As a reminder, the International OCD Foundation’s annual conference (virtual for the first time ever) is fast approaching! The deadline to register is this upcoming Wednesday, July 29th at 9pm PST.
The first event of its kind, this virtual event has programming for everyone in the OCD community: individuals with lived experience, their family members and supporters, and the professionals who treat them. Running from Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2nd, this virtual event will feature 70 talks, 36 discussion groups, and 160 presenters.
DEADLINE: Last day to register is Wednesday, July 29th at 12pm EST.
The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) has been holding multiple live town hall panels, featuring Q&A segments each week. These panels featuring top treatment providers and advocates in the field. The aim is to provide resources and support to the OCD community during a time when many individuals in the community are struggling with the COVID-19 virus– and the isolation and life-style change that has been brought along with the virus.
Recently, the IOCDF provided three town halls for OCD related disorders: Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and two for Hoarding Disorder (part two of the BDD town hall series will occur on Monday, May 11th, 2020 at 10am PST / 1pm EST).
Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a mental illness involving obsessive focus on a perceived flaw in appearance. The flaw may be minor or imagined. However, the person may spend hours a day trying to fix it. The person may try many cosmetic procedures or exercise to excess. People with this disorder may frequently examine their appearance in a mirror, constantly compare their appearance with that of others, and avoid social situations or photos. Watch the live-stream here:
Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. Excessive accumulation of items, regardless of actual value, occurs. Watch the two-part live-stream here:
A discussion about Hoarding Disorder in the time of COVID-19 with With Ethan Smith, Lee Shuer, Becca Belofsky, Randy Frost, PhD, and Robin Zasio, PsyD.
These town halls, along with previous videos, can be found on both the IOCDF’s Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/IOCDF or their Youtube Channel: www.Youtube.com/IOCDF. Their Facebook page also provides a listing of upcoming town halls as well.
The Encino and Santa Clarita Networking Groups of the Los Angeles County Psychological Association (LACPA) will be screening “Unstuck: an OCD Kids Movie.” Additionally, there will be a Q&A panel with clinicians who specialize in the treatment of OCD and related disorders. The event is held on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 @ 6:30-8 pm at the LACPA office in Encino. The address is: 6345 Balboa Blvd, Suite 126.
All mental health professionals are invited. Seating is limited and people can RSVP to Michelle Witkin, Ph.D., at drmichelle1@sbcglobal.net.
More information on “Unstuck: An OCD Kids Movie:”
“Out of the fear and confusion of OCD, six kids offer hope”
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a frequently misunderstood mental health issue. “Unstuck” is an award winning short documentary film that is told through the eyes of the experts themselves – six kids ages 10-18. “Unstuck” addresses OCD in a sensitive and compelling way, without sensationalizing it.
“Out of the fear and confusion of OCD, six kids offer hope”
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a frequently misunderstood mental health issue. “Unstuck” is an award winning short documentary film that is told through the eyes of the experts themselves – six kids ages 10-18. “Unstuck” addresses OCD in a sensitive and compelling way, without sensationalizing it.
In the spirit of increasing awareness, we will screen the film and have a Question and Answer session.
Date And Time
Thursday, January 23, 2020
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM PST
Location
Santa Clarita Valley International School – Shakespeare Theater
