Overcoming common barriers in treatment of OCD
Abstract
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be challenging to treat effectively. This workshop will focus on overcoming common barriers in its treatment, which include: i) an underspecified case formulation; ii) process issues; and, iii) plateauing/terminating treatment after only modest gains. In the workshop we will discuss a wider range of factors that appear to play a role in the persistence of OCD, such as attachment, self-trust, the OCD "voice", and self-perpetuating factors in compulsions. We will then discuss: case formulation across the range of OCD presentations, identifying the common pillars that support the OCD system as well as factors/considerations unique to each presentation; identifying the "culprits" in the persistence of a client's OCD and what new learning about the obsessions and compulsions would be beneficial, collaborative use of cognitive and behavioural strategies to achieve that learning, and managing process issues common in treating OCD."
About Dr Christine Purdon
Dr Purdon is the Director of Clinical Training at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. She is interested in the persistence of anxiety and associated difficulties including obsessions, worry, rumination, compulsions and doubt. Christine is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and has practiced and taught cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) for over 20 years.