Posts Tagged with ocdsocal

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Meet our Keynote Speakers Kicking Off Our April 30, 2022 Conference– And Register Here!

Real Stories. Real People. Meet our keynote speakers kicking off our April 30, 2022 conference!

Cost: $35.00 for general admission. Cost is per screen. Scholarship tickets available for free admission. Contact us for a complimentary ticket here: info@ocdsocal.org. To register for the conference: Register via our EventBrite link here. 

Learn more about the 40 breakout sessions (including talk titles, speakers, and descriptions) being offered at OCD SoCal’s April 30th virtual conference from a recent, previous website post here: http://ocdsocal.org/2419/learn-more-about-the-breakout-sessions-being-offered-at-ocd-socals-april-30th-virtual-conference-and-purchase-tickets-here/

As for the keynote speakers: We are thrilled to present a panel consisting of people with OCD and their loved ones, who have been successful in the recovery of OCD, as our keynote speakers: Ethan S. Smith and Rev. Katie O’Dunne, Shannon Shy, Susan Boaz and Meg Dailey, Alexandra Reynolds, and Kendall and Chase Williams. OCD Southern California’s Vice President, Chris Trondsen, will moderate the keynote.

We are pleased to introduce our keynote panel of speakers: 

Alexandra Reynolds is currently a stay-at-home mom to a beautiful son. She graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and turned her passion for mental health and advocacy into a challenging and rewarding career as a Domestic Violence Victim Advocate serving the Latinx and immigrant populations. As a first-generation Puerto Rican, Alexandra has been living with OCD since the age of 6 but was unable to access appropriate diagnosis and treatment until the age of 35. She lives with the additional diagnoses of major depression and complex PTSD. Alexandra is passionate about breaking the stigma around mental illness and using her lived experience to help others. She believes culture and community are important intersections in mental health and is dedicated to advocating from a place of inclusivity, compassion, and learning.

Ethan Smith and Rev. Katie O’Dunne are an adult couple who both have OCD. Katie and Ethan met through OCD advocacy and quickly became best friends. However, their friendship turned to love during the pandemic in their own personal “COVID love story.” They began to connect far beyond their OCD, finding commonality in their passion for life, helping others, and making a difference in the world. Katie and Ethan have supported one another through the highs and lows of OCD (and life), learning healthy ways to authentically support one another without offering accommodation or reassurance. They truly believe that they are the healthiest, happiest versions of themselves when they are together…and that their connection far surpasses their experience with OCD. Ethan and Katie are currently both national and lead advocates for the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF).

Kendall and Chase Williams are mother and son who will share their long journey from treatment resistance to higher education. Chase was diagnosed with OCD and started receiving treatment in his late teens. Chase was able to participate in both intensive treatment and individual therapy, but Chase was very resistant to treatment and spent many years living with severe OCD. At one point, Kendall had no choice but to ask Chase to leave home; it was still many years until he was willing to once again try treatment. After a long struggle with OCD, Chase is moving forward with life. Two years ago Chase joined a choir performing at Carnegie Hall and is currently attending Berkley with a scholarship. 

Shannon Shy is a retired United States Marine who is presently a civilian attorney with the Department of the Navy. A certified peer recovery specialist, he has written three books on overcoming OCD and provided peer support to hundreds of sufferers globally since 2016. Shannon served on the Board of Directors for the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) from 2011 to 2018, when he resigned to go serve in Afghanistan as a civilian advisor. Shannon provided the Keynote address at the IOCDF Conference in 2010 in Washington DC. He and his wife, Debbie, have three children and two grandchildren, and live in Dale City, Virginia.

Susan Boaz is mother to Megan Dailey, a young adult with OCD and PANS. Susan is the Current IOCDF Board President, and the Executive Director of the PANDAS Physician Network. She raises funds for Pediatric OCD, and for research and physician education regarding PANDAS. She works to educate physicians and parents, and to bring together doctors and researchers across the world. Megan is an undergraduate student at the University of North Carolina studying psychology. She has been a part of the IOCDF community since 2009 after she was diagnosed with OCD and PANDAS when she was six years old. Now, she is passionate about telling her story to help other kids suffering the same way she did. After graduation, she hopes to attend graduate school and get her PhD in clinical psychology so that she may continue helping children diagnosed with OCD. 

Chris Trondsen, MS, AMFT, APCC, will moderate the panel. Chris suffered from undiagnosed, severe OCD and BDD from childhood. Following treatment, Chris began advocating for mental health and shared his story on TV, newspapers and podcasts. Chris began speaking at Annual OCD Conferences, including giving the keynote with his mom at the 2011 conference. He also helped start the Young Adult Track at the annual conference.

Each of these speakers is a person impacted by OCD who has had a unique journey of support and recovery. They look forward to sharing their stories with the OCD community.

About this event

Following the keynote speakers, there will be a total of 40 break-out sessions offered during four consecutive time slots. Ten breakout sessions will be offered during each time slot; there will be seven presentations available for CE units during the conference. More information about our presentations, led by some of the top OCD experts in the United States, are posted on our website here: Description of the 40 conference breakout sessions. The conference will end with a Summary Q&A Panel.

Up to 5 continuing education credits (CEs) for mental health professionals are available for LMFT, LPCC, LCSW and psychologists.

To obtain CEs, the cost for the conference entrance is $35 and the cost for the CEs is $50 for a total of $85.

See our EventBrite page for answers to all your FAQs (including information about keynote speakers, CEs, about attendee scholarships, and more) and to REGISTER for the conference here: REGISTER FOR OCD SOCAL’S 6TH ANNUAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE HERE! You may also contact us at info@ocdsocal.org

Published

OCD Southern California’s 5th Annual (Virtual) Conference

OCD Southern California Conference 2021: A Virtual Event

Join us for the 5th annual OCD Southern California conference–a virtual event this year! We are thrilled to present the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF)’s National and Lead Advocates as our keynote speakers. We are pleased to introduce our speakers:

Ethan S. Smith was born with OCD and struggled the majority of his life until receiving life-changing treatment in 2010. Ethan was the keynote speaker at the 2014 Annual OCD Conference in Los Angeles. He serves as an IOCDF National Advocate. He has devoted his life to reducing stigma around OCD and mental health, to education, and to supporting the OCD community.

Elizabeth McIngvale, PhD is the director of the McLean Houston OCD Program. Elizabeth is a National Advocate for the IOCDF and serves as a board member. She was diagnosed with OCD at age 12 and underwent both inpatient and outpatient therapy. Elizabeth engages in clinical work, research, and advocacy with the goal of improving access to care and OCD treatment.

Valerie Andrews received an OCD diagnosis in 2011 and, following treatment, began advocating in hopes of bringing awareness and inclusion within her own community and communities of faith. Her goal is to continue working as an IOCDF Lead Advocate and promoting change for women of age, color, and faith.

Tom Smalley, MS, CSCS was diagnosed with OCD at the age of 16 and shortly after became passionate about spreading awareness about OCD. Tom was the recipient of the 2019 IOCDF Hero Award. He speaks at the Annual OCD Conferences and has appeared on a variety of blogs and podcasts. Tom is particularly passionate about athletes and OCD and the stigma of mental health in sports.

Chris Trondsen, MS, AMFT, APCC, suffered from undiagnosed, severe OCD and BDD from childhood. Following treatment, Chris began advocating for mental health and shared his story on TV, newspapers and podcasts. Chris began speaking at Annual OCD Conferences, including giving the keynote with his mom at the 2011 conference. He also helped start the Young Adult Track at the annual conference.

Each of these advocates is a person with OCD who devotes time to support others with the disorder and to advocate for better mental health services.

Following the keynote speakers, there will be a total of 30 break-out sessions offered during three consecutive time slots.  Ten breakout sessions will be offered during each time slot. More information about our presentations, led by some of the top OCD experts in the United States, is now posted on our website: ocdsocal.org. We are also offering community discussion groups, two documentaries, and a mindfulness/yoga workshop during the lunch break. The conference will end with a Summary Q&A Panel and an opportunity drawing for various prizes.

Up to 5.25 CEs available for LMFT, LPCC, LCSW and psychologists.

Published

A Free Digital Conference Helping You Understand OCD!

OCDeconstruct is a free online conference designed to give those with OCD, and their loved ones, the information needed to understand key concepts related to the disorder so they can get a productive start on treatment.

During the conference, six therapists will present on topics including intrusive thoughts, ERP, family dynamics, medicine and more.

OCDeconstruct happens on Saturday, April 13, at 9am PST (12pm EST / 5pm GMT) and will run about 4 hours.

For more information, visit: OCDeconstruct.com

Or directly sign up for free on zoom via: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/8715500907572/WN_IQncx2-pR4OBze-S0IiIhw

For more information on the film “Unstuck: an OCD Kids Movie,” please visit: https://www.ocdkidsmovie.com/

Take advantage of this amazing opportunity to learn about obsessive-compulsive disorder from six of the leading experts for FREE and from the convenience of your home or office!

Published

OCD Southern California’s 4th Annual Conference: Workshop and Panel Titles and Descriptions!

At the conclusion of lunch, conference attendees will attend two of the following break out sessions (one at 1:45 PM and a second at 3:00 PM):

Creating an OCD Contract: Help Me Help You
Stephanie Davis, Ph.D.
In this didactic presentation we’ll discuss how accommodating behavior (eg. reassurance, ritual participation, routine modification) may be the biggest stumbling block to recovery.  We’ll talk about the alternatives: non-accommodating language and natural behavioral consequences.  We’ll choose a volunteer to do a live example of putting together an OCD contract.  You’ll leave with new ideas about how to challenge OCD as a team.

What’s in Your Toolbox?  A 101 Guide for Successful Treatment of OCD
Ally Sequeira, Ph.D. and Naomi Zwecker, Ph.D.
This presentation will review the key ingredients for successful management of OCD symptoms.  We will not only cover the most crucial element of OCD treatment, exposure and response prevention, but we will also discuss other skills that can be extremely important in the treatment process including cognitive restructuring, mindfulness, self-compassion and values work.  We will then put this new knowledge to the test with a fun game of Jeopardy!

OCD: There’s an APP for That!
Gerald Tarlow, Ph.D., ABPP and Christopher Mulligan, LCSW
There is overwhelming evidence that OCD can be treated effectively.  Recently, many apps and web-based treatments for OCD have become available.  However, very few of these programs have been subject to research to determine the effectiveness of the program.  This presentation will attempt to identify the best apps or web-based programs for OCD.  Information will be provided on how to obtain the apps, the compatibility with different mobile operating systems and the cost.

Speaking of Medications: Patients Discuss Their Experience with Medications for OCD / Deep Brain Stimulation for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Current Evidence and Future Directions
Sean Sassano, M.D. and Darrin J. Lee, MD, PhD In this breakout session, a panel of patients will discuss their experiences with medications for OCD and respond to questions from audience members. Dr. Sassano will facilitate discussion and provide answers to clinical questions. Also during this talk, Dr. Lee will be reviewing the current indications and outcomes of deep brain stimulation for OCD.  He will be discussing the multidisciplinary approach to treating OCD and the procedure in detail, including the risks and benefits of surgery.  The talk will also include a comparison of neuromodulation treatments, including deep brain stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and lesioning procedures.

Managing OCD Roadblocks: Creative and Effective Tools to Tackle ERP 
Cassandra Moore, LMFT, Paul DePompo, Psy.D., ABPP, Kimberley Quinlan, LMFT and Jessica Serber, MA
OCD treatment seems simple (facing your fears and refraining from ritualizing), but it is rarely easy! Treatment effectiveness suffers when people do not climb to the top of their hierarchy. Collaborate with us as we discuss creative ways to work toward the very top of your fears, as we share effective exposure tools tailored to you or your clients. All are welcome.

OCD Spectrum & OC-Related Disorders
Sanjaya Saxena, M.D.
This presentation will provide an overview of the OCD Spectrum concept and describe OC-Related Disorders, including Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Trichotillomania, Skin-Picking, Tourette Syndrome, and Hoarding Disorder.

OCD Success Panel: An Interactive Workshop
Chris Trondsen, MFTT, Stephen Smith, and Matt Codde, LCSW
OCD is a disabling disorder, and often the treatment can be daunting.  The workshop facilitators have both been successful in treatment, and would like to share their successful journeys and motivating strategies to help others succeed.  Participants will have the opportunity to practice five successful strategies the workshop leaders utilized while in treatment.

En Route to Recovery and Health: How to Stay on the Path Through OCD
Kevin Robert Foss, MFT and Martin Hsia, Psy.D.
Join Kevin and Martin, your conductors and tour guides for your trip down recovery lane. Together, we’ll talk about all of the road blocks, detours, backseat drivers, and other obstacles that anxiety and OCD throws at us to derail our progress. Most importantly, attendees will learn the skills to 1) stay motivated to engage in treatment, and 2) educate, advocate, and engage with our support networks to ensure we stay on track to our destination.