Posts Tagged with International OCD Foundation

Published

Liz and Chris Trondsen to Grand Marshal the Sacramento IOCDF Affiliate “One Million Steps for OCD Walk!”

https://support.iocdf.org/event/sacramento-ocd-walk/e830971?c_src=grid

We are excited to announce that OCD Southern California board members, Chris Trondsen, LMFT, LPCC, and his mom, Liz Trondsen, are the Grand Marshals of the IOCDF’s “One Million Steps for OCD Walk” happening in Sacramento through the Sacramento official affiliate on Saturday, October 17th, 2026 with registration starting at 8:30am! If you are in the Sacramento area and want to come say hi to our two board members, please attend!

As Grand Marshals, Chris and Liz will kick off the event by sharing Chris’ recovery story from OCD and related disorders. His mom, Liz, was an important part of his recovery journey, and she will discuss what she did as a parent to ensure Chris got better.

After that, they will share some inspirational words to kick off the walk and then lead the walk as attendees show off their official walk shirts and bring awareness to OCD! To visit the official Sacramento walk page, go to: https://support.iocdf.org/event/sacramento-ocd-walk/e830971?c_src=grid

Below is information on the event:


Southside Park

2115 6th St, Sacramento, CA 95818

Schedule:

Date: Saturday, October 17th, 2026

8:30 am – Registration

9:30 am – Grand Marshall Opening Presentation

10:15 am – Walk commences

11:30 am – Closing remarks

12:00 pm – Walk concludes (enjoy your day!)

Walk Route: 1 city block that is ADA compliant. Attendees can walk as little or much as they want.  Dogs are welcome, bring your pups!

Ample parking is available along the street in close walking distance, near downtown Sacramento. It is managed by the city and features a pond, walking paths, and a playground.

This walk is a once a year opportunity to reach out to the community and represent the importance of taking a stand to share that anxiety disorders are treatable!

Questions? Email drrobin@atcsac.net

To visit the official Sacramento walk page, go to: https://support.iocdf.org/event/sacramento-ocd-walk/e830971?c_src=grid

More info on Chris Trondsen, LMFT, LPCC, and Liz Trondsen, the Sacramento walk’s Grand Marshals.

Chris Trondsen, LMFT, LPCC suffered with severe OCD and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) until receiving specialized treatment. No longer under the control of the disorders, Chris is now a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) at the Gateway Institute in Costa Mesa.  He received his bachelor’s degree in human development and psychology from California State University, Long Beach. Additionally, Chris earned a Master of Science (M.S.) Degree in Counseling at California State University, Fullerton.  Chris is on the Board of Directors for the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), as well as in leadership for four of their special interest groups (SIG) including the BDD SIG, Trauma & Grief SIG, and others. He also currently serves as the Vice President of the IOCDF’s Southern California Affiliate (OCD Southern California – OCD So Cal), leading efforts in OCD awareness and education in the local community. Chris is a national speaker on OCD and was the keynote speaker at the International OCD Foundation’s yearly conference in 2011. He continues to be a regular presenter at the IOCDF’s annual conferences. At the annual conference, Chris helped create the Young Adult Track, which is now an essential part of the conference’s program.

Website: Chris Trondsen: LMFT & OCD Specialist – The Gateway Institute

Liz Trondsen is the mother of a son with mental illness. When her son, Chris, was diagnosed at age twenty, she was able to locate a treatment center in Los Angeles where he received excellent cognitive behavioral therapy. From a young man consumed with obsessions and compulsions, Liz watched her son regain his life, graduate college, and now work to help others fight this disorder. Liz helps to facilitate a Family Support Group online that brings families and people with OCD together to provide support, suggestions and hope to one another. Liz graduated from CSULB with a bachelor’s in science in Dietetics and Food Administration and completed her dietetic internship in Detroit, Michigan.  Liz spent her career working in hospitals, as a Food Service Director and a Clinical Nutrition Manager.  Since retiring in 2024, Liz has focused her interests on nutrition and mental health.  With the others on this panel, she has presented twice at the IOCDF conference and presents an update annually to the Family and Loved One’s OCD Support Group. 

Website: https://ocdsocal.org/about-us/board-of-directors/

Published

Visit the OCD Southern California Exhibit Table at the IOCDF Annual OCD Conference in Seattle to Receive A Special Discounted Rate for our November Online OCD Conference!

Heading to Seattle for the IOCDF Annual Conference (https://iocdf.org/ocdcon) ? We’d love to meet you!

Stop by the OCD SoCal exhibit table in the exhibit hall to say hello, grab free merch, learn about what we’re working on, and connect with our board and council members.

While you’re there:

• Grab our exclusive Super Early Bird registration code, available only to conference attendees and only during the conference weekend. This will be the lowest registration price we’ll offer, so don’t miss it!

• Spin the wheel to win some fun stuff, including an opportunity to win free a registration! 

See you in Seattle! https://iocdf.org/ocdcon

Published

Join OCD Southern California Board Members at the International OCD Foundation’s Annual Conference Thursday, July 9th to Sunday, July 12th! In Person & Virtual Options!

For more information and to register, visit About #OCDCon – 31st Annual OCD Conference

The annual International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) conference is this week, starting on Thursday, July 9 and concludes Sunday, July 12!

Please note that the annual IOCDF conference the year is a hybrid event.  Some of the presentations will be available virtually during the conference. In addition, registration provides access to the virtual presentations for 90 days.

Virtual attendance registration is still available and will remain open throughout the Conference weekend. You can also still register on-site in Seattle for the conference and join us in person!

For more information and to register, visit About #OCDCon – 31st Annual OCD Conference

The Annual OCD Conference, sponsored by OCD Institute Texas, is a unique, immersive event filled with educational programming for the OCD and related disorders community — including clinicians, individuals with OCD and related disorders, family members and supporters, youth, students, and researchers. Attendees come together to connect, learn, and share experiences with others impacted by OCD and related disorders, as well as with expert clinicians and researchers.

Attend the Annual OCD Conference in Seattle or join virtually—each option offers unique sessions, activities, and opportunities to connect with the OCD and related disorders community.

Who you’ll meet and connect with:

  • Individuals with OCD and related disorders
  • Family members and supporters
  • Youth with OCD & Related Disorders and Siblings/Cousins
  • Clinicians and treatment providers
  • Researchers
  • Students and pre-licensed trainees

Attendees learn, connect, and build relationships through educational sessions and shared experiences.

Education, Support, and a Caring Community

Whether this is your first Annual OCD Conference or you’ve joined us before, the experience is designed to be informative, welcoming, and engaging for all attendees. From evidence-based educational sessions and professional development programming, to peer-led support groups and community-building activities, the conference offers something for everyone affected by or interested in OCD and related disorders.

First-time attendees are welcomed and supported throughout the conference, and no prior conference experience is needed to fully participate and benefit.

Join us in Seattle, Washington! OCDcon will take place at the Hyatt Regency Seattle in the heart of downtown of a dynamic city known for innovation, culture, and natural beauty. From iconic spots like Pike Place Market to scenic waterfront views and walkable neighborhoods, Seattle offers the perfect backdrop for learning, connection, and community, both inside and outside the Conference.

About the International OCD Foundation:

The 31st Annual OCD Conference is organized by the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), a donor-supported nonprofit supporting all those impacted by OCD and related disorders.

The mission of the IOCDF is to ensure that no one affected by OCD and related disorders suffers alone. Our community provides help, healing, and hope. Our vision is that everyone impacted by OCD and related disorders has immediate access to effective treatment and support.

The IOCDF provides up-to-date education and resources, strengthens community engagement, delivers quality professional training, and advances groundbreaking research.

Reminder, join in Seattle or virtually from anywhere in the world

Join the 31st Annual OCD Conference at the Hyatt Regency Seattle or virtually — each experience offers sessions and opportunities to connect for everyone impacted by OCD.

Select sessions in Seattle will be livestreamed for real-time virtual participation. NEW in 2026: Similar to how the Conference has programming only available to those attending in-person in Seattle, this year the program will feature online-only sessions and support groups to enhance the virtual experience for those joining us from across the globe.

Both livestreamed and virtual-only sessions will be recorded and available on demand to both in-person and virtual attendees for 90 days following the conference, offering added flexibility for all participants.

For more information and to register, visit About #OCDCon – 31st Annual OCD Conference

Published

New Article on Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) in the New York Times, Featuring OCD SoCal Vice President, Chris Trondsen, LMFT!

Click here to read the article: New York Times article on BDD

Our Vice President, Chris Trondsen, LMFT, had the opportunity to be interviewed by The New York Times for their Psych 101 column on the topic of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)! BDD is an obsessive-compulsive related disorder where individuals fixate on a specific feature or features of their appearance and become obsessed with that body part(s). Over time, they believe these flaws are making them repulsive and disgusting looking to others, and because of this they isolate, become obsessed with “fixing” their appearance, consider themselves ugly, experience severe depression, and may become suicidal.

Chris Trondsen, LMFT, spoke both about his lived experience with the disorder, as well as contributed to the article as a clinician. One of his clients previously suffering from BDD discussed her recovery journey after receiving a BDD diagnosis from Chris Trondsen, LMFT.

The article also features top BDD researchers and offers an explanation to why people with BDD see themselves differently than others. This article is recommended for anyone suffering from BDD, body image disorders, and other disorders that affects how someone feels about their appearance. The article also offers hope to people suffering from BDD that they can get better.

The article is also great for any clinician interested in treating BDD and related image disorders.

Here is a gifted link that allows readers to enjoy the article at no cost for 30 days via the articles author from the New York Times, Christina Caron: Click here to read the article: New York Times article on BDD. Please share the article with anyone who may benefit from this material!