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Orange County OCD Awareness Week In-Person Event in Costa Mesa, CA, This Saturday, October 19, 1-5pm PST! Agenda, Program, and Run Down of the Day’s Events!

Register Here for the Free OCD Awareness Week Event in Costa Mesa, CA!

This Saturday, October 19th, from 1pm to 5pm PST, OCD Southern California is hosting a free, in-person event for OCD Awareness Week. The event is being held at the Costa Mesa Marriott at 500 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA, 92626. The event will start with presentations by local OCD experts. These talks will be for people with OCD, as well as their parents, family members, loved ones, and romantic partners. After a break with provided snacks and beverages, there will be clinician-led support groups, also specifically for for people with OCD, as well as their parents, family members, loved ones, and romantic partners (more info below). The event’s purpose is to provide you with education, resources, and especially community and connection. We look forward to seeing you there and read below for more detailed information! Register Here for the Free OCD Awareness Week Event in Costa Mesa, CA!

The Agenda and Program for OCD Southern California’s Orange County OCD Awareness Week 2024 Event:

12:30pm – Check-in table opens

Please arrive early to help ensure we are able to start the event on time. We are hoping to check everyone in prior to 1pm, allowing us to start programming right at the 1pm start time. There is no need to bring your Eventbrite tickets. We will have a list of all those who are registered for the event and we will check you in as you arrive. Parking is free and at this time you can validate your parking at the front desk or you can validate on your way out–either works! Liz Trondsen, board member of OCD SoCal, will be leading check-in.

1:00pm – 1:15pm – Welcome and information on the day’s events

Members of the OCD Southern California board will welcome you to the event, review the agenda, and go over the day’s events.

1:15 – 2:15pm – Presentations

Following the welcome, there will be presentations by local OCD experts. There will be four rooms. Room 1 will have a talk specifically for parents, family members, and loved ones of adults (18 and over) with OCD. Room 2 will have a presentation specifically for individuals with OCD and related disorders. Room 3‘s talk is for parents, family members, and loved ones of children with OCD. Room 4‘s presentation will be specific for romantic partners dating and loving those with OCD.

Room 1: Parents, family members, and loved ones of adults (18 and over) with OCD. 

“How to Best Support a Loved One with OCD: What You Need to Know” – Barbara Van Noppen, Ph.D.

Barbara Van Noppen’s Bio: https://keck.usc.edu/faculty-search/barbara-van-noppen/

 Presentation description: In an effort to cope with challenging situations, families often engage in behaviors that perpetuate OCD and interfere with treatment. Family responses to OCD, particularly family accommodation, strengthens OCD symptoms, leaving family members and individuals with OCD feeling frustrated, angry and at odds with one another. This presentation will cover: explaining family accommodation, what might drive it, and introduce Family-based interventions that brings family members together as a “team” to support the therapeutic process of exposure and response prevention. Additional elements from The Supportive Parenting for Anxious Emotions program (SPACE) will be described as well. This interactive workshop will provide practical strategies and hope for any loved ones impacted by OCD.

Room 2: Individuals with OCD and related disorders.

“The 5 Things That Will Make The Biggest Impact on Your Recovery From OCD” – Matt Codde, LCSW

Matt Codde’s bio: https://www.restoredminds.com/about
 
Presentation description: In this presentation, Matt Codde, licensed OCD clinician and individual with OCD, will share 5 major changes you can implement in your life to expedite your recovery from OCD and Anxiety. These 5 changes include everything from subtle nuances you can use when implementing tools to full on paradigm shifts with how you understand OCD and the recovery process. For individuals with OCD, this talk will allow you to leave with specific strategies you can immediately implement for improvement.

Room 3: Parents, family members, and loved ones of children with OCD.

“Surviving the Storm: Supportive Parenting and Family Support in the Midst of OCD.” – Dr. Jennifer O’Connor

Jennifer O’Connor’s Bio: https://drjenniferoconnor.com/contact/

Presentation description: Few experiences in life are as excruciating as watching a child be held hostage and tortured by OCD. Their world shrinks down so fast, and our most basic parental and family member instincts (to provide reassurance) cause them to sink even deeper into the quicksand of OCD. But parents and loved ones can learn how to provide the support and structure needed to help their child break free. Parents & loved ones are the most powerful and under-utilized resource in OCD treatment. This presentation will help parents learn more about how to break the cycle of accommodation while providing genuine empathy as you both rise up against OCD together.

Room 4: Romantic partners dating and loving those with OCD.

“Loving Someone Romantically with OCD: The Top 8 Challenges Along with Clear Solutions” – Chris Trondsen, LMFT

Chris Trondsen’s Bio: https://www.gatewayocd.com/chris-trondsen/

Presentation description: Are you currently in a relationship with someone who has OCD? Maybe you are just casually dating, or in a committed relationship– or engaged or married to someone living with OCD, anxiety, and related disorders. This presentation is going to overview and address specific challenges romantic partners have while loving someone with OCD, along with clear cut solutions. We specifically will cover the top eight complaints and difficulties most people have while supporting their partner with OCD, and follow with clearcut fixes to those challenges you can begin to utilize immediately after the presentation. These common complaints include how to set loving boundaries, what to do when an argument arises, issues around parenting and family planning, Relationship OCD (ROCD), challenges when living with your romantic partner, and more. This talk will inform attendees on how to continue loving and supporting someone with OCD, while still supporting yourself by creating clear boundaries to prevent enabling your loved one’s OCD.

2:15 – 2:45pm – Q&A

Each of the above presenters have dedicated 30 minutes after their presentations to answer your questions about either the presentation they just gave or general questions about your experience navigating OCD and treatment.

2:45 – 3:00pm – Snack and Restroom Break

We will be providing complimentary snack foods and beverages as we transition between presentations and the support groups. 

3:00 – 4:30pm – Support groups

After the break, the main focus of the event is to build community and offer camaraderie with other individuals in a similar situation as your own. We will be holding four support groups and these groups will be facilitated by licensed clinicians. The rooms will stay the same. Room 1 will have a support group specifically for parents, family members, and loved ones of adults (18 and over) with OCD. Room 2 will have a support group specifically for individuals with OCD and related disorders. Room 3‘support group is for parents, family members, and loved ones of children with OCD. Room 4‘s support group will be specific for romantic partners dating and loving those with OCD.

Room 1: Parents, family members, and loved ones of adults (18 and over) with OCD. 

Support group facilitator: Dr. Barbara Van Noppen

Barbara Van Noppen’s Bio: https://keck.usc.edu/faculty-search/barbara-van-noppen/

This support group is profession lead by Dr. Barbara Van Noppen. This support group, for people supporting an adult with OCD, will give attendees an opportunity to introduce themselves and to share a little bit about their current challenges with supporting someone with OCD. We will give you an opportunity to hear from both your peers, as well as the clinician leader, on specific insight and solutions to what you’re currently struggling with in regards to the support you give a loved one with OCD. The group will also give you a chance to feel hope, community, and connect with others going through a similar situation. Attendees can choose to share as much or little as they feel comfortable.

Room 2: Individuals with OCD and related disorders.

Support group facilitator: Lauren Rosen, LMFT

Lauren Rosen’s Bio: https://theobsessivemind.com/staff-therapists/

This support group is profession lead by Lauren Rosen, LMFT. This support group, for people with OCD, will give attendees an opportunity to introduce themselves and to share a little bit about their current challenges with OCD. We will give you an opportunity to hear from both your peers, as well as the clinician leader, on specific insight and solutions to what you’re currently struggling with in regards to your challenges with OCD. The group will also give you a chance to feel hope, community, and connect with others going through a similar situation. Attendees can choose to share as much or little as they feel comfortable.

Room 3: Parents, family members, and loved ones of children with OCD.

Support group facilitators: Stephanie Davis, Ph.D. and Jennifer O’Connor, Ph.D.

Stephanie Davis’ Bio: https://www.drdavistherapy.com/drdavis

Jennifer O’Connor’s Bio: https://drjenniferoconnor.com/contact/

This support group is profession lead by Dr. Stephanie Davis and Dr. Jennifer O’Connor. This support group, for people supporting a child or teen with OCD, will give attendees an opportunity to introduce themselves and to share a little bit about their current challenges with supporting someone with OCD. We will give you an opportunity to hear from both your peers, as well as the clinician leader, on specific insight and solutions to what you’re currently struggling with in regards to your challenges with supporting a child with OCD. The group will also give you a chance to feel hope, community, and connect with others going through a similar situation. Attendees can choose to share as much or little as they feel comfortable.

Room 4: Romantic partners dating and loving those with OCD.

Support group facilitator: Chris Trondsen, LMFT

Chris Trondsen’s Bio: https://www.gatewayocd.com/chris-trondsen/

This support group is profession lead by Chris Trondsen, LMFT. This support group, for people romantically involved with someone who has OCD, will give attendees an opportunity to introduce themselves and to share a little bit about their current challenges supporting a romantic partner with OCD. We will give you an opportunity to hear from both your peers, as well as the clinician leader, on specific insight and solutions to what you’re currently struggling with in regards to your challenges with supporting someone with OCD. The group will also give you a chance to feel hope, community, and connect with others going through a similar situation. Attendees can choose to share as much or little as they feel comfortable.

4:30 – 5:00pm – Community engagement activity and closing

Following the support groups, we will lead a mingling event that will encourage attendees to connect with others in a similar situation to build connections that can continue once the event ends. We will conclude with a closing from members of the OCD Southern California board of directors, as well as information about upcoming virtual and in-person OCD So Cal events.

To register, please visit: Register Here for the Free OCD Awareness Week Event in Costa Mesa, CA!
If you have any questions about the event, please email: info@ocdsocal.org and we will see you at Saturday, October 19th’s OCD Awareness Week event in Orange County!

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OCD Awareness Week 2024 Event at The Costa Mesa Marriott on Sat., October 19 at 1pm. The Event Includes Presentations & Clinician-led support groups!

Register Here for the Free OCD Awareness Week Event in Costa Mesa, CA!

OCD Awareness Week is every second full week of October and it is a week focusing on spreading OCD awareness through educational and community events. This year, OCD Awareness Week 2024 is from Sunday, October 13 to Saturday, October 19.

We are hosting an in-person event in Orange County to celebrate awareness week on Saturday, October 19th, from 1pm to 5pm PST. The event will be held at the Costa Mesa Marriott in Costa Mesa, CA, near South Coast Plaza. This free event will include a light snack, beverages, and free parking. The event will include presentations on OCD and related disorders from local, OCD experts, and include an in person OCD support group led by licensed clinicians.

The event will open with a welcome from members of the OCD Southern California Board of Directors and then local OCD experts will present on relevant topics for people with OCD, and family members, loved ones, and romantic partners of someone diagnosed with OCD.

After the talks conclude, we will then transition into support groups. There will be a support group for people with OCD, another group for family members and loved ones of someone with the disorder, and a separate support group for romantic partners of a person diagnosed with OCD. Each support group will be led by a licensed therapist and offer attendees a chance to share, receive support, and connect with others in a similar situation.

Following the support groups, there will be an opportunity to mingle and connect with others before the event concludes.

For more information, and to register, visit here: Register Here for the Free OCD Awareness Week Event in Costa Mesa, CA!

An upcoming post will include the presentation titles and descriptions, as well as information on the clinicians leading the support groups. This information will also be sent out to our mailing list. If you are not on our mailing list and would like to be added, or have any questions, please email: info@ocdsocal.org!

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Join Us on Saturday, October 12th at 11am PST for a 3-hour, virtual OCD Awareness Week 2024 Kickoff Event!

On Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 11am to 2pm PST, the Family and Loved One’s OCD Support Group is teaming up with OCD Southern California to bring you a special OCD Awareness Week event! OCD Awareness Week is every second full week of October and it is a week focusing on spreading OCD awareness through educational and community events. This year, OCD Awareness Week 2024 is from Sunday, October 13 to Saturday, October 19.

We are kicking off OCD Awareness Week on Saturday, October 12th with a pre-event featuring special guest speakers, as well as speakers from the OCD Southern California Board of Directors. We are adding an extra hour to ensure there is more time for the Q&A with the event’s panelists!

If you are not already on our mailing list, please email info@ocdsocal.org with “OCD Awareness Week 2024 Event” in the subject link. In the email, please include all the email addresses you would like the Zoom link sent to. Then, just simply log in at the event’s start time! See you there.

Here is agenda that includes more information on each presenter (click their names to be redirected to their website to learn more about the presenter) and their presentation topics. The presentations will begin at the start of the event and then a Q&A featuring our presenters will follow:

“How to Stay Motivated and Hold Yourself Accountable with Kindness” – Kimberley Quinlan, LMFT

We are often hard on ourselves expecting that this harsh manner will inspire and motivate us to work harder in OCD treatment–and in life. However, research shows that beating yourself up creates negative thinking and unhealthy habits. Kimberley Quinlan, who wrote “The Self-Compassion Workbook for OCD,” will discuss how one with OCD can stay motivated and hold themselves accountable in OCD treatment without being mean!

“Taming the Intrusive Thoughts in my Head: My OCD Recovery Story” – Alegra Kastens, LMFT

Alegra Kastens, LMFT, has been living most of her life with OCD. Her OCD first showed up as taboo and disturbing intrusive thoughts. After receiving an OCD diagnosis and proper treatment, Alegra fought her way through recovery and now has come full circle–treating OCD as a licensed clinician and advocates for the disorder on some of the world’s largest platforms. You do not want to miss Alegra’s heroic story as she goes into details about the dark times one with OCD can experience and sharing with attendees the pain of having intrusive thoughts take over the mind.

“Pharmacotherapy of OCD” – Dr. Sanjaya Saxena

This presentation will review evidence-based medication treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Dr. Saxena will discuss which medications are effective for OCD and which ones are not, the doses and duration of treatment required for effective pharmacotherapy of OCD, and myths and misconceptions about psychiatric medications. He will cover serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) – the first-line medications for OCD, as well as secondary and augmentation strategies for patients who do not have adequate response to SRIs.  Dr. Saxena will also discuss other related topics, including comorbidity, assessment, treatment planning, predictors of treatment response, practice guidelines, multimodal treatment combining pharmacotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), intensive treatment, mechanisms of action of pharmacotherapy, and the neurobiology of treatment response in OCD.  

“An Overview Neuromodulation Treatment for OCD” – Dr. Adam Frank

There are many treatment options for OCD including therapy, medications, and neuromodulation. This talk will follow Dr. Saxena’s presentation where Dr. Saxena speaks on the basics about 1st- and 2nd-line medications used in treating OCD. Dr. Frank’s talk will provide an overview of neuromodulation techniques for OCD, including treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS). These treatments may interest someone who is not responding well to medications and wants to try other medical interventions to treat the OCD.

“Loving Someone with OCD” – Andrew Cohen, LMFT, and Danielle Cohen, LMFT

Andrew and Danielle Cohen are a married couple who have both been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The couple will open up and share how they both support each other though their struggles with the disorder, especially since Andrew’s relationship OCD (ROCD) can create distress between them. In addition to discussing how they support each other they will address how they create strong boundaries and prevent themselves from giving each other reassurance. In addition to being a couple, they are both licensed therapists specializing in the treatment of OCD and anxiety. 

“What is Learned Helplessness and How Do You ‘Unlearn’ It?” – Chris Trondsen, LMFT

When loved ones experience hardships, we offer our support. But what happens when that struggle becomes constant? A psychological concept known as “learned helplessness” occurs. This is when, after repeated adversities, someone no longer trusts themselves to manage challenging times; they become dependent on others. Eventually, the person with OCD believes they’re incapable of helping themselves, with those around them reinforcing this belief.

However, learned helplessness isn’t a permanent condition. As families reduce accommodations, it instills trust. Stepping back tells their loved one ‘I trust you can handle difficult situations independently–I believe in you.’ This presentation on learned helplessness will discuss how helplessness occurs and effective treatment strategies to ‘unlearn’ it, leaving you ready to empower your loved one!

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After these presentations conclude, the event will open up to a Q&A, allowing attendees to ask our panelists questions on either the presentation topics or questions about your own personal situation. The event will not be recorded to ensure the privacy of attendees, so we ask you attend live if you are interested.

The event will be co-facilitated by Chris Trondsen, LMFT, and his mom, a parent of a son with OCD, Liz Trondsen. OCD SoCal board member, Sue Chudy, LCSW, will be assisting the group’s facilitators by answering questions in the chat and providing resources in real-time. We look forward to kicking off OCD Awareness Week with you! See you there!

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Join Us Saturday, September 14th from 11am to 1pm PST for a free, virtual Family and Loved One’s OCD Support Group!

Please join us for the September Family and Loved One’s OCD Support Group that is being held virtually this Saturday, September 14th, from 11 AM to 1 PM PST. To receive the Zoom link for the event please email info@ocdsocal.org and include all the email addresses you would like to receive the Zoom link.

The support group is open to anyone from anywhere who is interested in joining. The event is titled, “It Takes a Village.”

We are honored to have six guests for our upcoming support group.  Please click on their links below to learn more about each of our guests.

The focus of the support group is to help you, the loved one, learn to navigate your role as part of a support system for the person in your life with OCD. The discussion will focus on both clinical and lived-experience insights on how parents, family members, spouses, and loved ones can ensure that their support is beneficial and in-line with the loved one’s recovery, without causing any additional hardships.

After opening statements and introductions, Natasha Daniels, LCSW, and Kim Vicente will speak first. They are two mothers of children with OCD. They will talk about their personal experience as moms supporting their loved ones, what they learned and want to share with you about their personal experience and leave you with suggestions on how to best support your child with OCD. Then Chris Baier, a father of a daughter with OCD, will share his personal insight on raising a child with OCD and will give supportive direction to the fathers in attendance. Dr. Michelle Witkin and Krista Reed, LCSW, will discuss the importance of the role of the sibling in supporting the person with OCD. They will also discuss how to make sure that the sibling without OCD is still being nurtured while the family rallies together to help their loved one get better. At the end, Michelle Massi, LMFT, will present on how a clinician can help create harmony amongst the family, help identify family roles, and what treatment should look like when everyone is working together. Additionally, she’ll discuss the role of spouses and romantic partners supporting their loved one with OCD in a relationship.

For the second half of the group, we will open the panel up to answering questions from you in the audience. You can submit questions publicly or privately in the chat or raise your hand to ask a question out loud. The group will conclude with final thoughts and announcements.

See you for our September group on Saturday, the 14th from 11am – 1pm PST!