Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in the Modern Day; Effective Neuroscience-informed Somatic and Cognitive Strategies-4 hour workshop

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most confounding anxiety-related maladies in the world today. That said, common vernacular whenever a person is a bit fastidious or does something a little odd is, “There goes my OCD again!” OCD can be played down, obscured, and difficult to properly diagnose. In addition, shame and media stigma may prevent people from accurately describing the symptoms.

Therefore, many who seek treatment for OCD may, in fact, not actually have the disorder and those who do may go undetected and untreated. OCD is the result of structural damage in specific areas of the brain – it is not a character flaw or lack of willpower. Contrary to popular belief, it generally does not respond favorably to traditional cognitive treatments. In this session, you will learn the differential diagnosis to tease out OCD from other anxiety disorders. In addition, you will recognize the various strains and presentations of OCD. You will gain a brain-based understanding of the issue as well as how to use the mind to relax the body – a helpful key when attempting to treat OCD. Both somatic and appropriate cognitive-based treatments, and when and how to use them, will be presented. Finally, you will discover ways to defeat shame barriers and gain engagement and buy-in with clients.

OCD is typically a chronic condition, but with proper treatment, those who have it can live full and abundant lives. Come learn how to be a catalyst in their healing journey!

Objectives

1. Properly Differentiate OCD from Other Anxiety Disorders
2. Recognize the Particular Strains/Types of OCD
3. Acquire Brain-based Anxiety Management Tools Effective for OCD
4. Fortify Client Engagement and Decrease Resistance to Treatment
5. Acquire and Apply Neuroscience-informed Treatments

Outline I. Introductions/Who’s in the Room? II. What Is OCD? A. Pertinent Brain Science B. Mechanism of Trouble C. Differential Diagnosis (OCD vs OCPD vs GAD vs PTSD, etc) III. Assessment: Types and Presentations of OCD A. Diagnosing the OCD “Strain” i. Checking ii. Hoarding iii. Ordering iv. Etc IV. Anxiety Management in OCD A. Convincing the Client – Shame and Resistance Busters B. Building Self-efficacy C. Grounding Techniques Effective in OCD D. Successive Approximations & Harm Reduction V. Treatment A. What NOT to Do B. The Importance of Structure – Tips and Tricks for Increased Effectiveness C. Exposure Therapy – How It Works & What It Is and Isn’t (Types, Paces, and Practice) D. 4 Rs & Response Prevention E. Equipping the Family/Friends F. Care Provider Boundaries

EPDC CE Hours: 4

Presenter: Hannah Smith

Hannah Smith, MA, LMHC, CGP (She/Her), is the founder of Potential Finders Network and is a book author and blog writer, coach/consultant, international board-certified group leader, and nationwide trainer from the Seattle area. She has extensive study and practice in neuroscience- informed clinical treatment and is certified in Interpersonal Neurobiology by the Mindsight Institute. Her experience, both personally and professionally, in the US and abroad, has allowed her to develop multi-modal, culturally competent, cutting-edge & relevant training programs. Hannah guest lectures in academic, clinical, and corporate settings around the US and globally. She has developed an engaging presentation style, making the learning of difficult information both accessible and fun! Her passion is to educate others on practical, whole-person approaches to life with the aim of helping those she works with reach their greatest potential!