EST, Incorporating ACT and Self-Compassion: The integration of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and self-compassion with ERP is crucial for a client’s success. In Session 4, attendees will gain an understanding of key principles as well as how to incorporate them into ERP therapy.
Tickets are available for the full series (with CEs and Student/without CEs) as well as for Individual Sessions (without CEs). If you are purchasing the full series, choose one date (June 2nd) and purchase one “Full Series” ticket.
Refunds are available if you cancel within 7 business days of the event start date. Eventbrite fees are non-refundable.
*This program is co-sponsored by the New Hampshire Psychological Association (NHPA) and OCD New Hampshire (OCNH). NHPA is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. NHPA maintains responsibility for the program.