Posts Tagged with IOCDF

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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.

Published

Help Us Spread Messages of Hope this Holiday Season

Let’s Give Hope to Those Undergoing Treatment for OCD

The holidays can be a hard time for those struggling to manage OCD and related disorders.  Something as simple as a card and a message from the heart during this time of year can make a huge difference.  

That’s why, for the fourth year in a row, the IOCDF is asking for your help to send messages of hope to those undergoing treatment for OCD. It’s easy to participate, and make an impact in someone’s life.

Here’s what you can do to help:

1. Pick out (or create your own!) fun, festive Holiday card. Design and messaging is up to you, but remember that you won’t know who will receive it — so a secular or non-denominational card is recommended.

2. Write your message of hope. You can share words of encouragement, original artwork, or simply wish someone a happy, healthy, and hopeful New Year. Feel free to include your contact information if you wish, but you can also just sign your first name if you prefer.

3. Send your card to the IOCDF’s PO Box. We’ll collect the cards and then send them to individuals currently receiving treatment at one of our Institutional Members’ treatment programs. People of all ages need messages of hope — so cards for children, teens, and adults are all requested. Please mail cards by December 15th!

Send all cards to:

International OCD Foundation, Inc.

c/o OCDvocate Message of Hope
P.O. Box 961029
Boston, MA 02196

Let’s join together to make a fellow sufferers holiday a bit brighter.

Published

Watch Vice President Chris Trondsen’s Recorded Video on the Topic of OCD and Mental Health (Direct Link Provided)!

On Monday, November 19th, our vice president, Chris Trondsen, shared his personal struggle with mental health on The Mighty’s Facebook page, a website and social media platform dedicated to mental health. Chris spoke specifically about his struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), as well as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), anxiety, depression, suicide, and panic attacks.

Chris then went on to speak about his advocacy work, ways to reduce stigma around mental health, and ended with a message of hope for those suffering with OCD and related disorders.

The link below is a direct link to the recorded live-stream. Please watch it and feel free to share it to anyone that would benefit from the video’s message.

https://www.facebook.com/MentalHealthOnTheMighty/videos/314691775803534/

Thank you!

Published

OCD So Cal 2019 Conference Call for Submissions!

OCD Southern California 4th Annual Conference

March 30, 2019

10:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Mariners Church, Irvine, CA

OCD SoCal is now accepting proposals for break out sessions for our fourth annual OCD Southern California Conference. This conference is an opportunity to learn more about obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and its treatment, provide support for individuals with OCD and their families, and gain practical knowledge about a variety of issues that may arise with OCD and related disorders.

Who attends this conference?

This event is particularly designed for individuals affected by OCD and related disorders as well as their families, however, we encourage clinicians, researchers, and students interested in learning more about OCD to attend. Conference attendees often include individuals with a great deal of experience with OCD as well as individuals and family members who may just be learning about the disorder and its treatment.

How many attendees will be at the conference?

Last year we had over 250 attendees! We are aiming for five to six breakout sessions, so presenters should expect around 40 people will attend each breakout session.

Who should submit a proposal?

We are looking for presenters with a breadth of personal and professional experiences with OCD and related disorders. Last year our speakers included OCD therapists, psychiatrists, individuals affected by OCD and related disorders, as well as family members.

What topics are appropriate for break out sessions?

While we do not have specific requirements for the break out sessions, suggestions may include: overview of OCD, OCD and families, kid-friendly activities room, taboo topics, OCD related disorders, recovery from OCD, ACT and mindfulness, medications, and ERP experiential workshop. You are also welcome to propose your own topic that you feel will be of interest to attendees.

What is the format for break out sessions?

Break out sessions will be held in the afternoon following a keynote presentation and lunch. There will be two breakout sessions following lunch, each 50 minutes in length. If selected for a breakout session, you will be asked to repeat your session twice (i.e., during both of the break out time slots). Hence, attendees will have the opportunity to select two out of six breakout sessions.

When is the deadline to submit my proposal?

The deadline to submit a proposal is January 13, 2019.

When will I hear if my proposal was accepted?

Presenters will be notified regarding whether their proposal was accepted by January 31, 2019.

What submission materials are required?

  1. Abstract: Please submit a brief abstract describing your presentation as well as intended audience (maximum 150 words).
  2. Bio: Please submit a brief (2-3 sentences) biography describing your background and experience with OCD and/or OCD-Related disorders.
  3. CV* (professionals only)

How do I submit my proposal?

Proposals should be emailed to info@ocdsocal.org. Subject line: OCD SoCal 2019 Conference Submission.

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We look forward to receiving your submission! Please contact us at info@ocdsocal.orgwith any questions regarding your submission. You can also visit our website (ocdsocal.org) or facebook page (facebook.com/ocdsocal) for more information about our organization.