Abstract

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a potentially debilitating problem but is highly treatable when identified and targeted with specialized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) involving Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) or a combination of CBT and medication. This presentation offers a CBT conceptualization of OCD according to the latest evidence-based models and guides viewers through components of the therapy process. Common therapy traps and pitfalls will be highlighted, with alternative, up-to-date strategies for educating treatment-seekers about OCD, effectively setting up ERP for a variety of OCD subtypes, and preventing relapse.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Identify and describe OCD from a cognitive behavioral framework.
• Explain a cognitive behavioral rationale to treatment-seekers.
• Describe common traps and pitfalls in OCD therapy.
• Apply useful strategies for facilitating Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) with individuals presenting with OCD.

Presented by Ginny Fullerton, Ph.D.

Ginny Fullerton, Ph.D. is a Licensed Psychologist and Director of Capital OCD & Anxiety Practice in Austin, TX, specializing in treatment of OCD and anxiety at outpatient and intensive outpatient levels for children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Fullerton earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Houston in 2007, completed residency at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and provided care at Baylor College of Medicine, The Menninger Clinic OCD Program, and the Houston OCD Program before moving to Austin. She currently serves as President of OCD Texas.

References

Twohig, M.P., Abramowitz, J. S., Smith, B. M., et al. (2018). Adding acceptance and commitment therapy to exposure and response T prevention for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 108, 1-9.
Gillihan, S. J., Williams, M. T., Malcoun, E., Yadin, E., & Foa, E. B. (2012). Common pitfalls in exposure and response prevention (EX/RP) for OCD. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 1(4), 251–257.

Thorsen, A.L., Hagland, P., Radua, J., Mataix-Cols, D., Gvale, G., Hansen, B., van den Heuvel, O.A. (2018). Emotional Processing in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 25 Functional Neuroimaging Studies, 3(6), 563-571.

Davis, M. L., Fletcher, T., McIngvale, E., Cepeda, S. L., Schneider, S. C., La Buissionere Arisa, V., Egberts, J., Woodman, W., Storch, E. A. (2020). Clinicians’ perspectives of interfering behaviors in the treatment of anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders in adults and children. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, 49(1), 81-96.