OCD, Trauma and the Therapists Dilemma
Treatment of OCD is an enigma to most therapists, as typical talk therapy not only doesn’t work, but seems to increase compulsive symptoms. Although present in 2.5% of the population, until fairly recently, with the advent of television talk shows and brain research, OCD seemed to be a rare, untreatable mental illness. When a client is diagnosed with OCD and also has a truama history, treatment can be even more confusing. Therapists are often unsure about both the etiology of the OCD and best treatment apporoach. In this workshop, participants will be taught the neurobiology of OCD, learn to accurately assess and treat it in both those with and without trauma histories. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in experiential exercises to understand OCD on a deeper level. A video tape of one of Susan’s clients will be used to guide the presentation and demonstrate first hand the experience of someone going through this treatment protocol. There will also be a summary of appropriate medications and chemical reasons for their use. Participants will be asked to bring in case examples for treatment planning.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand criteria used to diagnose OCD and differentiate between other disorders
- Differentiate between obsessions and compulsions and understand how they work in tandem
- Understand how trauma affects OCD and impact on treatment choices
- Assess OCD and severity through use of the Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS) and Padua Inventory
- Understand brain structures and chemicals related to OCD.
- Learn how to set up a treatment plan, using cognitive restructuring, exposure/ritual prevention and imaginal exposure
- Use of participant’s cases to explore treatment planning and practice treatment strategies.
View our calendar and register for classes by clicking here.
